This article will be your guide to solidifying fire safety in strata buildings when EV charging stations are in use, delve into strict codes that uphold this level of safety, and what insurance options are available to you.

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, body corporates must stay ahead with smart planning for charging stations. Here’s what you should know:

Power Up Your Infrastructure: Is the building’s electrical system ready for the additional load? Upgrades might be necessary to support the increased demand from EV chargers.
Cost Sharing: How will the costs for installation, maintenance, and electricity be allocated among residents? Establish a fair system for initial fees, ongoing maintenance, and usage-based billing.
Setting the Ground Rules: Who will have access to the charging stations and under what conditions? Develop clear policies for access, reservations, and time limits, and ensure residents are prioritised over guests.
Safety First: How will compliance with local regulations and safety standards be ensured? This may involve inspections, certifications, and adherence to fire safety codes.
Insurance Matters: Does the strata insurance policy cover potential risks associated with EV charging stations, such as electrical fires or vehicle damage? Ensure the policy is updated accordingly.
Green Goals: How does the installation of EV charging stations align with the community’s sustainability objectives? Supporting electric vehicles can significantly reduce the carbon footprint.
Tech-Savvy Planning: Is there an effort to stay current with the latest EV charging technology? Investing in scalable and future-proof systems can offer long-term benefits.

By addressing these factors, the body corporate can effectively manage the integration of EV charging stations, meeting residents’ needs while fostering a greener and more sustainable community.

Electric Vehicles: The Risks for Strata Buildings

Let’s take a quick look at some of the discussions Strata Committees should be having regarding EV charging risks.

It’s important to discuss fire safety implications based on the technology (which is constantly growing) adopted by EVs.
Discuss the widespread implications of using EV charging stations. This is especially the case if all vehicles in a parking space are battery-powered as this can cause a fire risk if strict protocols aren’t taken.
Consider insights from data on fire safety implications of charging and housing EVs. What do you need to focus on for the future?
Pay attention to the evolution of regulatory frameworks to accommodate EV considerations. After all, Codes in your state can always change, so it is critical to stay up to date.
What are you legally liable for if parties (or commercial building owners) deal with losses, such as fire damage to property?

For any points under discussion, please contact your Knightsbridge insurance broker today if you have electric vehicle (EV) charging stations within your Residential/Commercial Strata building.

The National Construction Code: Key Points

According to this Code, strict provisions “enable the monitoring of energy” other than for billing purposes. Facilitating the simple retrofit of renewable energy and electric charging equipment is paramount as this can threaten the safety of others who use it.

What actions can you take to prevent fire hazards when providing electric vehicle (EV) charging? Let’s look at some key safety provisions outlined in Part J9 of The National Construction Code. For further guidance, contact one of our experts at Strata Commercial and Residential Brokers.

Why are these measures so important?

Electric Vehicle (EV) charging cables being stored properly will prevent liabilities such as falls or trips. Clearing areas around these stations, maintaining them correctly, and installing fire-protection methods means nothing is combustible or can put users at risk.

Strata insurance is a legal requirement for body corporate, covering essential aspects such as malicious damage, natural disasters, or fire from an EV charging station. Each state and territory may have different requirements, but consistently, strata insurance must cover building damage, common property contents, public liability, and more. For a comprehensive breakdown of your options, and to understand how to make a claim in such cases, speak to a professional insurance broker such as Knightsbridge.

J9D5 Facilities for solar photovoltaic and battery systems

What are the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions in J9D5 to ensure that the building has the facilities for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure?

The main electrical switchboard of a building must contain at least two empty three-phase circuit breaker slots and four DIN rail spaces labelled to indicate the use of each space for a solar photovoltaic system, and a battery system.
This switchboard must be sized to accommodate the installation of solar voltaic panels producing their maximum electrical output on at least 20% of the building roof area.
At least 20% of the roof area of a building should be left clear for the installation of these panels, except for buildings with installed solar voltaic panels on 20% or more of the roof area, or with an equivalent generation capacity elsewhere on site.
Other exceptions include where 100% of the roof is shaded for more than 70% of daylight hours, a roof area no more than 55 m2, or more than 50% of the area is used as a car park, terrace, roof light, or roof garden.

Without these in place, there is a risk of damage to buildings, property, and livelihoods. When this happens, why should you opt for an experienced insurance broker?

Receive the added benefit of qualified professionals doing the insurance shopping for you, discussing the types of cover work together, and finding policies on your behalf that provide the cover you’re looking for.

An insurance broker will act for you, not the Insurer, so make the right move!

EV in Body Corporate: Discussions to Consider

What are some common steps that need to be considered when implementing electric vehicle charging stations in strata communities?

Electrical wiring capacity. There are various electrical infrastructure options when installing EV capabilities in a corporate body, which can differ depending on the setup of your strata property. Consider the placement based on wiring, dashboards, and metre readers to decide if and where the electric vehicle can be installed or what upgrades are needed.

Infrastructure planning. Structural assessments as necessary, as this can determine the weight and size of the EVs, and how this can impact the suitable placement of new systems. This could be carried out by engineering experts.

How can design professionals ensure fire safety?

Building surveyors, architects, and engineers play an important role when implementing EV charging stations, especially when prioritising fire safety. This involves understanding regulations that predate EV use, limited scientific data, and EV technology that is quickly evolving.

Design professionals will establish building code parameters (often supported by regulators updating guidelines), demonstrate their experience within the EV charging sector through past projects, and put into place durable quality assurance protocols such as internal or external peer reviews.

When you need a strong insurance policy for your strata buildings, it’s not advisable to always go for the cheapest policy. It may not meet all of your needs, and the point of insuring yourself is to protect yourself, so it’s critical to invest in the right cover.

Spending time examining insurance policies with an understanding of the market, Knightsbridge Insurance Brokers are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’ve dealt with a fire incident due to an EV charging station or have had a faulty design, our knowledgeable strata insurance brokers are here to support and manage your strata program with confidence.

Trust Knightsbridge Commercial Insurance Support

An accident or disaster can destroy a Residential/Commercial Strata Building in minutes. With over 70 years of collective insurance experience, Knightsbridge Insurance Group wants to make you feel secure, protected, and cared for when facing unexpected damages. After all, we continue to have a deep understanding of your desire to innovate and be extraordinary, both in business and in life.

Contact Johnnie Macleod today, a respected insurance professional with more than 38 years of experience in insurance broking, underwriting, and underwriting management. Expect competitive pricing, prompt and efficient service, and to be correctly covered. Feel free to read through the Financial Service Guide for insight.

EV Charging Stations: Addressing Fire Safety Through Insurance and Design Considerations