FAQ's

Are these devices approved for use in my area?

Our devices have been inspected and are approved for use by Intertek and have the recognized symbol you can see below. This indicates our devices have been tested to UL safety standards and have passed. Intertek is one of the largest international NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) and is accredited as a Testing Organization and Certification Body by the Standards Council in North America. It is also recognized as an approved label by electrical inspections in both Canada and the US.

See more information by clicking here Approved for Use Labeling

Would I need to upgrade my electrical panel or service if I install a Black Box EVEMS device?

Installing our EV Energy Management devices will allow an electrician to exclude the Electric Vehicle charging portion of the residential electrical load calculation found in your US and Canadian codebook. If you do not add additional calculated electrical load then there is no need to upgrade an electrical service or panel.

Our devices work on any existing electrical service from 60 to 200 Amp, including the most common 100A service size. They also support up to 11.5 kWh or 48 Amp charge rates on a 60 Amp breaker. As our energy managers are approved for general use up to a 50 Amp continuous or 40 FLA load they can be used for a variety of other devices other than EV chargers.

Do Black Box devices require any additional breakers?

There is no need to add additional breakers with this product. You will only need the breaker that will operate the end device, i.e. EV charger

Do Black Box devices comply with electrical code?

Installing our EV Energy Management devices will allow an electrician to exclude the Electric Vehicle charging portion of the residential electrical load calculation found in your US and Canadian electrical codebook with some of the references below. For more information please click on this link: Technical Information

NEC - National Electrical Code 2023

NEC 220.70 Energy Management Systems (EMSs) "If an energy management system (EMS) is used to limit the current to a feeder or service in accordance with 750.30, a single value equal to the maximum ampere setpoint of the EMS shall be permitted to be used in load calculations for the feeder or service."

CSA – Canadian Electrical Code 2021

CEC 8-106 (11) For the purposes of Rules 8-200 1) a) vi), 8-202 3) d), 8-204 1) d), 8-206 1) d), 8-208 1) d), and 8-210 c), where an electric vehicle energy management system as described in Subrule 10 monitors the consumer’s service and feeders and controls the electric vehicle supply equipment loads in accordance with Rule 8-500, the demand load for the electric vehicle supply equipment shall not be required to be considered in the determination of the calculated load.”

Are these devices approved for use and bear the symbol of CSA, UL, or Intertek?

Each of our devices are inspected and approved by Intertek and bears the recognizable symbol you can see below. Intertek is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) an equivalent to UL or CSA approval. This symbol is recognized by electrical inspection authorities in the US and Canada.

How can I purchase a Black Box EVEMS device?

Please visit our Distribution Network page to locate an authorized distributor near you.

You may also purchase our products directly from our website: Catalog

What is Black Box Innovations device warranty?

Black Box Innovations has a 1-year industry standard warranty on our devices. If you have any questions about our warranty please contact us at customerservice@blackboxelectrical.com or call us toll-free at 1-833-325-5269.

What if my EVEMS device starts making a buzzing sound?

There is some very slight, almost imperceptible, humming that comes from any device that uses an electronic transformer or coil and this is considered normal. A louder buzzing sound that is coming from the Black Box EVEMS240 while still operating normally is a rare occurrence. If it happens the most common source is from the internal contactor and this can happen with any type of switching contactor. When it occurs, it is usually because a very small piece of debris has entered the contactor core and is holding this magnetic iron core apart slightly when closed. This can cause the core to vibrate and result in a buzzing sound. If this is the case then the device will still continue to operate normally and it is solved with a simple procedure to remove this particle and then the contactor will operate quietly again.

For contactor disassembly and maintenance instructions and video please see the Downloads & Support page of our website.

Additional information and troubleshooting can be found in your installation manual also found in the Downloads & Support section of our website.

Can Black Box EVEMS be used to manage other loads besides EV chargers?

Our devices are approved for general use as clearly indicated on the labeling for easy reference by inspections. Our EVEMS devices are rated for loads up to 50A resistive and 40 FLA and where the end device can tolerate the power being shut off when necessary.

There is additional information provided in this document: EVEMS Manufacturer Approved For General Use Specifications & Attestation

What is your refund policy?

We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unused, with boxes and documents included, and in its original packaging. You will also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To start a return, you can contact us at customerservice@blackboxelectrical.com. If your return is accepted, we will send you instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
You may always contact us for any return questions at customerservice@blackboxelectrical.com.

How does Black Box compare with other brands?

Some of the main advantages of our EVEMS devices are:

It allows up to 48A charging on a 100A service. It is the most cost-effective solution for energy management applications.
The compact size (8"x 6"x 4") allows for easy installation near an electrical panel.
Our NEMA 1 device's have knockouts all around the enclosure to allow for multiple installation configurations.
The intelligent computer algorithm allows for extended "on" times.
Customers have access to a proprietary verification testing tool allowing for system maintenance and troubleshooting when needed.

Will this product fit near my electrical panel?

Our devices offer a compact size of 8” x 6” x 4” * and can be installed in a variety of configurations to work around even very small spaces.

Do I need to disconnect the main electrical lines to install the current monitoring devices?

No, you do not, our current monitoring devices split apart and then clip onto the main lines without disconnection. For further information please see our Installation Video on the Downloads & Support section of our website.