Earthing solutions for EV charge points on lampposts.

[James Kinrosd]

Hi guys,

Does anybody have experience of installing EV charge points on lampposts- I am unsure how often the lampposts' earth can be used especially if TN-C-S and how the 18th edition might indeed rule this out. If the earth cannot be used is it a realistic solution to install just one copper rod for a TT earth?

Cheers for any thoughts.

 

[Strima]

Would a meter or so of galvanised steel buried in the ground negate the need for a rod?

 

[Pete999]

Hi guys,

Does anybody have experience of installing EV charge points on lampposts- I am unsure how often the lampposts' earth can be used especially if TN-C-S and how the 18th edition might indeed rule this out. If the earth cannot be used is it a realistic solution to install just one copper rod for a TT earth?

Cheers for any thoughts.

 

[James Kinrosd]

Presumably not if the lamppost base is encased in concrete...

 

[westward10]

Would a meter or so of galvanised steel buried in the ground negate the need for a rod?

This was proposed by the ILE many years ago and whilst it may provide an electrode there were too many other factors involved for it to be reliable, one being the coating put on the column to prevent corrosion.

 

[Bobster]

Presumably not if the lamppost base is encased in concrete...

Concrete and rebar make up earth nests on projects. It's a pretty good conductor.

Called ufer earthing. Have a read if you wish.

 

[James Kinrosd]

Thanks Rob, thanks Westward. Is there anyone with experience of installing an EV point on a lamppost?

 

[Dave OCD]

In my experience the vast majority of street lighting supplies are TNCS and there's always a 10mm main bond to the column - in fact the brass column earthing bolt is generally the MET. So that could make it an unsuitable siting point for an EV charger, the other issue is the structural capacity of the column for additional weight loads.

 

[Pete999]

In my experience the vast majority of street lighting supplies are TNCS and there's always a 10mm main bond to the column - in fact the brass column earthing bolt is generally the MET. So that could make it an unsuitable siting point for an EV charger, the other issue is the structural capacity of the column for additional weight loads.

Hi Dave, what do you mean by additional weight loads?

 

[James Kinrosd]

EV point is around 5kgs....

 

[Dave OCD]

Well lighting columns are generally designed with a larger base with the door opening then the shaft welded to that Pete and the structural strength is calculated for the length and weight of bracket/lantern & wind etc. So anything fixed to the column above the 'reduction' will place extra stress on the column and welded joint, you can get higher spec columns for different attachments but you need to be careful.

 

[Pete999]

EV point is around 5kgs....

Yes, and?

 

[Pete999]

Well lighting columns are generally designed with a larger base with the door opening then the shaft welded to that Pete and the structural strength is calculated for the length and weight of bracket/lantern & wind etc. So anything fixed to the column above the 'reduction' will place extra stress on the column and welded joint, you can get higher spec columns for different attachments but you need to be careful.

OK thanks Dave

 

[Pete999]

EV point is around 5kgs....

I thanked Dave for a sensible answer not just a statement of the weight of a typical EV charging point, but thanks for the info anyhow.

 

[Dave OCD]

I was involved with street lighting for a long time Pete, you wouldn't believe how complicated it can get - often needlessly IMO.