Installation of home charging point for electric car.

[uksparks]

I'm not sure.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Are you installing a charger or just a socket to feed a charger?
The RCD requirement is a different type to the usual RCD so even if there is already RCD protection you'll probably need to provide additional protection

yes 722.531.2.101

That could be interesting to accomplish if the CU is a dual RCD board. 722.531.2.101 states protected 'individually' by an RCD! You could easily add another RCD to protect just that point (to meet the reg) but then theres no discrimination so it would be pointless.

 

[davesparks]

That could be interesting to accomplish if the CU is a dual RCD board. 722.531.2.101 states protected 'individually' by an RCD! You could easily add another RCD to protect just that point (to meet the reg) but then theres no discrimination so it would be pointless.

That is one of the problems with dual RCD boards.
You cannot add another RCD as you suggest because then it would not be protected individually, the RCD at the cu would still be shared.
You will have to come from a non-RCD way or a seperate CU.

 

[davesparks]

I have always fitted a charger with the correct outlet for a car, I'm not aware of an option that would allow you to connect a car to a 32A commando socket, it doesn't seem right.

all EV cars as far as I am aware have a type 1 or type 2 inlet and you need a suitable lead, and non or them go to a commando socket, I would 100% clarify exactly what it is is being plugged in.

A 13A socket to bs1363 or an interlocked commando socket are permitted for AC supplies for charging.

 

[davesparks]

Just to add, if it was just on a normal commando socket, it would allow you to just pull it out without turning it off which is why you use the correct lead

Which might be why the regulations require an interlocked socket

 

[Big Sausage]

Aren't you also required to notify the DNO when installing a EV car charging point due to the addional loading requirements?

 

[Richard Burns]

If the customer has asked you to install a 32A commando socket then that is what you do really.
If the customer then decides to plug in an electric car to that socket that is up to him, you cannot dictate what the use to which a socket may be put. To meet the charging safety requirements the charger being used should be independently adequately protected.
If the car were charging on a BS1363 socket it could also be a general use socket.
However if you do have a TT system then this does simplify the install even if you do take account of the charging point requirements it is only the type A / B RCD protection that causes hassle, but most car charging units have these fitted anyway.
Does the current guidance still have the domestic "we know what is going to happen" exclusion for TNCS systems?

 

[HappyHippyDad]

If the customer has asked you to install a 32A commando socket then that is what you do really.
If the customer then decides to plug in an electric car to that socket that is up to him, you cannot dictate what the use to which a socket may be put. To meet the charging safety requirements the charger being used should be independently adequately protected.
If the car were charging on a BS1363 socket it could also be a general use socket.
However if you do have a TT system then this does simplify the install even if you do take account of the charging point requirements it is only the type A / B RCD protection that causes hassle, but most car charging units have these fitted anyway.
Does the current guidance still have the domestic "we know what is going to happen" exclusion for TNCS systems?

Do you mean with regards PME and earthing for electric cars Richard?

 

[Richard Burns]

Yes 722.411.4.1 I believe is still current so practicality can take over if the supply is TNCS (PME).
(Now that I have looked it up, I really ought to read the current regs!)

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Me too, just got to buy them first.

 

[Richard Burns]

I unwrapped them specially for my assessment!

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Have to admit I still automatically pick up the BGB, even though the BYB is right next to it! The BGB has all my notes and scribblings in it... but it doesn't have section 722 which I am embarrassed to say I did not realise existed.

Thanks again Lee.

 

[Flanders]

I thought there were company's going around fitting car charging points for free from some government scheme I have seen 2 houses myself who have had them fitted and don't even have a car to charge up, may be worth having a look into it

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Yes 722.411.4.1 I believe is still current so practicality can take over if the supply is TNCS (PME).
(Now that I have looked it up, I really ought to read the current regs!)

The 'wiring matters' aricle (View attachment 2012_44_autumn_wiring_matters_Electric_vehicles_and_PME.pdf) stated that you could not use PME earth for a charging point :

"Without data, the committee was
unable to conclude that the risk of usinga PME earth was low enough to consider
a PME earthing arrangement suitable to
supply charging equipment for outdoor
connecting points."

It does go on to say :

"Subsequent to this decision, and
recognising that there are limited
options available to the installer, as well
as other risks associated with using a TT
system, IET Standards Ltd agreed to
commission a risk analysis to determine
the risk associated with using PME
supplies. The objective is to carry out a
quantitative evaluation of the increased
level of risk associated with using a PME
supply for outdoor connecting points.
IET Standards Ltd has commissioned
the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL)
to carry out this work. The programme
started in July and is due to finish in
September. The findings of the HSL will
be published in a report, which will be
made publicly available."

I'm assuming this research has been incorporated into section 722? Does anyone know where we could find the results from this study?

ps.. sorry for varying size writing!

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I thought there were company's going around fitting car charging points for free from some government scheme I have seen 2 houses myself who have had them fitted and don't even have a car to charge up, may be worth having a look into it

Yes, that would be good Flanders. I'll start ringing around and hopefully, eventually find someone who will do it for free. I'll then contact the client and say 'Merry Christmas, ring this number and dont worry about paying me!"

Only kidding I'll mention it to them, but I expect they have already looked into this as he's a pretty clued up client.