Temporary charging point

[grumpyjohn01]

I have been asked to provide a 32A commando socket in a light industrial unit , (indoors) so that an employee can use a dubious charger that they have purchased from Amazon.

https://amzn.eu/d/96Wex8j

I am intending to install a new circuit supplied from a Type A RCBO to a 32A interlocked socket.
I have been informed that this is a temporary measure pending future works when a 'proper' EV point will be installed . ( I probably won't do this as I don't generally get involved in EV chargers.)
Any thoughts anybody? The listing claims various 'protections' including 'grounding protection'.
I can of course just provide a socket for general use and leave it up to them what they might plug in but I've been asked for advice. I'm not over keen as the product looks a bit chineseum but the reviews seem ok.

 

[littlespark]

All you can do is install the socket, like you say, as you might not know what’s being plugged in.

Most Uk sold charge points have the safety features included, but don’t know about Amazon sourced.
Maybe just have a word and say by buying it that way, they accept the risks

 

[westward10]

You could argue any socket outlets you install regardless of type will have something ropey plugged into it. The employer is required by law to ensure electrical equipment is safe and fit for use under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 so I would suggest if you fit a general purpose 32A socket the onus is upon them what is powered from it.

 

[grumpyjohn01]

Thanks as ever fellas, pretty much my thinking, I explained the risks to the customer this afternoon and made sure they understood they took responsibility for any equipment they connect to the socket. They have gone ahead and ordered it, I'll post an update when I get eyes on the device in question.

 

[brianmoooore]

As others have said, you're just installing a 32A socket, which if installed as per your first post, will be fully compliant. You can warn the client about what shouldn't be plugged into it, but your responsibility ends there.

 

[Sam_Hammersmith]

@grumpyjohn01 Where are you on this ? Did you manage to install this Commando socket ? I have the same charger that you mentioned above, but do not have a commando socket which would need to be installed (with its own dedicated unit I think). That 32A charger itself has got a Short Circuit Protection and has RCD.

If you have installed it then would you share more details about the circuit etc ?

 

[grumpyjohn01]

Installed the circuit in singles and conduit to existing trunking as described above and the customer came and fixed the unit to the wall and plugged it in as shown . Paid the bill and I've heard nothing since so presumably nobody died yet or caught fire!!

 

[Sam_Hammersmith]

Installed the circuit in singles and conduit to existing trunking as described above and the customer came and fixed the unit to the wall and plugged it in as shown . Paid the bill and I've heard nothing since so presumably nobody died yet or caught fire!!

Many thanks for the explanation. After discussing this topic in other thread, people are saying that commando sockets are ideal and safe in industrial environment, and not for home. So, unfortunately I have decided rather have a 3-pin 13A plug outside for a Granny EV charger, sadly it will take hours to charge the car but thats the only safe solution now I can think off :-(

 

[grumpyjohn01]

Many thanks for the explanation. After discussing this topic in other thread, people are saying that commando sockets are ideal and safe in industrial environment, and not for home. So, unfortunately I have decided rather have a 3-pin 13A plug outside for a Granny EV charger, sadly it will take hours to charge the car but thats the only safe solution now I can think off :-(

yes some people interpret the regs that anything other than a 13a BS1363 socket is 'not allowed' in a domestic environment, not sure I fully agree. I would decide it on a case by case basis depending on use , I have seen plenty of 'commando' type sockets in domestic garages that were entirely appropriate for what they were being used for and by whom.
Interlocked types are inherently safer.
If I was asked to install a 32A for this charger in a domestic garage I would have to think carefully and in most cases would probably be no!!
I would on the other hand fit one in my own garage and indeed I already have, for use with a welder.

 

[westward10]

yes some people interpret the regs that anything other than a 13a BS1363 socket is 'not allowed' in a domestic environment, not sure I fully agree. I would decide it on a case by case basis depending on use , I have seen plenty of 'commando' type sockets in domestic garages that were entirely appropriate for what they were being used for and by whom.
Interlocked types are inherently safer.
If I was asked to install a 32A for this charger in a domestic garage I would have to think carefully and in most cases would probably be no!!
I would on the other hand fit one in my own garage and indeed I already have, for use with a welder.

The CoP also states "commando" style sockets can be used in non-domestic installations. There is no argument these sockets are not shuttered and would have to be classed as a departure from BS7671 in a dwelling.

 

[grumpyjohn01]

The CoP also states "commando" style sockets can be used in non-domestic installations. There is no argument these sockets are not shuttered and would have to be classed as a departure from BS7671 in a dwelling.

yep not shuttered, but an easily justified departure as interlocking is just as safe / possibly safer

 

[Sam_Hammersmith]

After an extensive research, I have decided to get a Granny Charger (as I cant have Charge point due to public pavement in the middle of car parked and my gate). I will be getting a UK 3 Pin Socket Outdoor - Designed for Long Term EV Charging - Lockable - BS 1363/EV from here -
UK 3 Pin Outdoor Socket| EV Charging | BS 1363/EV | Lockable - https://ev-extras.com/collections/cable/products/copy-of-uk-13-amp-3-pin-socket-outlet-for-long-term-ev-charging-bs-1363-ev

Then, I need to find an Electrician to install it in a dedicated circuit with RCD. That's another challenge, checktrade.com is so rip off for London and I dont know anyone by word of mouth. :-(

 

[littlespark]

Sorry to harp on about commando in domestic….

What about a 16A socket for a caravan for example? You might want to plug in your tourer at home before taking it anywhere.

I’d rather use a permanent fixed socket than a 13A plug to 16A socket adaptor lead…. Which are sold for this purpose.

I dont see any warnings on them to say “not to be used domestically”