EV Charger

[jackhammerJIM]

Cheers mate. Not that it's breaking the bank, just that it's in a hell of an awkward location. Gas and electric income within a couple of foot as well as 3 drains ?? I think I will just bang another rod in to be on the safe side but just hoping I don't hit anything!

Next time you look at an EV job if rodding is going to be a nightmare order a PEN fault relay and you wont have to use an earth rod .

 

[Tomosmorris94]

Next time you look at an EV job if rodding is going to be a nightmare order a PEN fault relay and you wont have to use an earth rod .

Cheers mate. Where would you get a pen fault relay from, how much are they and how would you install them?

 

[pc1966]

Cheers mate. Where would you get a pen fault relay from, how much are they and how would you install them?

Here are some examples:
https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/cat...]=wh_321347&sort=price_inclusive_vat.sort_asc
You might find it cheaper elsewhere like your local wholesaler, of course...

 

[hasel5]

Another option is fit a unit with a pen device fitted

 

[jackhammerJIM]

Cheers mate. Where would you get a pen fault relay from, how much are they and how would you install them?

Rolec make one i think they are around £110 plus vat . Comes in a 4 way db with 40amp rcbo included .

Also the zappi chargers have them inbuilt as standard and im sure a few other makes also .

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

I have just installed my first EV Charger yesterday. I have installed using a 6mm twin from the non RCD side of the consumer unit on a 32a type b MCB. The length of run is around 5 metres and is contained in 20mm round conduit.

The charger I have fitted is a Rolec with a built in type A 30mA RCBO. I have installed an earth rod below the charger as I was told EV chargers can rely on the earth of a TNC-S system.

Upon testing j had a reading of 347 ohms on my Rod and 24.8ms on my RCD. my question is, would this be sufficient as it is protected by a 30mA RCBO therefore the maximum reading permittable is 1667ohms or am I wrong and does it have to be below 200ohms?? 50volts (touch voltage / 0.03 = 1666.66.

Thanks guys! Go easy, this is my first post!

Tidy install with the conduit etc Not a fan of Rolec units myself as the quality is not there, if getting into the EV game start with some other brands. for £60 more you can get a zappi and the hub if going down olev route from the main suppliers and dont need an earth rod or upfront RCD. so much better in terms of quality and features.

Personally I wouldn.t be happy with a reading that high on an earth rod, If ground conditions permit I would look to get it in a lot deeper (use an sds attachment to drive it in ) or add additional rods. if not possible then the Matt: devices or the Garo alternative would be my go to device.

As mentioned some Renault EVs throw a tantrum on anything over 100 ohms. so bear this in mind.

The EV game is getting quite strict now on risk assessments and pre works surveys, NAPIT will soon be looking to inspect an ev charger install on annual assessments for those involved in the sector, have heard rumours NICEIC will be following suit, if you install chargers then they will ask to see one on the annual assessment either instead of or in addition to other work. as a lot of people are installing them with no regards for the condition of the existing install or risk assessments. OLEV are now asking for additional documents and wont be long before they ask for the pre install site survey to be documented and submitted along with DNO forms etc. I am all for it as I have seen some truly horrific installs, In one case

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I have just installed my first EV Charger yesterday. I have installed using a 6mm twin from the non RCD side of the consumer unit on a 32a type b MCB. The length of run is around 5 metres and is contained in 20mm round conduit.

The charger I have fitted is a Rolec with a built in type A 30mA RCBO. I have installed an earth rod below the charger as I was told EV chargers can rely on the earth of a TNC-S system.

Upon testing j had a reading of 347 ohms on my Rod and 24.8ms on my RCD. my question is, would this be sufficient as it is protected by a 30mA RCBO therefore the maximum reading permittable is 1667ohms or am I wrong and does it have to be below 200ohms?? 50volts (touch voltage / 0.03 = 1666.66.

Thanks guys! Go easy, this is my first post!

Hi Tomos. Can I ask if this is PME? You have said you have installed an earth rod because EV charges can rely on the earth of a TNCS which i dont quite understand. Did you mean 'couldn't rely' on earth of the TNCS?

Also, where have you actually terminated the earth cable you have installed. In the charging unit? If so, wouldn't that be classed as utilising note (ii) of regulation 722.411.4.1 which means you would have to get the Ra much much lower (in reality you would not be able to get it low enough without multiple earth rods as it needs to be around 1ohm).

 

[Doomed]

Look at Pod Point chargers in future - no rods needed

 

[Tomosmorris94]

Tidy install with the conduit etc Not a fan of Rolec units myself as the quality is not there, if getting into the EV game start with some other brands. for £60 more you can get a zappi and the hub if going down olev route from the main suppliers and dont need an earth rod or upfront RCD. so much better in terms of quality and features.

Personally I wouldn.t be happy with a reading that high on an earth rod, If ground conditions permit I would look to get it in a lot deeper (use an sds attachment to drive it in ) or add additional rods. if not possible then the Matt: devices or the Garo alternative would be my go to device.

As mentioned some Renault EVs throw a tantrum on anything over 100 ohms. so bear this in mind.

The EV game is getting quite strict now on risk assessments and pre works surveys, NAPIT will soon be looking to inspect an ev charger install on annual assessments for those involved in the sector, have heard rumours NICEIC will be following suit, if you install chargers then they will ask to see one on the annual assessment either instead of or in addition to other work. as a lot of people are installing them with no regards for the condition of the existing install or risk assessments. OLEV are now asking for additional documents and wont be long before they ask for the pre install site survey to be documented and submitted along with DNO forms etc. I am all for it as I have seen some truly horrific installs, In one case

Thanks mate! I think I will be putting another rod in, with a threaded end so I can attach another rod to drive it down deeper. I will get the reading down to below 200ohms! The car being charged is a BMW i3 ?

I have been made aware of rolec chargers not being the best on the market, but this one was supplied by the customer.

Thank you for your feedback mate. I will let you know how I get on ?

 

[Tomosmorris94]

Hi Tomos. Can I ask if this is PME? You have said you have installed an earth rod because EV charges can rely on the earth of a TNCS which i dont quite understand. Did you mean 'couldn't rely' on earth of the TNCS?

Also, where have you actually terminated the earth cable you have installed. In the charging unit? If so, wouldn't that be classed as utilising note (ii) of regulation 722.411.4.1 which means you would have to get the Ra much much lower (in reality you would not be able to get it low enough without multiple earth rods as it needs to be around 1ohm).

Hi mate. Yes I was meant to put cant rely on the earth of a TNCS system. I have terminated the earth cable from the earth rod to the earthing terminal within the car charger. The earth coming from the installation i have put in a Wago but connected the earth at the house end so the supply cable is protected.