No space on CU for Wall Charger connection

[PeterB7385]

I want a wall charger installed but there is no space on the CU. Attached are photos of the CU, Fuse, etc cupboard and panned out view of the cupboards. I have solar panels so would also want solar integrated into the solution. All cables go up into the roof space (bungalow). Thanks for your help.

 

[littlespark]

The white unit marked “solar iboost” can be moved… it’s just hanging on one screw.

The space left may be big enough for a separate unit for the charge point, connected into the Henley blocks under the caution sign.

Alternatively, make the wooden cupboard bigger… there’s space to the right looking at the last picture

 

[westward10]

When was the PV installed?
They have used a non compatible circuit breaker and it should not be sharing an RCD with other circuits if indeed it is.

 

[PeterB7385]

The white unit marked “solar iboost” can be moved… it’s just hanging on one screw.

The space left may be big enough for a separate unit for the charge point, connected into the Henley blocks under the caution sign.

Alternatively, make the wooden cupboard bigger… there’s space to the right looking at the last picture

Thank you. That looks promising, provided there is a unit narrow enough to fit in that width. The width is a maximum of 10cm. I could build a housing for another unit to the right of the existing cupboard but is there any limit to the lengths of the connections to the Henley blocks?

 

[PeterB7385]

When was the PV installed?
They have used a non compatible circuit breaker and it should not be sharing an RCD with other circuits if indeed it is.

It was installed 6 years ago. I'm pretty sure they did not share the RCD with anything else.

 

[littlespark]

Looking at what Westward has mentioned, the breaker marked for the PV is either on the right hand side rcd… shared with the cooker, sockets etc… or it’s not on an rcd at all, just the mcb.

And, it looks to be a Hager brand, which may not be fitting correctly in a CED board.


Get an electrician involved at this stage, because fitting an ev charger is not a DIY job.

 

[PeterB7385]

Yes, thanks. I always planned to get an EV qualified electrician in but wanted to look at the feasibility first so I could understand what the electrician was going to tell me. So might another option be that the "PV" cables get moved to a new unit and the wall charger gets connected into the space vacated by the "PV" breaker, with the correct breaker of course? Thanks again guys.

 

[FastGenerations]

Here’s a potential solution:

1. Relocate Solar iBoost: Moving the iBoost unit could create space for a small additional consumer unit (CU) connected to the Henley blocks.
2. Install a Separate Unit: Consider adding a new unit to the right of the existing cupboard, ensuring connections are within safe limits.
3. Reconfigure Existing CU: Relocate the "PV" cables to a new unit and use the freed space for the wall charger with the correct breakers.

 

[PeterB7385]

Thanks FG. I am thinking of using Octopus Energy for the work now I know there is at least one feasible solution. Any views anyone?

 

[FastGenerations]

That sounds like a good plan. Octopus Energy is known for their expertise in EV charger installations, so they should be able to assess the situation and provide a reliable solution. Just make sure to discuss the specifics of your setup with them, especially regarding solar integration and the CU modifications. It’s great that you’ve identified feasible options beforehand!