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EV CHARGING EQUIPMENT

John Peckham
I am hearing from my network of contractors, that have actually read the new 722, that they have been asking charging equipment manufactures for documentary proof to comply with Note 5 of 722.411.4.


They are getting knocked back for asking or in one case a Declaration that says the particular device complies with BS 7671. I think that is wrong to declare that as BS 7671 is an installation safety standard and not a product standard. I believe that as a minimum the equipment must comply with the Low Voltage Directive and be CE marked. I also believe that manufacturers have to issue a Declaration of Conformity. 


BS 7671 722 has numerous references to the various standards required such as BS EN 61851 that the equipment must comply with. I am thinking it may be illegal to offer the sale of equipment that does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and is not CE marked?


I am hoping the countries top man of equipment safety standards, Paul Skyrme , sees this post and will come on and give us his expert view?


Has any forum member asked for a Declaration of Conformity from EV charging equipment manufacturers and received one?
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    Simon Barker:

    I'm still wondering why it is that we've been running boats, caravans, burger vans, garden tools and pressure washers from outdoor sockets for years, and all it needs is a single RCD protecting the circuit.




    If on PME, not in accordance with either BS 7671 or ESQCR. The ESQCR prohibits the connection of a caravan or boat to PME, and Mobile/Transportable Units are generally classed as Caravans for this legislation, so Section 717 of BS 7671 has restrictions on connection of those to PME as well!



    But the moment someone wants to charge an EV, it needs some box full of magical pixie dust, or everyone who touches the vehicle when it's on charge will instantly be electrocuted. ?



    Well, see above - why is a car any different to a caravan, as you quite rightly say !



    How can it be so difficult?



    It wouldn't be if the EV mains interface were double insulated, but that's another story. They aren't and won't be until we have wireless charging, if that ever gets off the ground.



    Edit: OK, so I think caravans shouldn't be on TN-C-S.  So just TT the supply.  If the EV charge point is outdoors, is that too hard?



    Neither should Mobile & Transportable Units, and neither should should boats.


    "Just TT the supply" is effective, IF it's done properly and safely ... which includes separation below ground from metalwork (pipes, cables etc.) connected to the PME - for caravans and boats, GN 7 recommends 10 m, based on data from BS 7430.  The other problem, is that BS 7671 requires simultaneously accessible exposed-conductive-parts to be connected to the same earthing system - so if you can't connect to the PME, that can't happen.


    And you see the big problem that's present especially for small curtilage properties, like most homes ...

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    Simon Barker:

    I'm still wondering why it is that we've been running boats, caravans, burger vans, garden tools and pressure washers from outdoor sockets for years, and all it needs is a single RCD protecting the circuit.




    If on PME, not in accordance with either BS 7671 or ESQCR. The ESQCR prohibits the connection of a caravan or boat to PME, and Mobile/Transportable Units are generally classed as Caravans for this legislation, so Section 717 of BS 7671 has restrictions on connection of those to PME as well!



    But the moment someone wants to charge an EV, it needs some box full of magical pixie dust, or everyone who touches the vehicle when it's on charge will instantly be electrocuted. ?



    Well, see above - why is a car any different to a caravan, as you quite rightly say !



    How can it be so difficult?



    It wouldn't be if the EV mains interface were double insulated, but that's another story. They aren't and won't be until we have wireless charging, if that ever gets off the ground.



    Edit: OK, so I think caravans shouldn't be on TN-C-S.  So just TT the supply.  If the EV charge point is outdoors, is that too hard?



    Neither should Mobile & Transportable Units, and neither should should boats.


    "Just TT the supply" is effective, IF it's done properly and safely ... which includes separation below ground from metalwork (pipes, cables etc.) connected to the PME - for caravans and boats, GN 7 recommends 10 m, based on data from BS 7430.  The other problem, is that BS 7671 requires simultaneously accessible exposed-conductive-parts to be connected to the same earthing system - so if you can't connect to the PME, that can't happen.


    And you see the big problem that's present especially for small curtilage properties, like most homes ...

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