A major player in the EVSE market has kindly consented to provide some technical training for the electrical installation tutors at a training centre where I often tutor part-time. I imagine it is not entirely motivated by altruistic considerations but at least it gives an opportunity for the tutors and myself to get some kind of grasp on the various products on offer and where this particular manufacturer sees the direction of travel for EVSE. I am already aware that the company is moving away from products that rely on the installation of earth electrodes in PME situations and are placing considerable focus on load management. Is there any particular question that you would ask them given the opportunity?
I am already aware that the company is moving away from products that rely on the installation of earth electrodes in PME situations
I'd ask what their position is for charging electric camper vans.
Since the law appears to define a camper van as a kind of "caravan" and the ESQCR prohibits the use of PME for caravans, it would seem it wouldn't be lawful to use their "PME switching" products to charge an EV camper van. (Even if the duty to comply is technically on the DNO rather than the consumer, the DNO might feel obliged to discontinue the supply or earthing facility to the consumer, which amounts to the same result.)
Would they recommend reversion to the TT island approach, be lobbying their MPs for a revision to the ESQCR or be supplying stickers with their EVSE saying "Not suitable for charging electric camper vans"?
- Andy,
The ESQCR prohibits the supplier from connecting a PME supply to a caravan. It says nothing about a consumer choosing to plug their motorhome into a 13A socket. For that reason, perhaps it's best to keep ESQCR as it is, to avoid endless insurmountable problems brought on by over-zealous regulations.
I am already aware that the company is moving away from products that rely on the installation of earth electrodes in PME situations
I'd ask what their position is for charging electric camper vans.
Since the law appears to define a camper van as a kind of "caravan" and the ESQCR prohibits the use of PME for caravans, it would seem it wouldn't be lawful to use their "PME switching" products to charge an EV camper van. (Even if the duty to comply is technically on the DNO rather than the consumer, the DNO might feel obliged to discontinue the supply or earthing facility to the consumer, which amounts to the same result.)
Would they recommend reversion to the TT island approach, be lobbying their MPs for a revision to the ESQCR or be supplying stickers with their EVSE saying "Not suitable for charging electric camper vans"?
- Andy,
The ESQCR prohibits the supplier from connecting a PME supply to a caravan. It says nothing about a consumer choosing to plug their motorhome into a 13A socket. For that reason, perhaps it's best to keep ESQCR as it is, to avoid endless insurmountable problems brought on by over-zealous regulations.
