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13A EV chargers

vantech

Hi, 

I started another post regarding portable EV chargers and it raises the question of 13A portable EV chargers and earthing arrangements. 

These devices are readily available on Amazon and from EV dealerships. The user can plug-in and charge at around 2.3kW from a 13A socket. 

These do not take into account the earthing arrangements, nor do they appear to have PEN fault detection in them (unless this isn’t publicised). 

Are they exempt from the regulations because they are “temporary“ and covered by a product standard? 

Appreciate there is guidance on EV charging and outlets destine for this use, however this doesn’t take into account the vast majority of users of these plug them in anywhere they like, for instance when they go on holiday. 

Thoughts? 

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  • 0

    And, like an electric lawnmower, it will have no idea what the earthing arrangement is, and won't particularly care.

     

    But, and it is quite a big but, the lawnmower will  be double insulated and might as well have a 2 pin plug.   The same is true of any garden appliance made in the last 30 years or so.

    In contrast,  the car connects a large amount of metal to the circuit CPC. that is accessible to someone standing on the ground under/beside the vehicle. Note that  CPC may well not  be at quite  the same voltage as the terra firma in normal use, and may be quite a long way off in certain fault conditions.

    The risk is very low, but not zero. (which is why chargers screwed to the wall are usually TT earthed.)  BS7671 does not care of course, it's scope  stops at the socket. and neither do the product standards, but the situation falls neatly down the gaps between them.

    Mike.

     

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  • 0

    And, like an electric lawnmower, it will have no idea what the earthing arrangement is, and won't particularly care.

     

    But, and it is quite a big but, the lawnmower will  be double insulated and might as well have a 2 pin plug.   The same is true of any garden appliance made in the last 30 years or so.

    In contrast,  the car connects a large amount of metal to the circuit CPC. that is accessible to someone standing on the ground under/beside the vehicle. Note that  CPC may well not  be at quite  the same voltage as the terra firma in normal use, and may be quite a long way off in certain fault conditions.

    The risk is very low, but not zero. (which is why chargers screwed to the wall are usually TT earthed.)  BS7671 does not care of course, it's scope  stops at the socket. and neither do the product standards, but the situation falls neatly down the gaps between them.

    Mike.

     

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