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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

    gkenyon: 
     

    Harry Macdonald: 
     

    Thanks Mike.

    So an old metal cased battery charger sitting on the engine block carries just the same risks as an EV simply plugged in without PEN fault protection?

    Even if it were the case, the two clearly do not carry the same risk.

    The difference is that an EV is charged very frequently, whereas a vehicle starter battery is rarely charged from the mains.

    The same as touching a metal outdoor tap connected to a PME system, outdoor lighting, heaters, hot tubs on PME. There is risk associated with it all. 
     

    A 32A portable EV charger with the correct plugs (cee) is surely only a risk IF a pen fault occurs? These fixed installed chargers with built in protection that negate the need for rods don’t protect against voltage potentials between local earth and the supplier earth. 

    The 13A variants do pose a risk due to contacts etc, but dedicated EV outlets with 13A sockets are OK for occasional use surely? There are various manufacturers who make 13A outlets specifically for EV chargers. 

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  • 0

    gkenyon: 
     

    Harry Macdonald: 
     

    Thanks Mike.

    So an old metal cased battery charger sitting on the engine block carries just the same risks as an EV simply plugged in without PEN fault protection?

    Even if it were the case, the two clearly do not carry the same risk.

    The difference is that an EV is charged very frequently, whereas a vehicle starter battery is rarely charged from the mains.

    The same as touching a metal outdoor tap connected to a PME system, outdoor lighting, heaters, hot tubs on PME. There is risk associated with it all. 
     

    A 32A portable EV charger with the correct plugs (cee) is surely only a risk IF a pen fault occurs? These fixed installed chargers with built in protection that negate the need for rods don’t protect against voltage potentials between local earth and the supplier earth. 

    The 13A variants do pose a risk due to contacts etc, but dedicated EV outlets with 13A sockets are OK for occasional use surely? There are various manufacturers who make 13A outlets specifically for EV chargers. 

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