Is a shutter needed on a Residential Type 2 Mode 3 EV charger?

Hello, 

I'm currently helping to bring an EV charging product to the UK market, it is already sold throughout Europe with no issue, but one line in the EN61851 is currently causing me a headache.

8. Protection against electric shock "NOTE 4 In following countries socket-outlets are equipped with shutters where they are mandatory in residential and public locations: FR, UK"

In my reading this Note refers to a standard Socket outlet (3 pin Socket Outlet, such as you would find in UK homes) which are all fitted with shutters on the Live and Neutral as per BS1363. This would be relevant in the situation where our charger was plugged directly into a 3 pin Socket, as per a Mode 1, or had a standard 3 pin socket on the unit, however this is not the case for us as we will either be wired directly into the electrical systems within the property, or using an interlocked “commando / BS EN 60309-2” socket.

The British standard BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 Regulation 553.1.201 states: “Every socket-outlet for household and similar use shall be of the shuttered type and, for an AC installation, shall preferably be of a type complying with BS 1363.” Socket-outlets in excess of 13A, such as industrial types to BS EN 60309-2, are available in current ratings of 16, 32, 63 and 125A, but are not intended for household or similar use. Generally, these socket-outlets do not incorporate an integral shutter system.

Section 722 (Electric Vehicle Charging Installations) from the most current BS 7671:2018+A2:2022

There are 6 methods of connection that are acceptable for an AC charging point, we are using option 5, “one type 2 socket-outlet or vehicle connector complying with BS EN 62196-2 for use with mode 3 charging”

Further down we see 722.551.7.2 “The socket-outlet or vehicle connector shall comply with BS EN 62196 series.”

 

From all these points above and looking at the current products available on the market, I believe that the use of the standard BS EN62196 connector without a shutter is acceptable. However as shutters are available on the EN62196 range and given that the EV charger will typically be located in a domestic situation, all be it with a current above 13A (32A max single phase) is there a requirement for a shutter?

Parents
  • Others will know better than me. But i can't see any way around the requirement for shutters. However its intention is to not allow access to live parts, by tiny fingers and metal prods, and it is my understanding that the parts aren't live until the plug is inserted and communication has occurred via a data lead. 

    so it could be installed as long as a departure from bs7671 is noted on the certificate stating there is no lesser degree of safety than it would have been if compliant. But not sure you would want to go down that route, as it puts the onus on the installer.

    Just my thoughts.

  • I think this is actually part of the reason that shutters are not implemented widely on Mode 3 chargers. 

    The charger requires a "handshake" with the car before the flow of electricity can begin. So in normal circumstances there is no voltage present at the socket until a suitable cable has been connected at both ends. The cable is then mechanically locked into place while charging takes place and is only allowed to release once charging has stopped and the socket is no longer live. 

Reply
  • I think this is actually part of the reason that shutters are not implemented widely on Mode 3 chargers. 

    The charger requires a "handshake" with the car before the flow of electricity can begin. So in normal circumstances there is no voltage present at the socket until a suitable cable has been connected at both ends. The cable is then mechanically locked into place while charging takes place and is only allowed to release once charging has stopped and the socket is no longer live. 

Children
No Data