EV charging point - no for protection

At a customers house today, he asked me to add an outside socket. There's a spare way in an IP65 consumer unit outside next to the intake. On inspection, it's supplied off  a Henley block, it's not a sub board, but there's no RCD protection, just a surge protection device. There's a standard bs7671 label about testing the rcd, that's all..

I''m not registered to fit EV points so the customer can't claim any grants like he could of this person: but surely unless I'm missing something,they can't be a spark if they think the SPD is going to provide supplementary electric shock protection. They are a proper registered EV installation  firm, are they right and I'm wrong? Do I report it? To who? What if he fits them all like this? 

  • You may want to refer to regulation 722.531.3.101 on RCDs, which states each charging point incorporating a socket-outlet shall be protected individually by an RCD. I believe this is referring to the charger having a built in RCD.  However, depending on the installation method, additional 30 mA protection for the circuit may be necessary. Regarding the SPD, it is possible that the installer and the client had a discussion and agreed to install it for protection against transient overvoltages, which could cause significant financial loss if they damaged the EV charger. (443.4.1)

  • Does the EV charger have a built-in RCD?  Many of those that do were originally marketed as not requiring external RCD protection, unless the installation method of the supply cable required it.

    It has since been clarified that the RCD protecting the charger must comply with a standard such as IEC 61008, and a lot of the built-in RCDs used do not.  This means that in most cases now an EV charger will need an RCD in the distribution board supplying it, and many of the manufacturers now make this clear. 

    However, if the charger in question was installed a year or two ago and has a built-in RCD, it is likely that at the time the manufacturer advised it to be installed in this way, with only an MCB in the distribution board.  Many other electricians did the same then - myself included.  If this is the case I wouldn't take any action about it.  It isn't dangerous, as the built-in RCD should operate in the event of a fault.

    Obviously, if the EV charger does NOT have built-in RCD protection, or if the cable is buried in the wall or requires RCD protection for another reason, that's a different story!

  • This raises a lot of questions

    There's a spare way in an IP65 consumer unit outside next to the intake

    The CU maybe IP65 but are the modules inside rated to be outside.  Consider the tripping time and current at minus 3 degrees celcius this morning and now do the same at plus 30 degrees celcius on a 30mA.  Verso explain this very well on a YouTube video.  Basically RCD can deviate by 20 to 40% at either of the tripping curve.  Think 40% on C32

    What make and model is the EVSE?

    Whats the earthing arrangement?

    Is there an install cert for the EVSE, minor works or periodic inspection?

    Did they consider PEN fault protection at the design stage?

  • No disrespect Sergio, but I turned up to fit a outside socket, not inspect an EV charger, I know nothing about its make, model or the circuit design. I didn't think there are different  BS  numbers or standards for breakers in unheated spaces or outside though, what more can you do?. I know that temperature affects operating times but the current drawn, the length of time it's been drawing power and the adjoining equipment will also effect the temperature by possibly  large, and probably, incalculable amounts. 

    It would seem that as the supplying circuit is surface mounted there is no requirement for an RCD for the circuit; personally I'd always fit an Rcd/RCBO to any any outdoor circuit; what if some Muppet ( or thief) drives off with the thing plugged in, an RCD on the EV units no use if it's lying on the floor and the supply circuit cables are exposed. Think about mechanical damage, someone driving into the charger for instance. But it seems it's not required so internal RCD protection on  the charger itself is enough. 

    Thanks for your responses guys, it's interesting.

  • Shouldn't any socket outlet installed outdoors be on an RCD, however the cables to it are run?

  • Yes, but the circuit does not necessarily need an RCD, just the socket outlet or in this case, the EV point. There's been that many changes that I thought the circuit had to be protected virtue of it being outside, but as it's surfaces mounted, its not required, just at the point so an RCD socket outket would be ok an ordinary one not. Like I said, I'd never install an outside circuit without an

    RCD at it's source, bit it's NOT required by BS7671, or part "P". 

  • what if some Muppet ( or thief) drives off with the thing plugged in

    They can't - on EVs he drive systems are interlocked with the charging system (as the plugs/sockets are similar interlocked) - so until the system says so it can be neither unplugged or driven off while plugged in.

    (Unlike a camper van on a caravan site I saw once...)

       - Andy.

  • Or a hire cruiser leaving a dock on Lower Lough Erne! The Dutch are inveterate seafarers but not this couple! Full steam out of the jetty, ripped the plug from the socket before the stern rope, which they also forgot to untie, blocked their forward momentum and returned them full force into the side of a private vessel! 

  • ouch. Lets hope the ADS operated. And the fenders, and perhaps the insurance  as well.

    Mike.