Dual RCD boards are unlikely to be suitable for EV charging installations even with type A or B RCDs, discuss

I’ll paraphrase Regulation 722.531.3.101, “each charging point shall be protected individually by an RCD”. With that in mind a dual RCD board where both RCDs protect multiple circuits will not be suitable as the requirement is for the charge point to be individually protected. The reason I open this up to discussion is because so many installers seem completely unaware of the wording of 722.531.3.101 as about 50% of the installations I see the charger is protected by an RCD protecting multiple circuits, in particular new builds were the provision for electric vehicle charging has been made during development. I also often give quotations to prospective clients where they’ve already had at least one quotation where the previous installer has said “great you’ve got a spare way in your dual RCD board, so we can use that” and I’m thinking “erm no you can’t”

  • How long will it be before a Hager AFDD is the source of a fire or not done it intented job of Ark Fault Detection.?  AFAIK Taylot Wimpey are still using and specifying Hager CU in their new build domestic dwellings.  Some electricians have already stated that they will no longer fit Hager as it leaves them exposed. 

  • Hi Sergio. Can you explain why you think electricians are left ‘exposed’ when installing Hager’s AFDDs?

  • Have a look at the video by David @ DSES on YouTube.  He put the Hager bluetooth AFDD against several other brands of AFDD and they all trip.  The Hager does not.  If you look at the Hager response to the videos again on YouTube they show a test in which the cable catches fire well flames are visable before it trips.  Now if that cable is in a new build with wood frame work there is a passibility that the fire has started before the Hager AFDD trips or if the Hager AFDD is retro fitted to a typical 19020 UK house.  There are 2 versions of the Hager AFDD one with Bluetooth and one without.  The one with no bluetooth on David's test trips in his test but the one with Bluetooth does not. 

  • I’ll take a look, thanks. Has there been any official response from Hager addressing the concerns about their AFDDs?

  • AFAIK the only response from Hager is the following video

    https://youtu.be/-aVdvoNVDRg?si=xYAUnVXoXGDZRT5T