Outdoor rated consumer unit for PV and car charger connections
Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2022 7:08 pm
With only 1 spare circuit on my existing internal consumer unit, I am thinking about adding a 2nd consumer unit outside, right next to the external meter box, which is the best location wise for connecting 2 PV system inverters (along with their metering requirements) and an EV charge-point.
The 18th edition regs dictate a new consumer unit needs to be constructed of a non-combustible material which is usually steel. These however are not outdoor rated at IP65 or better, and I can only find IP65 units made of ABS. The Famatel UK Acqua range appears to be suitable, with built-in neutral and earth rails, and meeting EN 62208 (Empty enclosures for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - General requirements).
My thinking was to have Henley blocks to split the 25mm2 meter tails inside the existing meter box, with one branch to the existing CU, and a new branch to a new external CU.
Then work out how many ways are required to meet the 18th edition, with surge protection (SPD) taking 2, a 100A switch taking another 2, 4 MCBs for EV, solar1, solar 2 and metering supply, along with 4 metering devices (each using 1 DIN way). So at least 12 ways required.
Could the new CU be close coupled to the bottom edge of the existing meter cabinet (660 mm above the outside ground level), with top entry in with LNE and metering cables, and bottom entry for the 3 power cables for EV, solar 1 and solar 2?
Any thoughts or guidance would be much appreciated.
I would only be supplying a suitable enclosure (to ensure availability on the day), and get the electrical installer to provide all the switch-gear, testing and certification.
The 18th edition regs dictate a new consumer unit needs to be constructed of a non-combustible material which is usually steel. These however are not outdoor rated at IP65 or better, and I can only find IP65 units made of ABS. The Famatel UK Acqua range appears to be suitable, with built-in neutral and earth rails, and meeting EN 62208 (Empty enclosures for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - General requirements).
My thinking was to have Henley blocks to split the 25mm2 meter tails inside the existing meter box, with one branch to the existing CU, and a new branch to a new external CU.
Then work out how many ways are required to meet the 18th edition, with surge protection (SPD) taking 2, a 100A switch taking another 2, 4 MCBs for EV, solar1, solar 2 and metering supply, along with 4 metering devices (each using 1 DIN way). So at least 12 ways required.
Could the new CU be close coupled to the bottom edge of the existing meter cabinet (660 mm above the outside ground level), with top entry in with LNE and metering cables, and bottom entry for the 3 power cables for EV, solar 1 and solar 2?
Any thoughts or guidance would be much appreciated.
I would only be supplying a suitable enclosure (to ensure availability on the day), and get the electrical installer to provide all the switch-gear, testing and certification.