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Portable charging leads
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 9:33 pm
by sharpener
A few questions about widely available 7kW portable charging leads e.g. this one
https://evonestop.co.uk/collections/typ ... tre-mode-2;
- Do they incorporate the same 6mA DC/30mA AC earth leakage protection as fixed chargers? The web sites are a bit coy about this.
- If not, do you have to fit them externally?
- Are they notifiable to the DNO?
- Is there any restriction on fitting a 32A industrial socket to a suitably rated circuit on domestic premises?
Re: Portable charging leads
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 9:43 pm
by Mr Gus
Although many years ago now, the firm were good to deal with when we bought from them for the leaf (without nissan lead) ..just a few weeks after getting them the previous owner saw "their old car" parked up at the snowdome in mk & left the cable semi hidden under the car (nice of them) ..but we continue to use the ev one manufactured unit without problem (tougher than tesla's)
Call em & ask directly 01205 725 867
Re: Portable charging leads
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 10:00 pm
by Caesium
I bought this one a while back:
https://vorsprungofficial.com/products/ ... able-7-4kw
Says on the page:
The internal Type A RCD will protect you from electric shock.
So looks like this one at least does have RCD in it. Not actually used it yet though, not got round to fitting a 32A socket for it.
Re: Portable charging leads
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 10:30 pm
by sharpener
This might be the answer
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adaptor-13A-32 ... B08GQ7YMPZ - provided you have the self-discipline to set the current limit before plugging the car in!
Edit:
Looking again at the Vorsprung web page I was surprised to read "compatible with any UK 3-pin socket". Also there is a picture (photoshopped?) of their blue commando plug inserted in a yellow socket on a site transformer. It will not physically fit and will not work off a 110V supply!
Re: Portable charging leads
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 10:36 pm
by AGT
Got to watch about fitting things like 32 amp sockets on houses, earthing arrangements, outside equipotential, exporting earths zone blah blah.
I wouldn’t notify the DNO, just get it fitted.
I bought a proper charger for about the same money from Amazon.
Been in 2 years no drama, added an inline din rail electricity meter so I know exactly what the car consumes.
Re: Portable charging leads
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 11:06 am
by Tinbum
I just bought one of these. (3 phase version).
Cables are a bit short but looks OK and has good reviews. Only arrived yesterday, was quick delivery though, but haven't tried it.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004378080132.html
Re: Portable charging leads
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 11:37 am
by sharpener
Mr Gus wrote: ↑Wed Jan 18, 2023 9:43 pm
Although many years ago now, the firm were good to deal with when we bought from them for the leaf (without nissan lead) ..just a few weeks after getting them the previous owner saw "their old car" parked up at the snowdome in mk & left the cable semi hidden under the car (nice of them) ..but we continue to use the ev one manufactured unit without problem (tougher than tesla's)
Call em & ask directly 01205 725 867
EV Onestop sent the following reply
As this is only a cable and it isn't getting installed to the mains board this doesn't require any earth leakage, it does have a built in rcd protection for the electrical side of things.
OTOH about their version
https://thirdrockenergy.co.uk/collectio ... kw-5-metre Third Rock Energy said the following which is a bit more comprehensive (and it's £37 less)
The charger has 30mA AC + 6mA DC. I understand that you will also need to ensure that the mains has PME protection as well
So what external device(s) would I need to add to this? And why?
Re: Portable charging leads
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 12:01 pm
by ducabi
You can have a 32A socket installed but if it's meant for EV charging then it requires to follow extra points from building regs. Also, instead of installing earth rod you can install something like matt:e box to protect it.
I've got socket installed and am using it with ohme charger. It doesn't have separate earthing yet so atm I'm not leaving it charging overnight but just for a short period of time and switch off before leaving/going to bed.The sparky is a bit of cowboy so I have not much trust in what he did and am yet waiting for my sparky to find time to check it.
My view was that with such charger you can quite easily move it to a different place and also you can plug in other toys if needed (eg welding machine).
Re: Portable charging leads
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 12:04 pm
by Moxi
Welding set
you read my mind there and saved the question - this day just keeps on getting better and better!
I'm really starting to feel like a dog with two tails !
Moxi
Re: Portable charging leads
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 1:35 pm
by Stinsy
ducabi wrote: ↑Thu Jan 19, 2023 12:01 pm
You can have a 32A socket installed but if it's meant for EV charging then it requires to follow extra points from building regs. Also, instead of installing earth rod you can install something like matt:e box to protect it.
I've got socket installed and am using it with ohme charger. It doesn't have separate earthing yet so atm I'm not leaving it charging overnight but just for a short period of time and switch off before leaving/going to bed.The sparky is a bit of cowboy so I have not much trust in what he did and am yet waiting for my sparky to find time to check it.
My view was that with such charger you can quite easily move it to a different place and also you can plug in other toys if needed (eg welding machine).
Any socket used for EV charging needs to have type-A RCD protection and PEN-fault mitigation.
If your house is TT then the PEN-fault is already mitigated. Otherwise the simplest solution is an earth rod just for the socket.