32A Commando Socket for 7kW charging
Discussion
Started this thread then went on holiday with no internet signal!
I have taken the necessary steps towards getting a dedicated charger installed - 100A main fuse, upgraded tails to consumer unit etc. - I'm effectively good to go for an EV charger install, just trying to save a few quid here.
Sounds like it could be a goer - as said in my opening post, it's for very occasional top ups only, another reason for not wanting a dedicated EV charger put in. I could well use the mobile connector as it is for this purpose, but I don't have an available 3-pin socket in close enough proximity to the driveway. If I run it with an extension lead then it needs to ideally be pegged back to 8A to avoid the cable getting hot (from my experience at least).
One electrician came back to me and said that it would "work out more expensive in the long run" (to fit a 32A commando) and that he would quote me on a Pod Point instead... £1250 Inc VAT. In what world is that cheaper?!
Next question is; would an electrician mind fitting components which I've bought (I've seen a decent price for an interlocking switched socket) or would they rather supply and fit? Is it a bit like when you get a garage to fit parts you've bought?! I don't want to commit any faux pas!
I have taken the necessary steps towards getting a dedicated charger installed - 100A main fuse, upgraded tails to consumer unit etc. - I'm effectively good to go for an EV charger install, just trying to save a few quid here.
Sounds like it could be a goer - as said in my opening post, it's for very occasional top ups only, another reason for not wanting a dedicated EV charger put in. I could well use the mobile connector as it is for this purpose, but I don't have an available 3-pin socket in close enough proximity to the driveway. If I run it with an extension lead then it needs to ideally be pegged back to 8A to avoid the cable getting hot (from my experience at least).
One electrician came back to me and said that it would "work out more expensive in the long run" (to fit a 32A commando) and that he would quote me on a Pod Point instead... £1250 Inc VAT. In what world is that cheaper?!
Next question is; would an electrician mind fitting components which I've bought (I've seen a decent price for an interlocking switched socket) or would they rather supply and fit? Is it a bit like when you get a garage to fit parts you've bought?! I don't want to commit any faux pas!
C.A.R. said:
Started this thread then went on holiday with no internet signal!
I have taken the necessary steps towards getting a dedicated charger installed - 100A main fuse, upgraded tails to consumer unit etc. - I'm effectively good to go for an EV charger install, just trying to save a few quid here.
Sounds like it could be a goer - as said in my opening post, it's for very occasional top ups only, another reason for not wanting a dedicated EV charger put in. I could well use the mobile connector as it is for this purpose, but I don't have an available 3-pin socket in close enough proximity to the driveway. If I run it with an extension lead then it needs to ideally be pegged back to 8A to avoid the cable getting hot (from my experience at least).
One electrician came back to me and said that it would "work out more expensive in the long run" (to fit a 32A commando) and that he would quote me on a Pod Point instead... £1250 Inc VAT. In what world is that cheaper?!
Next question is; would an electrician mind fitting components which I've bought (I've seen a decent price for an interlocking switched socket) or would they rather supply and fit? Is it a bit like when you get a garage to fit parts you've bought?! I don't want to commit any faux pas!
I'd say the electrician wants to make a buck on the materials by installing the pod point. They will always be eager to supply their own stuff as it's extra profit and less of a hassle if the supplies are incompatible!I have taken the necessary steps towards getting a dedicated charger installed - 100A main fuse, upgraded tails to consumer unit etc. - I'm effectively good to go for an EV charger install, just trying to save a few quid here.
Sounds like it could be a goer - as said in my opening post, it's for very occasional top ups only, another reason for not wanting a dedicated EV charger put in. I could well use the mobile connector as it is for this purpose, but I don't have an available 3-pin socket in close enough proximity to the driveway. If I run it with an extension lead then it needs to ideally be pegged back to 8A to avoid the cable getting hot (from my experience at least).
One electrician came back to me and said that it would "work out more expensive in the long run" (to fit a 32A commando) and that he would quote me on a Pod Point instead... £1250 Inc VAT. In what world is that cheaper?!
Next question is; would an electrician mind fitting components which I've bought (I've seen a decent price for an interlocking switched socket) or would they rather supply and fit? Is it a bit like when you get a garage to fit parts you've bought?! I don't want to commit any faux pas!
The cheapest would be:
- buying a suitable extension lead (2.5mm square of copper) in the right length (you'll feel the heft compared to the usual 1.5mm² household leads)
- checking the socket where you're going to plug it in (maybe the connections need to be better seated or tightened, or the wire running to that socket is DIY and only 1.5mm² instead of 2.5mm²).
Then you make sure to never use the extension lead while partially rolled up, always spread it across the floor so it can dissipate heat. Periodically check the heat around the socket connection the first hours of use and every few months after that. A poor connection means extra resistance and can melt or cause a fire.
For those few times where you need more charge than what the granny lead can supply you can use a DC charger along the way or a public 11kW AC charger at your destination.
The requirements for a 32a commando for charging an EV are exactly the same as for a home charge point, the only difference is wiring in a commando socket at the end or a EV point. Some of the EV charge points actually contain some of the protection you’d have to install with a commando which can make them cheaper overall. This includes cabling, DC protection, earthing, full house testing, dno notification, issue of appropriate certificates etc. If there’s more than a hundred or so quid in it then either it’s not being done right, or whoever is doing it is ripping you off.
You can do it cheaper, but it’s unlikely to be legal.
You can do it cheaper, but it’s unlikely to be legal.
Heres Johnny said:
The requirements for a 32a commando for charging an EV are exactly the same as for a home charge point, the only difference is wiring in a commando socket at the end or a EV point. Some of the EV charge points actually contain some of the protection you’d have to install with a commando which can make them cheaper overall. This includes cabling, DC protection, earthing, full house testing, dno notification, issue of appropriate certificates etc. If there’s more than a hundred or so quid in it then either it’s not being done right, or whoever is doing it is ripping you off.
You can do it cheaper, but it’s unlikely to be legal.
Out of interest, do the 7kw charging bricks not have those same protections built in? And if not, do they specify they should only be plugged into a 32a socket that does?You can do it cheaper, but it’s unlikely to be legal.
It's hard to see how a legally installed and tested 32a socket with a legally sold, plug attached 'charger' plugged into it can be illegal - even if not perhaps ideal.
My understanding is that anything with a plug attached is designed to be plugged into any matching socket, on the assumption that socket meets the socket type level of protection by regs including for whichever zone it is installed in.
HelldogBE said:
The cheapest would be:
- buying a suitable extension lead (2.5mm square of copper) in the right length (you'll feel the heft compared to the usual 1.5mm² household leads)
- checking the socket where you're going to plug it in (maybe the connections need to be better seated or tightened, or the wire running to that socket is DIY and only 1.5mm² instead of 2.5mm²).
Except for the fact that 2.5mm flex is only good for 25A.- buying a suitable extension lead (2.5mm square of copper) in the right length (you'll feel the heft compared to the usual 1.5mm² household leads)
- checking the socket where you're going to plug it in (maybe the connections need to be better seated or tightened, or the wire running to that socket is DIY and only 1.5mm² instead of 2.5mm²).
I assume you mean just use a 13A plug/socket... but the OP specifically asked about 7kW charging and 32A suppplies.
Heres Johnny said:
The requirements for a 32a commando for charging an EV are exactly the same as for a home charge point, the only difference is wiring in a commando socket at the end or a EV point. Some of the EV charge points actually contain some of the protection you’d have to install with a commando which can make them cheaper overall. This includes cabling, DC protection, earthing, full house testing, dno notification, issue of appropriate certificates etc. If there’s more than a hundred or so quid in it then either it’s not being done right, or whoever is doing it is ripping you off.
You can do it cheaper, but it’s unlikely to be legal.
Is, in MHO 100% the right answer.You can do it cheaper, but it’s unlikely to be legal.
But I think there will be more cost difference... a switched 32A outlet can be had for a few £10's, and EVSE probably closer to £400.
32A socket and an earth rod has to be significantly cheaper that an EVSE...
Ah, but then I forgot... you have to buy the 'charger' such as an Ohme... they were about £200 from Octopus, but I think the new price is around £400.
So, yes, looks about cost neutral.
TheDeuce said:
Out of interest, do the 7kw charging bricks not have those same protections built in? And if not, do they specify they should only be plugged into a 32a socket that does?
It's hard to see how a legally installed and tested 32a socket with a legally sold, plug attached 'charger' plugged into it can be illegal - even if not perhaps ideal.
My understanding is that anything with a plug attached is designed to be plugged into any matching socket, on the assumption that socket meets the socket type level of protection by regs including for whichever zone it is installed in.
The notes for electricians for the Ohme, do specifically say that the 32A socket needs to be installed as if it was supplying an EVSE.It's hard to see how a legally installed and tested 32a socket with a legally sold, plug attached 'charger' plugged into it can be illegal - even if not perhaps ideal.
My understanding is that anything with a plug attached is designed to be plugged into any matching socket, on the assumption that socket meets the socket type level of protection by regs including for whichever zone it is installed in.
I can't see it breaking the regs if it is a standard socket install. But I don't see that it matters. You don't get arrested (or charged - badoom-tish) for having a non-compilant socket being used. However, it isn't as safe as it could be when you know the intended use.
No ideas for a name said:
TheDeuce said:
Out of interest, do the 7kw charging bricks not have those same protections built in? And if not, do they specify they should only be plugged into a 32a socket that does?
It's hard to see how a legally installed and tested 32a socket with a legally sold, plug attached 'charger' plugged into it can be illegal - even if not perhaps ideal.
My understanding is that anything with a plug attached is designed to be plugged into any matching socket, on the assumption that socket meets the socket type level of protection by regs including for whichever zone it is installed in.
The notes for electricians for the Ohme, do specifically say that the 32A socket needs to be installed as if it was supplying an EVSE.It's hard to see how a legally installed and tested 32a socket with a legally sold, plug attached 'charger' plugged into it can be illegal - even if not perhaps ideal.
My understanding is that anything with a plug attached is designed to be plugged into any matching socket, on the assumption that socket meets the socket type level of protection by regs including for whichever zone it is installed in.
I can't see it breaking the regs if it is a standard socket install. But I don't see that it matters. You don't get arrested (or charged - badoom-tish) for having a non-compilant socket being used. However, it isn't as safe as it could be when you know the intended use.
It's my understanding that the plug fitted defines the standards for the device it is fitted too, and should be considered acceptable to plug into any compatible socket - unless that socket is marked as being none standard in some way. For example a 4 gang extension lead will be marked with a total load across all four sockets and maximum single load on any one socket.
As an example: https://evonestop.co.uk/products/ev-charging-cable...
TheDeuce said:
I'd heard that for ohme. I'm thinking about the 7kw on cable bricks you can buy from screwfix etc.
It's my understanding that the plug fitted defines the standards for the device it is fitted too, and should be considered acceptable to plug into any compatible socket - unless that socket is marked as being none standard in some way. For example a 4 gang extension lead will be marked with a total load across all four sockets and maximum single load on any one socket.
As an example: https://evonestop.co.uk/products/ev-charging-cable...
Firstly, IANAEIt's my understanding that the plug fitted defines the standards for the device it is fitted too, and should be considered acceptable to plug into any compatible socket - unless that socket is marked as being none standard in some way. For example a 4 gang extension lead will be marked with a total load across all four sockets and maximum single load on any one socket.
As an example: https://evonestop.co.uk/products/ev-charging-cable...
But, as far as I can see there is nothing 'illegal' in having a fully compliant 32A outlet on your wall.
You should be able to use that with anything that has a 'fitted' 32A plug (i.e. it is part of the appliance design).
BUT, if you know that what you are plugging in is bringing extra risk, then it makes sense to install it to cover that extra risk.
If I remember rightly, the Ohme guidance was that it should be properly earthed (with a rod) if it was intended to be used outside.
As it happens I asked an electrician for advice on earthing last week... he didn't know so rang his mate who was an 'expert' on the regs. He gave advice that seemed at odds with the apparent rules.
For the cost of doing it properly, it doesn't seem worh trying to get around at least the intent of the rules.
In my case, 2.4m of earth rod and a pit cost about £50. £30 of that was a fancy plastic pit that you could do without.
The earth requirements have changed...
ammendment 1 looks to move away from the earth rod and TT and going towards electronic protection.
https://www.efixx.co.uk/NEWS/BS7671-18th-Edition-a...
https://www.voltimum.co.uk/content/18th-edition-gu...
read up on the 2nd ammendment. yes an earth rod was required but with the PME fault detector its not required, however no fault detector and no earth road would be very foolish.
the way this is going.... on here if your doing a 32A socket then I would be looking to have a type B 30ma RCD protecting it, and no earth but an earth rod connected to the protective earth terminal of the socket and not linked through to the installation earth.
ammendment 1 looks to move away from the earth rod and TT and going towards electronic protection.
https://www.efixx.co.uk/NEWS/BS7671-18th-Edition-a...
https://www.voltimum.co.uk/content/18th-edition-gu...
read up on the 2nd ammendment. yes an earth rod was required but with the PME fault detector its not required, however no fault detector and no earth road would be very foolish.
the way this is going.... on here if your doing a 32A socket then I would be looking to have a type B 30ma RCD protecting it, and no earth but an earth rod connected to the protective earth terminal of the socket and not linked through to the installation earth.
To be clear I'm a big fan of playing safe - I don't see any reason to not get a proper charging socket installed, it's a one off cost and probably helps the saleability of the house in the future too, purely because it's one less unknown expense for anyone looking at buying. All in all it's a solution made to do a specific job and as it has to be installed by a pro, it will (hopefully..) be installed taking into account regs and best practice at the time.
But I can't get on board with calling people foolish for having a fully legally installed, standardised socket, and then plugging into that socket something sold fully legally and with a standardised plug. The entire point of such standardisation is that there shouldn't be question marks over bringing the two together. It makes me think that is there is an inherent risk, the 'foolish' part is that somehow the chargers are being CE marked and sold with a standard 13a 3 pin/32a commando plug.
If there is a risk the plug should be of a special design that will only fit a socket that comes with suitable installation instructions to provide the required protection.
So is this a case of something standardised slipping the net and no one with influence seeing a problem preventing it? Or is it that after hundreds such devices have been passed for sale that those that have influence have concluded the inbuilt safety measures combined with the safety standards of the cars themselves cover all bases?
But I can't get on board with calling people foolish for having a fully legally installed, standardised socket, and then plugging into that socket something sold fully legally and with a standardised plug. The entire point of such standardisation is that there shouldn't be question marks over bringing the two together. It makes me think that is there is an inherent risk, the 'foolish' part is that somehow the chargers are being CE marked and sold with a standard 13a 3 pin/32a commando plug.
If there is a risk the plug should be of a special design that will only fit a socket that comes with suitable installation instructions to provide the required protection.
So is this a case of something standardised slipping the net and no one with influence seeing a problem preventing it? Or is it that after hundreds such devices have been passed for sale that those that have influence have concluded the inbuilt safety measures combined with the safety standards of the cars themselves cover all bases?
As RuggedScotty says above, the standards keep changing.
That isn't a bad thing.. it is just that more is learned and more potential (no pun) problems are discovered.
EV charging is very much an evolving technology.
I do really think that AC charging will be a short lived system. Over the next say 10 years it will switch to DC connections with V2G being the norm.
The particular problem with earthing covers a tiny eventuality.
A broken neutral out in the network, BEFORE your property, in theory could cause your 'earth' and hence the exterior of the vehicle to rise to line voltage. It is very very unlikely. It has to occur whilst the car is on charge, and whiilst you are touching it to be a problem.
The 'unicorn' devices which electronically disconnect the supply on PEN fault seem okay in theory, but one I looked at had a long disconnect time... It was just a contactor in a box with some control/detect circuitry... the contactor had a long drop out time.
But then we would be down to a fault on the network, whilst charging, whilst touching it, within the say .5s that it takes for the disconnect to occur.
I don't see the fact that 'chargers' can be bought with a 32A plug being a hole in the regulations. There are just special conditions for use.
It is only like selling for instance a hair dryer which says don't use in the bathroom. Each part (the device, and the outlet) are compliant on their own - there is just extra advice to make a particular situation safer.
That isn't a bad thing.. it is just that more is learned and more potential (no pun) problems are discovered.
EV charging is very much an evolving technology.
I do really think that AC charging will be a short lived system. Over the next say 10 years it will switch to DC connections with V2G being the norm.
The particular problem with earthing covers a tiny eventuality.
A broken neutral out in the network, BEFORE your property, in theory could cause your 'earth' and hence the exterior of the vehicle to rise to line voltage. It is very very unlikely. It has to occur whilst the car is on charge, and whiilst you are touching it to be a problem.
The 'unicorn' devices which electronically disconnect the supply on PEN fault seem okay in theory, but one I looked at had a long disconnect time... It was just a contactor in a box with some control/detect circuitry... the contactor had a long drop out time.
But then we would be down to a fault on the network, whilst charging, whilst touching it, within the say .5s that it takes for the disconnect to occur.
I don't see the fact that 'chargers' can be bought with a 32A plug being a hole in the regulations. There are just special conditions for use.
It is only like selling for instance a hair dryer which says don't use in the bathroom. Each part (the device, and the outlet) are compliant on their own - there is just extra advice to make a particular situation safer.
Toaster Pilot said:
WPD definitely aren’t doing that everywhere,
I live on a large new build estate in their area that has 80A single phase to each property.
I live on a large new build estate in their area that has 80A single phase to each property.
somouk said:
I asked for 3 phase from the surveyor when we discussed delooping and he categorically said no chance.
In the end they wanted to rip up half the street and mine and my neighbours house to deloop so it never happened anyway.
I was unlooped by Western Power last year. They put in a 3-phase capable supply and head, but only connected a single phase for free. If I’d wanted a 3 phase supply enabling that would have been extra. In the end they wanted to rip up half the street and mine and my neighbours house to deloop so it never happened anyway.
I was told this was the norm as it future proofs the supplies but avoids them needing to worry about extra load now.
No ideas for a name said:
As RuggedScotty says above, the standards keep changing.
That isn't a bad thing.. it is just that more is learned and more potential (no pun) problems are discovered.
EV charging is very much an evolving technology.
I do really think that AC charging will be a short lived system. Over the next say 10 years it will switch to DC connections with V2G being the norm.
The particular problem with earthing covers a tiny eventuality.
A broken neutral out in the network, BEFORE your property, in theory could cause your 'earth' and hence the exterior of the vehicle to rise to line voltage. It is very very unlikely. It has to occur whilst the car is on charge, and whiilst you are touching it to be a problem.
The 'unicorn' devices which electronically disconnect the supply on PEN fault seem okay in theory, but one I looked at had a long disconnect time... It was just a contactor in a box with some control/detect circuitry... the contactor had a long drop out time.
But then we would be down to a fault on the network, whilst charging, whilst touching it, within the say .5s that it takes for the disconnect to occur.
I don't see the fact that 'chargers' can be bought with a 32A plug being a hole in the regulations. There are just special conditions for use.
It is only like selling for instance a hair dryer which says don't use in the bathroom. Each part (the device, and the outlet) are compliant on their own - there is just extra advice to make a particular situation safer.
I'm slightly confused about what faults will prevent an RCCB tripping when a grounded humanoid touches the somehow 'live' car body.That isn't a bad thing.. it is just that more is learned and more potential (no pun) problems are discovered.
EV charging is very much an evolving technology.
I do really think that AC charging will be a short lived system. Over the next say 10 years it will switch to DC connections with V2G being the norm.
The particular problem with earthing covers a tiny eventuality.
A broken neutral out in the network, BEFORE your property, in theory could cause your 'earth' and hence the exterior of the vehicle to rise to line voltage. It is very very unlikely. It has to occur whilst the car is on charge, and whiilst you are touching it to be a problem.
The 'unicorn' devices which electronically disconnect the supply on PEN fault seem okay in theory, but one I looked at had a long disconnect time... It was just a contactor in a box with some control/detect circuitry... the contactor had a long drop out time.
But then we would be down to a fault on the network, whilst charging, whilst touching it, within the say .5s that it takes for the disconnect to occur.
I don't see the fact that 'chargers' can be bought with a 32A plug being a hole in the regulations. There are just special conditions for use.
It is only like selling for instance a hair dryer which says don't use in the bathroom. Each part (the device, and the outlet) are compliant on their own - there is just extra advice to make a particular situation safer.
I really don't think these rules have anything to do with safety.
TheDeuce said:
To be clear I'm a big fan of playing safe - I don't see any reason to not get a proper charging socket installed, it's a one off cost and probably helps the saleability of the house in the future too, purely because it's one less unknown expense for anyone looking at buying. All in all it's a solution made to do a specific job and as it has to be installed by a pro, it will (hopefully..) be installed taking into account regs and best practice at the time.
But I can't get on board with calling people foolish for having a fully legally installed, standardised socket, and then plugging into that socket something sold fully legally and with a standardised plug. The entire point of such standardisation is that there shouldn't be question marks over bringing the two together. It makes me think that is there is an inherent risk, the 'foolish' part is that somehow the chargers are being CE marked and sold with a standard 13a 3 pin/32a commando plug.
If there is a risk the plug should be of a special design that will only fit a socket that comes with suitable installation instructions to provide the required protection.
So is this a case of something standardised slipping the net and no one with influence seeing a problem preventing it? Or is it that after hundreds such devices have been passed for sale that those that have influence have concluded the inbuilt safety measures combined with the safety standards of the cars themselves cover all bases?
Reference this and your previous question, I agree and I was amazed when I found out. Not all sockets are the same. They are with power delivery capabilities but the level of protection differs if the installer knows its going to be used for EV charging.But I can't get on board with calling people foolish for having a fully legally installed, standardised socket, and then plugging into that socket something sold fully legally and with a standardised plug. The entire point of such standardisation is that there shouldn't be question marks over bringing the two together. It makes me think that is there is an inherent risk, the 'foolish' part is that somehow the chargers are being CE marked and sold with a standard 13a 3 pin/32a commando plug.
If there is a risk the plug should be of a special design that will only fit a socket that comes with suitable installation instructions to provide the required protection.
So is this a case of something standardised slipping the net and no one with influence seeing a problem preventing it? Or is it that after hundreds such devices have been passed for sale that those that have influence have concluded the inbuilt safety measures combined with the safety standards of the cars themselves cover all bases?
To me, and I'm not a qualified sparky although I have a degree in electrical engineering, this just leaves doubt. A Comamndo socket outside a house next to a drive is gping to be hard to argue a car was never going to charge there, and a commando socket in the middle of a factory floor or domestic workshop its likely a car wouldn't charge there, but one in a garage where someone also has serious woodworking equipment?
I think the danger to life of getting it wrong are pretty small (wrt the eartghing differences between the 2 commandos), but its the legality of it that can catch you out, and ignorance of the law is no defence. For completeness, I charged off a commando socket for years, Tesla even paid for its installation, and that was to the old regs without DC protection, and I only changed when Tesla game me a wall charger, which in turn doesn't meet the latest regs...
OutInTheShed said:
I'm slightly confused about what faults will prevent an RCCB tripping when a grounded humanoid touches the somehow 'live' car body.
I really don't think these rules have anything to do with safety.
The RCBO/RCD generally doesn't disconect the 'earth'I really don't think these rules have anything to do with safety.
It is this 'earth' that can be floating at line voltage.
In a fault condition (broken neutral), the earth connected to neutral at the cut-out is lifted to line volts by other loads across live and neutral in the property.
Mostly doing 3V logic these days, but I am/was an electronics design engineer.
No ideas for a name said:
OutInTheShed said:
I'm slightly confused about what faults will prevent an RCCB tripping when a grounded humanoid touches the somehow 'live' car body.
I really don't think these rules have anything to do with safety.
The RCBO/RCD generally doesn't disconect the 'earth'I really don't think these rules have anything to do with safety.
It is this 'earth' that can be floating at line voltage.
In a fault condition (broken neutral), the earth connected to neutral at the cut-out is lifted to line volts by other loads across live and neutral in the property.
Mostly doing 3V logic these days, but I am/was an electronics design engineer.
In this case the ground the car has a poor connection to the ground via the tyre (Yes tyres do conduct it's part of there design) So if your touch the car and there is a fault there is a very small chance of getting a shock. The could be a solid whack if you're the best earthing route.
So one scenario wants a detected fault to disconnect the earth, the other scenario is a problem of the 'earths' not being bonded together....
We have a slightly similar issue with boats in marinas plugged into power, where the incoming 'earth' is at a potential relative to the sea water, causing the metal fittings to dissolve.
Solutions include isolating transformers, double insulated equipment and plastic boats. Along with 'galvanic isolators' which allow two earths to be a few volts apart before current flows.
We have a slightly similar issue with boats in marinas plugged into power, where the incoming 'earth' is at a potential relative to the sea water, causing the metal fittings to dissolve.
Solutions include isolating transformers, double insulated equipment and plastic boats. Along with 'galvanic isolators' which allow two earths to be a few volts apart before current flows.
ashenfie said:
This is about bonding not RCD/RCBO. Bonding is used to reduce the risk of electric shocks to anyone who may touch two separate metal parts when there is a fault somewhere in the supply of electrical installation. By connecting bonding conductors between particular parts, it reduces the voltage there might have been.
In this case the ground the car has a poor connection to the ground via the tyre (Yes tyres do conduct it's part of there design) So if your touch the car and there is a fault there is a very small chance of getting a shock. The could be a solid whack if you're the best earthing route.
Not sure if something went wrong with the quoting or at cross purposes..In this case the ground the car has a poor connection to the ground via the tyre (Yes tyres do conduct it's part of there design) So if your touch the car and there is a fault there is a very small chance of getting a shock. The could be a solid whack if you're the best earthing route.
I know. I think we are saying the same thing.
As stated it isn't the disconnect of the supply, it is (the lack of) an earth connection at zero volts. The 'earth' can float up to the supply if it isn't connected to a true earth.
If your EV earth is bonded to something that is 'real' rather than relying on the broken and floating PME.
That is why the local earth rod works.
It only happens in a vanishingly small window of opportunity during very specific faults.
No ideas for a name said:
The particular problem with earthing covers a tiny eventuality.
A broken neutral out in the network, BEFORE your property, in theory could cause your 'earth' and hence the exterior of the vehicle to rise to line voltage. It is very very unlikely. It has to occur whilst the car is on charge, and whiilst you are touching it to be a problem..
Thing is electrical faults dont happen all that often. But when they do, they have the capability to do significant damage. hence the electrical regulations. geared to maintain a safe installation through the eventualities that can and do occur. if it can go wrong it will.A broken neutral out in the network, BEFORE your property, in theory could cause your 'earth' and hence the exterior of the vehicle to rise to line voltage. It is very very unlikely. It has to occur whilst the car is on charge, and whiilst you are touching it to be a problem..
So no Im not one to be so dismissive about electrical faults.
through out history we have strived to make things as safe as possible. Your risk adverse profile may be less than someone else, or you may want to reduce cost as much as possible and take a punt on the issue not happening.
This happens and its why we regulate the use of electricity.
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