32A Commando Socket for 7kW charging
Discussion
The cost of home charge point installation is proving prohibitive for me just now. I just got my latest quote - £1,250! Bonkers for what is effectively a plug socket with some basic WiFi connectivity.
There's plenty of sources out there who will point you to the Tesla UMC (mobile / granny charger) which can be used in conjunction with a 32A 'Commando' adapter and will subsequently charge at 7.4kW - the same rate as a dedicated Type 2 EVSE.
However, there's some interpretation of the updated British Standards which dictate that you must also install separate PEN-fault detection and a Type B RCD, which adds around £300 to the installation.
I've reached out to a number of electricians and two have said that they can't do it as it "breaks regs" (regulations). The regulations seem very OTT, especially when this kind of setup was acceptable 18 months ago, but now is not?
What's the real risk here? The house likely won't burn down. The car isn't going to explode. Any hiccup in the supply to the car and the car itself will interrupt the charging.
The socket location is sheltered from the elements, entirely closed in. I would make sure to get an interlocking type of socket, so no power if nothing is plugged in.
I'm tempted to just ring up and tell the installers that it's for a caravan or hot tub, then park the Tesla around the corner during installation! Does anyone have any insight?
There's plenty of sources out there who will point you to the Tesla UMC (mobile / granny charger) which can be used in conjunction with a 32A 'Commando' adapter and will subsequently charge at 7.4kW - the same rate as a dedicated Type 2 EVSE.
However, there's some interpretation of the updated British Standards which dictate that you must also install separate PEN-fault detection and a Type B RCD, which adds around £300 to the installation.
I've reached out to a number of electricians and two have said that they can't do it as it "breaks regs" (regulations). The regulations seem very OTT, especially when this kind of setup was acceptable 18 months ago, but now is not?
What's the real risk here? The house likely won't burn down. The car isn't going to explode. Any hiccup in the supply to the car and the car itself will interrupt the charging.
The socket location is sheltered from the elements, entirely closed in. I would make sure to get an interlocking type of socket, so no power if nothing is plugged in.
I'm tempted to just ring up and tell the installers that it's for a caravan or hot tub, then park the Tesla around the corner during installation! Does anyone have any insight?
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!
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