Which RCD to use for EV charging point?

[HappyHippyDad]

I don't fit EV charging points as I am not OLEV registered. However, I am fitting a Tesla EV charger soon for a friend as I owe him a favour.

The Tesla spec asks for a Type B RCD or Type A-EV RCD.

Looking at Regulation 722.531.2.101 this sates the same as above.

The regulation states a Type A RCD AND appropriate equipment that provides disconnection of the supply in the case of DC fault current above 6mA.

Is this 'equipment' located in specific Type A RCD, or in certain EVCP's, or a seperate piece of equipment?

The tesla wall charger spec says it does not measure DC current leaking.

It sounds easier just to go for a type B RCD but it is difficult to locate one, could any EVCP installers send a link?

Thanks

 

[plugsandsparks]

Just order one from wholesalers, Doepke appear to be the most used.
BTW TP ones arnt cheap >£400 ... eek

 

[pc1966]

Just order one from wholesalers, Doepke appear to be the most used.
BTW TP ones arnt cheap >£400 ... eek

Doepke have good technical documents as well.

True it is not cheap, but then having 3-phase domestic supply and buying a Tesla car is not usually done on a tight budget!
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Doepke also do RCBO with 'type B' DC sensitive trip as well.

 

[plugsandsparks]

Charger is cheap enough and very well made, i often fit one at home and one at work.
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Last time i checked tesla chargers are not OLEV approved anyway.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Doepke have good technical documents as well.

True it is not cheap, but then having 3-phase domestic supply and buying a Tesla car is not usually done on a tight budget!
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Doepke also do RCBO with 'type B' DC sensitive trip as well.

Could I ask why you've mentioned 3 phase supply @pc1966 ? My friends supply is single phase. Are the tesla chargers only compatible with 3 phase, I wouldn't have thought so?

 

[richy3333]

The DC RCD is in the charger usually. You'll also need specific test equipment to carry out the full compliment of tests and ensure it all works as it should.

Look on the tube, I think smug Jordan has done a video on fitting a Tesla charger

 

[HappyHippyDad]

@plugsandsparks @pc1966
Any chance of a link to the exact doepke type b rcd? I'm still struggling to locate it on the net

I simply cant find any single phase type B RCD's!!

 

[richy3333]

Could I ask why you've mentioned 3 phase supply @pc1966 ? My friends supply is single phase. Are the tesla chargers only compatible with 3 phase, I wouldn't have thought so?

Nope they can be SP

 

[HappyHippyDad]

The DC RCD is in the charger usually. You'll also need specific test equipment to carry out the full compliment of tests and ensure it all works as it should.

Look on the tube, I think smug Jordan has done a video on fitting a Tesla charger

The tesla spec does say that the tesla charger does not detect DC leakage.

 

[freddo]

The tesla spec does say that the tesla charger does not detect DC leakage.

Interesting, one Tesla charger manual I looked at last year seemed to have all the required RCD protection built into the charger, the fault lights would even display exactly the fault condition that caused it to shut down. I don't get involved with EV chargers as it seems like a pain to meet all the installation requirements.

 

[Risteard]

Doepke also do RCBO with 'type B' DC sensitive trip as well.

Interesting. I've never come across an RCBO with Type B RCD characteristics - only RCCBs. Do you have a link to these devices?

 

[plugsandsparks]

I have fitted 4 Tesla chargers and another 5 on order. They can be configured TP or SP and you can set the current limit via a little ( and i mean little rotary switch).

RCCBs-Type 'B' Alternatives

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I have found this one, but it is chint which I dislike:

Chint 63A DC earth leakage 30mA, Type B 10KA RCD (2 & 4 Pole Variants

Type B RCDs provide protection against DC Residual Fault Currents. Type B RCDs are used where DC residual currents can occur, for example, Electric Vehicle Charging, three phase rectified supplies, micro generation or SSEGs (Small Scale Electricity Generators) such as solar panels and wind...

ecoharmony.co.uk

I have also found this

Type B RCD + 2 MCB Garage / Mini Metal Consumer unit - EV Charge Point Install

63a Type B RCD Metal Garage / Mini Consumer Unit, Fuse Box, with B Type 40amp and 20amp MCB's Fitted. For Single Phase AC installs of EV Charge Points or other installations that require full AC and DC leakage protection. Consumer Unit Specifications: Height: 259mm, Width: 160mm, Depth: 109mm...

shop.evchargersdirect.co.uk

but I am not sure if it is single phase. I never work with 3 phase so do not recognise if the RCD is for 3 phase (as it is rather wide!)

 

[plugsandsparks]

It needs to be 2 pole for SP same size as regular RCCB, you need 40A version and 30mA.

Basically an ordinary AC type rcd can get saturated by DC coming back from the car and thus it will not trip when it should.

 

[Risteard]

I have found this one, but it is chint which I dislike:

Chint 63A DC earth leakage 30mA, Type B 10KA RCD (2 & 4 Pole Variants

Type B RCDs provide protection against DC Residual Fault Currents. Type B RCDs are used where DC residual currents can occur, for example, Electric Vehicle Charging, three phase rectified supplies, micro generation or SSEGs (Small Scale Electricity Generators) such as solar panels and wind...

ecoharmony.co.uk

I have also found this

Type B RCD + 2 MCB Garage / Mini Metal Consumer unit - EV Charge Point Install

63a Type B RCD Metal Garage / Mini Consumer Unit, Fuse Box, with B Type 40amp and 20amp MCB's Fitted. For Single Phase AC installs of EV Charge Points or other installations that require full AC and DC leakage protection. Consumer Unit Specifications: Height: 259mm, Width: 160mm, Depth: 109mm...

shop.evchargersdirect.co.uk

but I am not sure if it is single phase. I never work with 3 phase so do not recognise if the RCD is for 3 phase (as it is rather wide!)

It's single phase. They used to do a three phase version with one phase wired through it but I think they got a single phase two pole version later. Either way it doesn't matter - it is configured for single phase. I haven't been able to beat them on price. (I have a trade account with them so pay less than the quoted prices also.)
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Incidentally I would remove the spare circuit breaker and blank it off. In spite of what it suggests it would be non-compliant to connect anything to the other circuit breaker as the RCD (which must interrupt all live conductors) must be dedicated solely to one EVSE and nothing else.

 

[plugsandsparks]

Gosh that is cheap, German engineering meets Chinese, I think the only Chint product i have bought is a 2P din mounted contactor...... Not sure i am ready to power the economy that had broken ours... lol

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Is it the Tesla branded Charger? What earthing system is in the installation? Type A Double Pole 30mA RCD will be required, Type B are well expensive

 

[Risteard]

Is it the Tesla branded Charger? What earthing system is in the installation? Type A Double Pole 30mA RCD will be required, Type B are well expensive

Without 6mA DC leakage protection it has to be a Type B.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Without 6mA DC leakage protection it has to be a Type B.

Type A RCBO will Give that protection?
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Just read the Manufacturing Instructions. Type A is fine for the Tesla Charger.

 

[pc1966]

Interesting. I've never come across an RCBO with Type B RCD characteristics - only RCCBs. Do you have a link to these devices?

I don't know if they are offered in the UK/ROI but this is what I remember seeing:

Doepke - residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection DRCBO 4 B32/0,03/3N-B SK

Residual current operated circuit-breaker with integral overcurrent protection, three-pole+N, 32 A, 0,03 A, B-characteristic, Type B, short-time delayed (09948107)

www.doepke.de

 

[Risteard]

Type A RCBO will Give that protection?

It won't. Excessive DC leakage could potentially disable a Type A RCD. The RCD wouldn't open if the leakage became excessive though. Therefore a Type B is required where there isn't equipment to prevent this.

 

[pc1966]

Could I ask why you've mentioned 3 phase supply @pc1966 ? My friends supply is single phase. Are the tesla chargers only compatible with 3 phase, I wouldn't have thought so?

I was thinking of thier fast charger, but I see they also do a 'normal' speed one as well.

 

[Risteard]

I don't know if they are offered in the UK/ROI but this is what I remember seeing:

Doepke - residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection DRCBO 4 B32/0,03/3N-B SK

Residual current operated circuit-breaker with integral overcurrent protection, three-pole+N, 32 A, 0,03 A, B-characteristic, Type B, short-time delayed (09948107)

www.doepke.de

Interesting. Haven't personally come across them. I'm sure the price is scary.

 

[pc1966]

Interesting. Haven't personally come across them. I'm sure the price is scary.

I would not expect much change from £500 to be honest.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

This one looks perfect

Type B RCD + 2 MCB Garage / Mini Metal Consumer unit - EV Charge Point Install

63a Type B RCD Metal Garage / Mini Consumer Unit, Fuse Box, with B Type 40amp and 20amp MCB's Fitted. For Single Phase AC installs of EV Charge Points or other installations that require full AC and DC leakage protection. Consumer Unit Specifications: Height: 259mm, Width: 160mm, Depth: 109mm...

shop.evchargersdirect.co.uk

As suggested I shall just blank off the spare way and explain to my friend that it is not to be used.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

I fit loads of chargers. You don't need to be olev approved to install them. Only if you want to offer the £350 grant do you need that. It's just changed, now we can fit any olev approved charger not just ones we have manufacturers approval for.
If the charger has in built 6maDC protection then you need a Type A RCD or RCBO. Can't recall if the tesla unit has this?
Cheapest source of type a rcbos is ironically Rolec. The new RCBOs seem better than the old blue ones which melted!
Not a fan of the tesla wall charger. Find it quite poorly built and flimsy. Also has a huge hole in bottom you need a 32mm gland for as the supplied plugs are often poorly made and undersized. On the positive you can link 4 together to share load easily.
Best options for easy install is the zappi. It only needs a MCB upfront as all the RCD and DC monitoring and earth monitoring is in the charger and needs no earth rod.
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This one looks perfect

Type B RCD + 2 MCB Garage / Mini Metal Consumer unit - EV Charge Point Install

63a Type B RCD Metal Garage / Mini Consumer Unit, Fuse Box, with B Type 40amp and 20amp MCB's Fitted. For Single Phase AC installs of EV Charge Points or other installations that require full AC and DC leakage protection. Consumer Unit Specifications: Height: 259mm, Width: 160mm, Depth: 109mm...

shop.evchargersdirect.co.uk

As suggested I shall just blank off the spare way and explain to my friend that it is not to be used.

Have used these and very good. Perfect for the job.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I fit loads of chargers. You don't need to be olev approved to install them. Only if you want to offer the £350 grant do you need that. It's just changed, now we can fit any olev approved charger not just ones we have manufacturers approval for.
If the charger has in built 6maDC protection then you need a Type A RCD or RCBO. Can't recall if the tesla unit has this?
Cheapest source of type a rcbos is ironically Rolec. The new RCBOs seem better than the old blue ones which melted!
Not a fan of the tesla wall charger. Find it quite poorly built and flimsy. Also has a huge hole in bottom you need a 32mm gland for as the supplied plugs are often poorly made and undersized. On the positive you can link 4 together to share load easily.
Best options for easy install is the zappi. It only needs a MCB upfront as all the RCD and DC monitoring and earth monitoring is in the charger and needs no earth rod.
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Have used these and very good. Perfect for the job.

Thanks for all, it was very useful
With regards the unit I have linked in my last post, the RCD takes up 4 modules and has 415V written on it. It states single phase but looks like 3 phase. is it single phase and if so why all the extra positions for conductors (as if it was 3 phase)?

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

@happyhippydad habe you considered the earthing arrangement

 

[HappyHippyDad]

@happyhippydad habe you considered the earthing arrangement

Yep, its TT, so no PME to worry about luckily.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

Thanks for all, it was very useful
With regards the unit I have linked in my last post, the RCD takes up 4 modules and has 415V written on it. It states single phase but looks like 3 phase. is it single phase and if so why all the extra positions for conductors (as if it was 3 phase)?

Not sure why but some type b RCDs are 3 module. That supplier do good double pole RCDs. Give them a call.

 

[Risteard]

This one looks perfect

Type B RCD + 2 MCB Garage / Mini Metal Consumer unit - EV Charge Point Install

63a Type B RCD Metal Garage / Mini Consumer Unit, Fuse Box, with B Type 40amp and 20amp MCB's Fitted. For Single Phase AC installs of EV Charge Points or other installations that require full AC and DC leakage protection. Consumer Unit Specifications: Height: 259mm, Width: 160mm, Depth: 109mm...

shop.evchargersdirect.co.uk

As suggested I shall just blank off the spare way and explain to my friend that it is not to be used.

Sorry, I just realised you posted two. For clarity it is the EV Chargers Direct ones I've used (and would recommend) - not the Chint ones.

 

[richy3333]

As @Gavin John Hyde says, host get the customer a Zappi. Much better product. Straight forward top install, Has everything inside for protection and is set up for supplying back to the grid as and when that happens

 

[HappyHippyDad]

As @Gavin John Hyde says, host get the customer a Zappi. Much better product. Straight forward top install, Has everything inside for protection and is set up for supplying back to the grid as and when that happens

I agree Richy, however his Tesla car and charger are arriving in a few days and I expect the Tesla charger is part of the deal.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

I agree Richy, however his Tesla car and charger are arriving in a few days and I expect the Tesla charger is part of the deal.

One of my customers was offered a free Tesla charger with his model s as part of some deal with leasing company. he took it and had it fitted via their installers. I then took it down and fitted the Zappi for him, Tesla unit since sold on ebay! he says the 2 dont compare for him as he has solar, and the full myenergi set up to link hot water, ev charging.