Does the Victron EV Charging Station support PEN protection or does it need an earth rod ???
asked
EV Charging Station PEN Protection or Earth Rod ???
Hi @Betaoil
I posted the question 2 days ago 'Have you installed a Victron EV charging station in the UK' and your comment above was referenced in one of the replies. (No-one has claimed to have had one installed in the UK - strange.) I was trying to clarify PEN fault and RCD position given that Victron themselves seem strangely unwilling to add clarification themselves. Thus I would like to ask you:
1) Can you clarify the source of your PEN fault statement. I think you are correct but there is some doubt or confusion around all that I have found written so far.
2) You reference a RCBO Type B. Since I have been prompted to look into this a lot more closely I cannot find such a thing. My existing RCBO is B curve Type A, which is what comes up when you serach for RCBO Type B, but is not the same thing as a Type B RCD. The difference seems to lie in the size of the smooth residual dc current. If it is less that 6mA then the RCBO B curve type A is fine for EV charging stations, if more than 6mA you need to use an RCD type B. The Victron instal manual points to the RCD type B device, but at an extra £200 it would be nice to know if this was really required on single phase, or if it is just a case of 'belt and braces'. Compared to what I see on installs using other manufacturers Victron does seem to overspec their cable requirements etc. Not a bad thing, but . .
If you are qualified and able to clarify the points above your input would be much appreciated.
Regards,
David
PS I have already jumped and purchased the Victron charge, primarily for integration reasons. Thus I have closed the door on alternative chargers which seem to have better addressed these issues.
Hi David
I am not an electrician but I followed the installation of it.
The main reason for the PEN statement is it doesn’t make any mention of it, I thought that where other brand’s mentioned it Victron doesn’t.
I believe that the earth rod is a minimum requirement at the moment, however you wouldn’t know if there is a voltage difference between the car a true earth, hence installing a Garo GC8EV40PMEB IP65 PME Fault Detection Unit 8 Way.
Your correct it was a error on my part to call it a RCBO it’s a Type B RCD.
There some fantastic technical videos on YT detailing the science/regs behind EV chargers and PEN.
@assyntdavid The type B RCD is required on any phase this is not a skimp out on part and is a life saver. If this is your turning point I would send it back and get a charger with this built in. if you look at the video below the manufacture has said exactly what is required legally they have fulfilled there obligation. i know you want it for integration sake but if your not going to pony the extra £200 on an already expensive device send it back and get one that will just be safe.
check this video out https://youtu.be/bXS-uNxeTXo
@assyntdavid please see video for what you would need similar to @Betaoil device matee device is another add on if it hasn’t got PEN fault its a two in one https://youtu.be/xaa72U-KEUs
I think you guys have sorted me out. I thought I was pretty up on RCDs having enthusiastically fitted them in all my houses since the 70s, but I have been confusing what is commonly called a type B RBCO (B curve type A) and a type B RCD. (The loose terminology seems pretty common on various forums and electrical suppliers.) So yes it is going to cost an extra ~£300 fitting the Matt:e device incorporating the RCD, a full £200 more than I was expecting. Heh hoh. At least there is a solution that can be fitted relatively easily next to the EV feed consumer unit.
Regards,
David
