EV Charger Install and looped power supply query

[cooa99]

Hi all,

I am thinking of getting an EV Charger installed at home. My very limited understanding is that I have a looped power supply and some sort of remedial work needs to be done first before Octopus energy (or any other installer) can install the charger. Attached is a pic of my meter box

Please who I need to call first to sort things out and any idea what I should be telling them to put in or they just know?

Thanks

 

[Why Not Indeed]

I would start with approaching an EVSE installer. They will have come across this before and will know what to do [basically - because you need to use the services of an EVSE installer anyway, you won't be doing it yourself].

 

[bernardgreen]

I would start with approaching an EVSE installer. They will have come across this before

Also contact the DNO who "own" the supply cables

DNO = Distric Network Operator which is NOT the company who send the electricity bill,

 

[ericmark]

As @Why Not Indeed has said, solar panels and EV charging points need documentation you can't raise, so not a DIY job, you could ask the DNO as @bernardgreen says, but normally the installer will do that.

 

[flameport]

and some sort of remedial work needs to be done first before Octopus energy (or any other installer) can install the charger.

Not necessarily.

May be possible to install and operate at a reduced power until the supply is remediated.
Depends on what other loads are connected, what rating the supply really is.

 

[cooa99]

Thanks guys, Can I contact the DNO first to do the required changes first before contacting octopus or EVSE installer.

Reasons for wanting the changes 1st is because :
1) Still trying to find 'the' decent bmw i3 with the right price and extra features but at the same time looking at ICE market
2) I only manage about 20 miles weekly so would rather start off using a granny charger with intention of committing to an install once I feel EV is not a fad for me

 

[cooa99]

I just called up UKPN.

They told me that I might not need any changes, and that the installer will be the one to decide. is this true

 

[ericmark]

so would rather start off using a granny charger with intention of committing to an install once I feel EV is not a fad for me

The problem with the granny charger is most do not detect loss of PEN, there are other items we use outside without any loss of PEN detection, but they don't tend to be for so long, and cross fingers I have never lost the PEN in my own house, in fact only come across it once, but it seems it is increasing.

If charged in a garage, not a problem, it is only if charged outside.

 

[flameport]

They told me that I might not need any changes, and that the installer will be the one to decide. is this true

Yes - as they are the one who will assess the existing installation and electrical loads.

I only manage about 20 miles weekly so would rather start off using a granny charger with intention of committing to an install once I feel EV is not a fad for me

If you are driving such tiny distances, why do you want a 7kW EVSE at all?
20 miles is a couple of hours a week on a plug in charger.
Or you could stop at a DC rapid charger for 10 minutes once a month and not bother with home charging at all.

 

[Why Not Indeed]

I wouldn't bother with an EVSE given your circumstances. You will probably be fine with a granny charger, just keep a close eye on it [at the socket end] for the first few hours of charging.

 

[cooa99]

Yes - as they are the one who will assess the existing installation and electrical loads.


If you are driving such tiny distances, why do you want a 7kW EVSE at all?
20 miles is a couple of hours a week on a plug in charger.
Or you could stop at a DC rapid charger for 10 minutes once a month and not bother with home charging at all.

my mistake, it will be about 50miles weekly which is still low. This is the reason i did not want to commit to a charger till I’s sure I really need it.

 

[EFLImpudence]

It hardly seems necessary to commit to an EV even. That can't be an economically sound decision.

 

[cooa99]

The problem with the granny charger is most do not detect loss of PEN, there are other items we use outside without any loss of PEN detection, but they don't tend to be for so long, and cross fingers I have never lost the PEN in my own house, in fact only come across it once, but it seems it is increasing.

If charged in a garage, not a problem, it is only if charged outside.

I am trying to digest that link. I don’t have an external socket at home so would throw an
extension lead from window on the landing unto the driveway. Would that be an issue with the lead?. A pain but no other choice

 

[cooa99]

It hardly seems necessary to commit to an EV even. That can't be an economically sound decision.

Perfectly sound for me economically.

I just scraped a perfectly loved and working X5 due to ulez. Replacement would be another X5 but I cant justify the hefty prices they command nowadays given the mileage I do. The i3 has depreciated significantly and has a high sitting position compared to any other small car.

An EV is still significantly cheaper to run around town compared to any other mid sized suv. I am comparing this to my wife’s 3008 which just about manages 30mpg which is also about what i was getting on my Diesel X5

 

[flameport]

I don’t have an external socket at home so would throw an
extension lead from window on the landing unto the driveway. Would that be an issue with the lead?.

Just get an external socket installed. A fraction of the price of an EVSE, and far better than extension leads slung out of windows.

'granny lead' chargers should not be used with extension leads either, as it negates the overheat protection in the plug.
Plus many extension leads are not rated for continuous use and will melt if used in that way.