PodPoint installation blues

[Seb101]

Hi all,

I selected Pod Point to do my 7kW EV charger installation. I've paid upfront, they've done all the paperwork and want to schedule the install, but they are being strangely difficult about how it's done.

They consider a 'standard install' to be when the supply runs directly from the meter box, using no more than 5m of SWA clipped to the wall, directly to the charger unit. My installation meets these requirements, except I don't want black SWA clipped my walls because I've got white rendered walls.

I've asked them to instead run the cable through white PVC conduit, and I offered to supply the conduit knowing they probably operate on very small margins (even though it's less than £5 of materials including clips and fixings).

However the person booking the installation is saying this is not possible and that:
1) They will not supply conduit.
2) The installer will not be able to run the cable through conduit, even if I supply it.
3) They will not run the cable through the conduit even if I presintall the conduit to the wall.

They have suggested instead that I allow the installer to do it with clipped cable, but then get an electrician in to run it through conduit afterwards. WTF?! I have to allow an installer to vandalise my render with cable clips, then pay for someone else to do it the way I want?!

Is there any feasible technical reason they cannot do what I'm asking? Or are they just being typical corporate robots and not able to deviate from their pre-defined script?

If you were an installer... would someone asking for a bit of conduit really be too far out of your comfort zone? I'm pretty sure if you used conduit you could do the whole job with T&E instead of SWA anyway and make your life easier.

Sigh.

 

[Colin Brenton]

Just find another company to do the install, if that's their attitude...

 

[ericmark]

If they devate from their plan then they have to redo any calculations. Not seen this with EV installs but have with house wiring.

To add extra socket an electrian was required, normally wired to standard plan using semi-skilled labour, then skilled man tested.

 

[AndyPRK]

Will swa fit in conduit easily ?!

 

[SUNRAY]

Will swa fit in conduit easily ?!

Depends on the size of the cable and the size of the conduit.
Whether the conduit will be straight is a different matter.

 

[SUNRAY]

Hi all,

I selected Pod Point to do my 7kW EV charger installation. I've paid upfront, they've done all the paperwork and want to schedule the install, but they are being strangely difficult about how it's done.

They consider a 'standard install' to be when the supply runs directly from the meter box, using no more than 5m of SWA clipped to the wall, directly to the charger unit. My installation meets these requirements, except I don't want black SWA clipped my walls because I've got white rendered walls.

I've asked them to instead run the cable through white PVC conduit, and I offered to supply the conduit knowing they probably operate on very small margins (even though it's less than £5 of materials including clips and fixings).

However the person booking the installation is saying this is not possible and that:
1) They will not supply conduit.
2) The installer will not be able to run the cable through conduit, even if I supply it.
3) They will not run the cable through the conduit even if I presintall the conduit to the wall.

They have suggested instead that I allow the installer to do it with clipped cable, but then get an electrician in to run it through conduit afterwards. WTF?! I have to allow an installer to vandalise my render with cable clips, then pay for someone else to do it the way I want?!

Is there any feasible technical reason they cannot do what I'm asking? Or are they just being typical corporate robots and not able to deviate from their pre-defined script?

If you were an installer... would someone asking for a bit of conduit really be too far out of your comfort zone? I'm pretty sure if you used conduit you could do the whole job with T&E instead of SWA anyway and make your life easier.

Sigh.

This is what happens when we go to an agency instead of a proper electrician.

its long video but this one uses plastic trunking

 

[flameport]

Is there any feasible technical reason they cannot do what I'm asking? Or are they just being typical corporate robots and not able to deviate from their pre-defined script?

SWA won't easily fit into conduit. Other types of wiring will.
However the problem here is PodPoint have a standard way of doing things for all of their installations, and that is all they will do.
They just want to take your money, claim the grant and sling in the cheapest tat available in the quickest way they know.

EV charge devices can be connected using various methods. SWA is one of those, many other choices are available. Far better charge equipment is available as well.

 

[RandomGrinch]

If you didn't want to rock the boat, you could afix some open trunking for them to lay the SWA into?
Otherwise, run it in trunking once they have left, or use clip over pipe covers as used for C/H?

 

[ericmark]

Cable covers

are made, just fit after the install.

 

[Seb101]

Thanks for the responses.

We've reached an agreement, of sorts. PodPoint are going to send me the cable in advance, I will install it in the conduit (presumably leaving bare ends just hanging loose, they haven't said otherwise), then their installer will complete the installation on the day. I am dumbfounded as to how this is technically any different to what I proposed, but they seem to be OK with it.

If they do end up sending SWA... I'll have to try and get it through the conduit, if it won't fit I'll use some 10mm T&E and hope the installer is competent enough to realise that's fine.