EV CHARGER installation UK - can you connect to an existing CONSUMER UNIT?

We look at some of the electrical design considerations when installing an EV charger with an existing electrical installation.

We review the choice of RCD, availability of matching MCBs and the option to add a surge protection device.

We also look at the meter tails and how they've been split to add a new consumer unit.

== 🕐 Time Stamps - Cut to the action 🕕 ==

00:00 Connecting an EV charger to an existing consumer unit
00:54 What's the problem with type AC RCD's
01:30 No need for RCD protection as the cable is clipped direct
01:56 Can you get an existing MCB?
02:40 New consumer unit best option for this installation.
03:00 A great opportunity to add a surge protection device
04:20 Where's the labels Gaz?
05:00 Short conductors for surge protection device
05:30 Splitting meter tails for the new consumer unit.
08:00 Current transformer for demand management

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#efixx #evcharging #bs7671

[peterryan]

Speaking as a non electrician, but as a retired plumber, I found this very interesting, from the point that We now know how it should be done, and it is a little more complicated to do than I thought, especially that surge control. thanks a lot for this one.

[WhiskeyGulf]

Seems like it would have been easier & cheaper to have upgraded the existing domestic consumer unit to the current standard that requires it to be housed in a metallic casing, that way the property’s up to current code, no issue with matching breakers & a nice simple installation with much safer RCBOs.

[mikekirwin]

The tails inside the meter cupboard needed identifying, ie L or N or Brown or Blue, great video. Looking forward to more videos on this very hot topic.

[lesmoor]

i feel humbled by his level of knowledge

[cuebj]

Further to longer comment about difficulty in finding good electricians, I've found you can put 3 electricians in room and watch a pretty heated row involving 4 different ways of doing something, each swearing the regs say different things and slagging off each other's choice of fitting.

[doctorelectric]

good video lads, just shows there are lots to consider when fitting an EV charger

[oliverduff]

For those Hager boards - the MT-series MCBs (and the new ADA series compact RCBOs) will - per Hager's technical department - fit in the older plastic CUs as well as the newer Design 10 and Design 30 metal CUs.

[NickW]

On the subject of EV charger installation, I'd asked my DNO (Western Power) to check my service fuse rating as I'm looking at getting an EV. I've just come off the phone to the local office - they were very helpful and explained that the maximum they would fit is 80A. But, and as a policy that is only a couple of weeks old, if that is not adequate for an EV charger and the other house loads, they would upgrade the supply to 3 phase for free (3 X 80A). To say I was surprised is an understatement - I asked if this means they will dig up the road and was told yes. I said it sounds very German and she said that is what they are moving to, with a phase for the EV charger, a phase for the heat pump and one for the house. On new build they now provide a 3 phase incomer, blanking off 2 phases if only a single phase supply is required.
Has anyone else heard this, or seen it in practice?

[pythongrun]

Great video. Sadly cancelled my EV Charge Point install today after contractor tried to rip me off.

[mikeselectricstuff]

Isn't the main reason for using a seperate CU that the installer doesn't have to take responsibility for the condition of the existing CU?
For a 32A chargepoint, wouldn't it be better to use a 40A breaker to avoid any nuisance trips - a 32A breaker at full load for hours on end doesn't seem like a great idea for long-term reliability.

[SurreyAlan]

Really interesting, from the horror photos my electrician shows me I suspect in most properties a rewire would be needed before even thinking about installing a charging point.

[effervescence]

Brilliant video as always though Hager, known for backwards compatibility of boards/devices possibly not the best choice for demonstration purposes.

[safeswitchelectricalltd]

Great video as always, quick question on the SPD. I appreciate that model is advertised as 'universal', but is that enough? Do you need to confirm with the CU manufacturer, in this case Crabtree, that they are happy for it to be installed in their board? So far I have not found a CU manufacturer who has written in their instruction that a universal SPD can be used. They all state that only their own can be used. I'd love to find one that allows this!

[jwillisbarrie]

Thanks for adding captions for the Deaf. Makes your video much clearer and better to understand, gave video a like and subscribed.

[gregpidgeon]

nice to see the circuits labelled in that new board...

[christastic]

Something to note is some manufacturers now suggest a 40 amp MCB for surge device. Definitely would seal the meter cabinet holes, but it looks very neat . Can I ask if the RCD protection was built into the charger and last time I did an EV point it was made TT . As always a great useful vlog

[jamiebourne]

Interesting, although the meter end looked ropey to me, straggly tails unsupported or colour identified ..

[nickbuckle]

I would have been inclined to use an adaptable box below original board and split the tails with line taps to feed other board and use a spd incorporated main switch in the meter box.
Hager breakers do fit old consumer units so perhaps new board not required if SPD placed before original consumer unit.

[paulbb]

Thanks for this video, very helpful 👍 I’m a qualified electrician did my exams back in 2000 /2002 but things have certainly changed since then!

[dvrn]

Great video lads. Really helps with keeping the knowledge in the trade up to current standards 👌