Can You Charge an Electric Vehicle with a Commando Socket?

Save the expense of installing a dedicated electric vehicle charge point just use an industrial-style socket outlet. These sockets are often called commando sockets, caravan sockets or IEC60309 sockets. This might seem like a cheaper way of getting a higher-powered EV charger. In this video, we explore the UK wiring regulations BS7671 to find out if an electrician can install this type of socket outlet in a residential setting.

For more advice, snags and solutions on EV charging - check out this playlist

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#evcharger #electriccar #efixx

[noskills]

Clear as mud again. I suggest you all use your own engineering judgement as any good electrician should.

[davepusey]

For me, the question isn't "can you?" but "why wouldn't you?". The industrial-grade BS60309 sockets are much more rugged (and IP rated) making them much more suitable for the harsher conditions inside/outside a normal garage.

[paulf]

This is exactly what i did, good quality interlocked IP67 rated socket on a separate circuit. Very cheap solution comparing to a "wired" EV charger install. In addition to that if you want to swap a charger later to something else it is easily done by changing the socket.

[MrBinabanana]

I own an Ohme EVSE which was supplied to me, as a domestic customer, factory fitted with a 32A commando plug. If it's not permittable to have the corresponding socked installed, it would make it something of an ornament! My electrician was happy to fit an interlocked socket fed by an appropriate RCD and PEN fault equipment.

[mikepringuer]

Cordless kettle bases....non shuttered. On the basis that these are allowed, surely interlocked commando is a lot safer and therefore allowed????

[timhoward]

I think most of the video could equally apply to the question "I have a caravan, can I install a 16A socket to keep the leisure battery charged to save using an adapter". Personally I think an interlocked socket is acceptable to install and I'd do it.
But I think this would be limited to properties where you don't need to set a grid limit to keep the DNO happy and and don't have PME earthing (unless you bang a rod in). Both these problems are solved by using a modern EVCP.

[Dog-whisperer]

As usual from the IET another bucket full of confusion, and misleading guidance. Nicely explained Joe.
Great video Joe as always 👍👍👍❤️

[marcusoutdoors]

I noted that there are two options for commando chargers adapters for the Tesla small charger, a 16 amp and a 32 amp. I’m hoping to throttle my charger to 16 amps which is a useful step up from the 10 amps off a wall plug, but won’t put any strain on the separate 30 amp breaker box in my garage. Obviously my electrician will advise, but this video is a useful reference, thank you.

[puntoboy_gaming]

The fact that companies like Ohme sell domestic charging cables for use with 32A commando sockets would suggest that they deem this an acceptable installation.

The bigger question is, when does a socket become a dedicated EV charging socket? What if I have a caravan or other load and have a socket for that? What stops me using the same socket for charging my car occasionally?

[MyProjectBoxChannel]

If it can handle the current, and it's electrically safe, I would definitely use it for my own personal use. I really hate it when there's a proprietary new socket outlet, when something off the shelf would do the job just fine. For the general public I would recommend sticking with purpose made EV charge outlets.

[robba]

Regulation by committee, that's what some of the electrical regulations, have become, The more info I read the more contradictions I find. I agree that the interlocking within the socket prevents access to the voltage at the socket outlet and when the unit is "dedicated" to the EV charger I see no reason not to use it. (no practical or safety reason) Doubly so when the unit is correctly protected by the correct chosen protection.

[maygarland]

as EV chargers are evolving, with the software inside them becoming more "valuable" than the kit itself, i think setting them up as "easy change" makes perfect sense

[WSMITHify]

Porsche sell a charger that comes with a 13amp plug and a 32amp commando plug, they are interchangeable

[TheChipmunk]

Absolutely I'd fit it subject to earthing arrangements being acceptable and other conditions for ev charging being met such as the correct type of RCD etc.

[dazmatic]

I've recently had fitted a 32A commando socket to do just this, I have a TT earthing arrangement so I'm not worried about it being used outside. In fact, the socket is indoors and is interlocked. I've also fitted a smart meter installed in a small DIN box so I can remotely control, monitor and schedule the charger. Plus the cost of the charger, it's about £250 in total using existing garage wiring. The charger is current limited so not to overload the garage circuit and I'm currently trenching out the garden to install a dedicated SWA cable for higher currents.

[overlander]

Those sockets are widely used in domestic hot tub installations where 32A is required so you are saying it’s not compliant.

[pjmorgan]

I think this makes a lot of sense but it really puts the focus on the EVSE providing all the necessary protection. Whether that be the 'inline' type you get with the vehicle that are often supplied with these connectors or the fixed installation type.

[johnhoward]

One of those great technical and grey areas open for debate, nicely delved into by Joe, with suitable theatrical confusion thrown in for good measure 🤪. I would say no to using them in domestics because they're not shuttered even though the interlock leans toward the spirit of the purpose of shuttering. Also, if you've the money to buy an EV, you should have the money for a suitable charger, let alone the £ to charge the thing with the skyrocketing energy prices! Nice one Joe😄

PS what does Graham Kenyon, lead author of the EVC CoP, say about this?

[noggin]

So, if you have already fitted an interlocked 16amp Commando socket installed to provide 16amp power (EHU) for your Motorhome when parked on your drive, you search and purchase an "upto 16amp" variable current outlet charger cable with a 16amp Commando plug on one end and a Type 2 on the other to charge your newly purchased EV to give a faster chsrge than a domestic plug top at 20% of the cost of an EV outlet, only downside is it isn't "Smart" 🤷‍♂️👍

[stunimbus]

Does it then follow that citizens in the UK are forbidden from owning portable electrical appliances that consume more than 13amps at home? Or how about 3 phase appliances? While rare, some houses do have 3 phase supplies, and there 3 phase appliances that plug in (I myself own a legacy 3 phase welder that plugs in).
And can I not have a blue commando socket in my shed so that I can use my power tools with my Honda generator when out and about, and plug them in at home without having to use some sort of extension lead to convert from a domestic 3 pin to the blue commando socket?