EV CHARGING PROTECTION
LIVE ELECTRICAL TECHNICAL PRODUCT MANAGER UMER FAROOQ OUTLINES HOW TO GET THE SELECTION RIGHT WHEN CHOOSING PROTECTION SOLUTIONS FOR SINGLE- OR THREE-PHASE CHARGING… EV charging protection
The move towards net zero continues to drive the transition to electric vehicles, increasing demand for reliable charging infrastructure across homes, workplaces and commercial premises. For electrical contractors and installers, this means not only installing the charger, but ensuring the electrical protection behind it is correctly selected for the equipment and installation. EV charging installations should be designed in accordance with the current edition of BS 7671, particularly Section 722, together with the charger manufacturer’s instructions and the characteristics of the electrical supply. Live Electrical offers dedicated protection solutions for both single- phase and three-phase EV charging, using bidirectional RCBOs with switched neutral and Type 2 surge protective devices across a range of enclosure sizes. Options include IP4X metal enclosures for indoor applications, together with IP65 metal and IP65 insulated plastic versions where increased environmental protection is required. For typical single-phase residential installations, solutions range from compact dedicated units through to 4-, 5- and 8-way enclosures, giving installers additional space where required. For commercial and three-phase applications, IP4X and IP65 options are available
with three-phase protective devices, 4-pole switching and Type 2 SPD protection. Larger distribution arrangements can also accommodate twin chargers or multiple single-phase EV chargers supplied from a three- phase installation, allowing the circuits to be distributed appropriately across the phases. An important consideration is the type of residual- current protection required. EV charging equipment can produce DC residual currents which may affect the operation of some RCD types. In accordance with BS 7671
environmental conditions. With single-phase, three-phase, indoor, outdoor and multi-charger configurations available, Live Electrical provides installers with a flexible range of EV protection solutions while allowing the final protective arrangement to be matched correctly to the charger and installation. “Live Electrical provides installers with a flexible range of EV protection solutions while allowing
Regulation 722.531.3.101, unless electrical separation is used, each charging point incorporating a socket-outlet or vehicle connector complying with the BS EN [IEC 62196 series must be individually protected by a Type A, Type F or Type B RCD, or an RDC-PD, with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA. The protective device must disconnect all live conductors. Unless provided by the EV charging equipment, protection against DC fault currents must also be provided. This may be achieved by a Type B RCD, Type A or Type F RCD used in conjunction with an RDC-DD complying with BS IEC 62955, or an RDC-PD complying with BS IEC 62955. Installers should therefore check the charger specification and manufacturer’s instructions carefully before selecting the RCD or RCBO. The installation design should also consider the supply and earthing arrangement, open-PEN protection where applicable, prospective fault current, cable sizing, overcurrent protection, surge protection and
the final protective arrangement to be
matched correctly to the charger and installation.”
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