FOCUS ON TOOLS & WORKWEAR
TEST INSTRUMENT SOLUTIONS DIRECTOR MARK HODGSON TALKS TO IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF FULL EVSE TESTING AS DEMAND FOR EV CHARGING POINTS CONTINUES TO INCREASE… Ensure safety compliance and liability coverage with full EVSE testing SUPPLIER - TIS
With a big push on to ramp up the network of EV charging points across the UK and Ireland, Test Instrument Solutions (TIS) is highlighting the importance of full testing of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Installed outdoors in public places subject to weather and potential misuse, EVSEs need to be tested and documented to ensure general electrical safety, compliance with Electricity at Work Regulations and liability coverage for installers. With TIS supplying multi-award-winning EVSE test equipment, Director Mark Hodgson offers his advice on making sure all bases are covered: CONTINUITY TEST This test performed downstream of the EVSE is particularly useful on tethered lead systems to make sure that the earth conductor in the lead is correctly connected to the EVSE.
5. With an Earth fault introduced, will the EVSE disconnect the power? 6. When an electric fault occurs with the vehicle, will the EVSE shut off the power ? LOOP IMPEDANCE TESTING This test will allow the installer or periodic inspection to confirm the EVSE has good live-neutral and live-earth loop impedance readings back to the supply, along with correct associated PSC and PFC values. TYPE A RCD TEST Importantly, let’s check that the Type A RCD within the circuit is going to trip in time under a fault condition. TYPE B* AND RDC DD** TESTS Again, although the testing of these devices is not yet specified, TIS believes that this test is one of the most vital of all. Should there be a pure DC fault of 6mA or above (let’s not forget here that we are talking about battery electric vehicles, no doubt in some instances linked to solar PV and battery storage systems) then the pure DC fault is likely to ‘blind’ all other RCDs in the
installation, therefore stopping them from disconnecting the supply. For the sake of a couple of seconds - let’s check the 6mA DC trips will work in situ because if we don’t, we could be in big trouble. *When performing a Type B test, please check that your testing equipment will test 6mA Type B RCD. **Most EVSEs do not incorporate a 6mA Type B RCD, but the more cost-effective 6mA RDC DD variant. Currently there are only a small number of test instruments on the market capable of testing this type of trip correctly, due to it having a slightly different test sequence along with pass/fail parameters. TIS realises that most of the above is not yet specified as a testing sequence, but for maintenance re-visits and tests, we think that testing most, or all, of the above can only lead to enhanced safety and performance. In our opinion doing nothing is a minimum requirement - not a maximum one. For further information of the full TIS range, visit www.testinstrumentsolutions.co.uk
INSULATION RESISTANCE TESTING
Again, of particular use on tethered lead units where the cable could have been crushed while on the floor, these tests will ensure internal conductors within the lead have adequate insulation resistance properties. STATUS CHECKS Of utmost importance for peace of mind is the ability to simulate various fault and non-fault conditions relating to a vehicle and the EVSE to which it is connected. Test equipment is available to simulate: 1. If the vehicle is not plugged in, is any power being delivered from the socket? 2. When the vehicle is plugged in but not asking for a charge, is the cable locked? 3. Will the EVSE deliver the correct voltage and current to the vehicle as and when required? 4. Confirmation that the car and EVSE communication protocol is established.
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IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 59
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