EV
SAFE ELECTRIC CLARIFIES CONNECTING AN EV CHARGER TO A METER BOX SHOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED WHEN IT IS NOT POSSIBLE OR VIABLE TO CONNECT IT DIRECTLY TO A DISTRIBUTION BOARD… EV installations at meter cabinets
F ollowing a detailed examination of the logistics including the available space and the requirement to comply with I.S. 10101 and the ESBN Code of Practice (V5) in Ireland, it has been determined that when connecting an EV charger at a meter box location, it is not viable to install the necessary equipment inside the meter cabinet. This option should only be considered in exceptional circumstances when it is not possible or viable to connect it directly to the customers’ existing distribution board. What the ESBN Code of Practice Version No.5 says • The customer may install an IP55-rated enclosure in the bottom right-hand side of the outside meter box. This enclosure shall contain the main overcurrent device ONLY. • The allotted space in the outside meter box for the IP55 enclosure containing the customer’s protective device is 180mm x 225mm (W x H) in the bottom right-hand corner of the meter box. • For existing domestic electrical installations, a new EV electrical installation may be connected via the outside meter box provided the requirements of the current version of the NSAI National Rules for electrical installations are met. More reasons not to It would also not be permissible to connect an EV charger via the meter cabinet for the following reasons: • There is a pre-pay meter installed inside the property. • It is not possible to switch off the supply at the meter/contractor Isolator.
• There isn’t enough space at the bottom right-hand side to fit the mains protective device only. • The existing installation is not adequate to sustain the new load. Minimum of 12KVA 16sq tails + bonding. EV sub-distribution board To comply with I.S. 10101, installers will need to provide an Electric Vehicle Sub Distribution Board. This board can be located beside the meter cabinet or remotely as required. If it is located externally, it will need to have a suitable I.P rating and impact resistance. According to I.S. 10101, this distribution board will require double pole isolation and surge protection (or documented CRL calculation showing it is exempt). Please note that in all circumstances, the meter tails need to be a minimum of 16sq to safely handle the sustained high current load of an EV charger. For more detailed instructions, please visit https://safeelectric.ie/contractors/ newsletter
DO • Survey the existing installation,
particularly the metering arrangement, earthing and distribution board.
• Ensure existing meter tails are 16sq. • Advise customer in writing if upgrade work is required to cater for the charger. • Connect EV charger at existing Distribution Board if possible. DON’T • Install at meter cabinet by default. • Install any equipment outside the contractor area in the meter cabinet measuring 180mm by 225mm. • Install the EV charger at the meter cabinet if it is a prepay meter. • Work on live cables at the distribution board. TIP If the earth electrode is not installed or visible for inspection, a new electrode can be connected to the terminal in the meter cabinet as this becomes the Main Earthing Terminal (MET).
T: +353 (0)91 480974 www.safeelectric.ie
48 | IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE
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