UK Charging Point

[Ogri]

Hi,

First post...

I am hoping to get my Phev soon.

My employer has said they will install a charging point for me. They have asked me to tell them what they need to install - it will be in an undercover car park - and I have no idea what to say!

From what I have read it make sense to install a 30Amp supply to future proof it. I think it should also be tethered and not a rapid charger as I will be parked in the space all day, but that is about as much as I know.

What information do I need to give them? I have read about socket types and the fact that the cable should have some control box in the middle to regulate the charge, but I am afraid I do not know where to start.

Any help is gratefully accepted.

Thanks

 

[Regulo]

Hi, Ogri, and welcome to the forum.

Sorry no-one's replied as yet, I'm sure someone can help with your query - unfortunately it's not me! I'd suggest getting in touch with a local installer, or one of the national manufacturers - Rolec, Podpoint maybe. Unfortunately, the points are expensive without the Government subsidy for domestic installations. I'm not sure if firms can get the grant when installing points for employees. Not much help, I know, but you must have a very understanding employer if they want to install a charge point for you! Do a Google search for "EV charge point installers" or the like, see what comes up. BTW, the charge points don't have a box in the cable, all the control gubbins is inside the wall unit. A tethered lead is probably easier for convenience, but some people prefer a socket and separate cable, in case your next car has a different input socket. Good luck.

 

[maby]

There is a common inconsistency here - the Outlander cannot draw more than 16A, but people talk about going for a 30A charger to "future proof", but they then also go for a tethered charger which assumes that any other car purchased will have the same connector as the Outlander. Most owners of Outlanders have ambitions, at least, to charge during the day from public access chargers - you will need your own cable to use a lot of them, so get an untethered charging point installed and actually be "future proof".

 

[Ogri]

There is a common inconsistency here - the Outlander cannot draw more than 16A, but people talk about going for a 30A charger to "future proof", but they then also go for a tethered charger which assumes that any other car purchased will have the same connector as the Outlander. Most owners of Outlanders have ambitions, at least, to charge during the day from public access chargers - you will need your own cable to use a lot of them, so get an untethered charging point installed and actually be "future proof".

So should I just ask for a 13 amp socket? I guess that 16 Amp will be no benefit as I will be parked there with it plugged in for at least 8 hours a day.

 

[BeeJay]

There is a common inconsistency here - the Outlander cannot draw more than 16A, but people talk about going for a 30A charger to "future proof", but they then also go for a tethered charger which assumes that any other car purchased will have the same connector as the Outlander. Most owners of Outlanders have ambitions, at least, to charge during the day from public access chargers - you will need your own cable to use a lot of them, so get an untethered charging point installed and actually be "future proof".

So should I just ask for a 13 amp socket? I guess that 16 Amp will be no benefit as I will be parked there with it plugged in for at least 8 hours a day.

To be honest, if that is the case then just a weatherproof 13A socket is the best thing to ask for. Much simpler!

 

[Ozukus]

If you want a proper charge station installed go to a company like Chargemaster they can install a future proofed unit with multiple options for sockets.

http://www.chargemasterplc.com/index.php/products-wall-mounted-units/

From their website.

Wall mounted units offer considerable savings in installation costs.
Each one services two charging bays - costs by charging two cars at the same time.
Choice of charging rates – 3kW to 22kW.
Modular design providing full future proofing offering all socket designs.
Combi charge units all mixture of sockets.

If price is an issue then a 13amp waterproof socket as mentioned above is the best and cheapest option.

 

[Regulo]

If price is an issue then a 13amp waterproof socket as mentioned above is the best and cheapest option.

As long as security is not an issue. The supplied charge cable and box are expensive to replace, about £400, I believe? And some people will nick anything, if it's not screwed down.

 

[maby]

If price is an issue then a 13amp waterproof socket as mentioned above is the best and cheapest option.

As long as security is not an issue. The supplied charge cable and box are expensive to replace, about £400, I believe? And some people will nick anything, if it's not screwed down.

I've never used the supplied cable, but I was under the impression that it will accept a small padlock to secure it and stop theft.

 

[user 258]

If price is an issue then a 13amp waterproof socket as mentioned above is the best and cheapest option.

As long as security is not an issue. The supplied charge cable and box are expensive to replace, about £400, I believe? And some people will nick anything, if it's not screwed down.

I've never used the supplied cable, but I was under the impression that it will accept a small padlock to secure it and stop theft.

It will. And I for one always use it in a public parking place.
Kind regards,
Mark

 

[jaapv]

If price is an issue then a 13amp waterproof socket as mentioned above is the best and cheapest option.

As long as security is not an issue. The supplied charge cable and box are expensive to replace, about £400, I believe? And some people will nick anything, if it's not screwed down.

I’ve never used the supplied cable, but I was under the impression that it will accept a small padlock to secure it and stop theft.

Even more secure to simply park a wheel on it...

 

[Regulo]

I've never used the supplied cable, but I was under the impression that it will accept a small padlock to secure it and stop theft.

How does this work? I don't see any way of securing the box or car connector to anything?

 

[MHS]

I've never used the supplied cable, but I was under the impression that it will accept a small padlock to secure it and stop theft.

How does this work? I don't see any way of securing the box or car connector to anything?

Plug the cable into the car, and start charging.

The button to release the cable from the car is on top of the connector. There is a small hole in it, to allow a padlock to be fitted. It wouldn't stop a determined thief, but is a deterrent.

 

[Regulo]

The button to release the cable from the car is on top of the connector. There is a small hole in it, to allow a padlock to be fitted. It wouldn't stop a determined thief, but is a deterrent.

Oh, yes, now I see it! Wouldn't deter most low-lives, but would they be able to sell the control cable in the local pub?