Electric Vehicle - Home Charge Point Installation

[Deleted User]

@rjmachin

I got in touch with them.  My installer was Pod Point.  My DNO said that the normal procedure is that the installer gets in touch with them to let them know they're doing an EV charger installation at that location, so that they can ensure the supply is adequate.  Pod Point did not do this which is what created a bit of a delay in getting my fuse upgraded.  The Pod Point installer told me I needed to ring my DNO, after he had done the installation.  He also cut the seals on the existing fuse to check its size.  I wondered if this might cause an issue with the DNO but they weren't bothered.

MWT

They all seem a little different UKPN only want to be told in advance if the existing fuse is inadequate, otherwise they only want to be told after the install.

JC_Derby

MWT said:

JC_Derby said:

actually THAT sticker on the side of the fuse carrier is the cut out type and rating.

Oddly then, my sticker for the fuse rating is where that sticker is.

Mine was a little strange though as it was booked as an upgrade to 80A but when they can to do the job it turned out they only had a 100A fuse with them so they fitted that and torn off the part of the sticker with the amp rating on it...

During a later unrelated visit I mentioned this and got the fuse swapped to the correct 80A rating, but the sticker remains with the rating torn off...

Its possible that whoever changed the fuse for 100a hadn’t realised that (perhaps) the cut out is only rated at 80a...I’ve seen this a couple of times. Domestic properties are generally fused at 80a nowadays.
Different cut out types and models would have the label/sticker (And also cut out ratings)
in different places and depends on the knowledge of the person who was installing cut out or cut out fuse.

JC_Derby

Talldave said:

How many simultaneous EV fast charges can a street have before the cables under the pavement catch fire?

Too many variables to answer that question.

JC_Derby

MWT said:

They all seem a little different UKPN only want to be told in advance if the existing fuse is inadequate, otherwise they only want to be told after the install.

I believe the correct process is for the INSTALLER to notify the DNO within 28days of installation - could be wrong. Except where there is a looped supply or where the installation is going to overload the supply.

POdpoint failed in there duties to you desktop imho, you’ve paid for these works, they should have contacted the supplier. I expect they think they will be charged for upgrading the fuse, whereas if you call in you wouldn’t be charged.

diamond_dave

My tenant recently asked whether he could get a charge point installed and I said that he should investigate all the options then come back to me and I could discuss whether it was right for both him and me. Heard nothing for weeks then get an email to say that the installation was going ahead within 10 days. On speaking to the company involved and checking various web sites, I discover that as he does not have off road parking the installation could not proceed. Still waiting for further info. but it would seem that the company has relied on various pictures which do not show the property. Seems like this is yet another example of grant companies getting on the band wagon. The company involved is Pod Point.

MWT

Pod Point are a legitimate installer, I suspect your tenant has misled them as to the suitability of his location.

Pod Point are very clear on the matter of off-street parking:

"The Pod Point must be located in your designated off-street parking area and be fixed at a height where it can’t be hit by a vehicle."

They do not conduct a survey before the installation date, but the person requesting the install has to represent that their location is suitable and they have the written permission of the owner/freeholder etc. 

chiny

I found the BP Chargemaster team somewhat inefficient and ended up employing my own electrician to put right the most egregious faults.   Subsequently BP returned to sort a fault with their unit and were impressed with the work their installer had done   

Looking at comments above, I can see that using my maximum house demand plus my EV charge rate, I probably use just over the DNO fuse rating of 60 A, which sits in a 100 A carrier.   Can I just ring my DNO (WPD) and ask for a change, or will there be some kind of assessment ?

No external physical difference in 60 and 100 A fuses (in my junk heap). 

rjmachin

BP CM should have contacted the DNO on your behalf before the installation took place.
I had to contact my DNO to arrange a switch to be fitted before BP CM could come to do the installation and they had to wait for the inspection to the carried out first.  Luckily they received the request from BP CM just as I called them, so I was able to arrange for them to come along and inspect it a few days later.
A couple of weeks after that, I had the switch fitted.
BP CM are now booked in to come and fit my charge unit this coming Wednesday.  Fingers crossed there are no issues, eeek.

JC_Derby

chiny said:

I found the BP Chargemaster team somewhat inefficient and ended up employing my own electrician to put right the most egregious faults.   Subsequently BP returned to sort a fault with their unit and were impressed with the work their installer had done   

Looking at comments above, I can see that using my maximum house demand plus my EV charge rate, I probably use just over the DNO fuse rating of 60 A, which sits in a 100 A carrier.   Can I just ring my DNO (WPD) and ask for a change, or will there be some kind of assessment ?

No external physical difference in 60 and 100 A fuses (in my junk heap). 

Yep just ring your DNO.
BP should have done an analysis on your usage to see what fuse size is required.....doesnt look like they have then?