New external socket - fused spur or extend ring

cpbackhouse

I'm looking to add a new external socket to use for charging our car. Its only a hybrid so doesn't really charge faster than a standard 13A socket can supply anyway.

We have a double socket on the inside pretty much where I want a corresponding one on the outside. I've had a couple of electricians around but am getting conflicting advice.
The first said that it absolutely had to be a fused spur and the second said it absolutely had to have the ring extended to put it on.

Both electricians had good recommendations and I realise that I risk getting another 5 different options but I was wondering what experts here thought please.

Thanks Chris

Section62

cpbackhouse said:

Both electricians had good recommendations and I realise that I risk getting another 5 different options but I was wondering what experts here thought please.

Not an 'expert', but if I was paying an electrician to come in to install a point for charging an EV I'd get them to run a new cable all the way to the consumer unit and size it for a (future) charging unit rather than a 13A socket.

fenwick458

"it absolutely had to be a fused spur" I don't get this. can't see why. maybe they were pointing out that it would be wise to have a way of isolating it inside when you go away to stop people stealing your electricity, if it's where you park your car it must be quite accessible to all?

extending the ring to put the outside socket on the ring rather than as a spur, I can't see much benefit, a 400mm piece of cable from inside to outside is a short run, it won't matter if it's on the ring or not. plug in hybrid chargers are around 10A so it's not a massive load

FreeBear

Section62 said:

cpbackhouse said:

Both electricians had good recommendations and I realise that I risk getting another 5 different options but I was wondering what experts here thought please.

Not an 'expert', but if I was paying an electrician to come in to install a point for charging an EV I'd get them to run a new cable all the way to the consumer unit and size it for a (future) charging unit rather than a 13A socket.

Yup. Put it on a separate circuit with its own RCD, and when there is a fault, it doesn't take the power out to the rest of the house.

Ectophile

The best option would be a new circuit.  But failing that, I don't see any reason why it "must" be a fused spur or "must" be an extension to the ring.  And if the socket you want to add is on the other side of the wall, neither is particularly difficult.

I wonder if either electrician said anything about the RCD feeding the circuit?  No RCD at all is very bad for an outside socket.  Many UK houses still have "type AC" RCDs, which are no longer considered appropriate for EV charging either.  It should now be on a "type A" or better one.  The only way to tell is to carefully look at the RCD itself and read the markings.

bris

You can spur off the inside socket, it must however have RCD protection.

There is nothing to say it needs a fussed spur although it wouldnt hurt to have one next to the internal socket. RCD protection is required either way.

Risteard

A PHEV will charge at up to 16A, not 10A. A proper dedicated chargepoint would be the best solution.