Octopus IOG EV Charger issues

kokolino23

Hello,

Our energy supplier is Octopus and we struggle to install an EV Charger. Initially we wanted to book the install through Octopus but they didn't give us a date so we didn't go ahead with them. I then had some quotes from installers but we've been told different information. Some electricians said they're are not allowed to install anything inside the meter box (this is outside the property, only for our house and dedicated box for the DNO & electricity meter). They can put a junction box inside the mains and then an insulated RCD outside the main supplier box. Other said it's not a problem to put the RCD inside the main box.

We had a look at various EV Chargers and liked the Ohme ePod, however this has a SIM, the cost is covered by Ohome for the first 3 years but is not clear what will happen after that. Ohome can charge whatever they want for this SIM card and we either accept that or get rid of their charger and install another one. Myenergi Zappi seems to have good reviews so I've started to explore this option as well.

Did anyone had any experience with the RCD connection and Zappi EV chargers?

Thanks

kokolino23

I thought MSE has a separate board for solar panels but I can't find it.

We had some quotes for solar panels and we've been told to contact our energy supplier (Octopus) and ask them to send someone out to fit a junction box and an RCD because they're not allowed to temper with their meter or cables. Anyone came across this issue so far? I've contacted Octopus through the email but they don't have a clue and asked me to ring their support.

Marksfish

I've had a Zappi for 2 years now, great piece of kit and works with Intelligent Octopus. Mine is installed indoors with a separate consumer unit. If you have batteries for your solar, make sure the installer does the electrics properly, so you don't drain your batteries into the car. Are the installers talking an RCD or isolator? 40A breakers are recommended now for the Zappi, apparently a lot of installers are still fitting 30A, which can cause issues.

The MyEnergi forum is full of good information. Likewise, there is a Zappi Intelligent Octopus Facebook page.

Mark

QrizB

I have an Ohme ePod, fitted by Octopus.

The Octopus installer fitted Henley blocks to the meter tails and installed a separate consumer unit containing all the necessary protective gear.

In my case the meter is inside my house on the same board as the household consumer unit. The new EV consumer unit is on the wall adjacent. I can't comment on your particular arrangement but any competent installer should be able to work out something suitable.

The Ohme SIM doesn't worry me, but I think other brands of charger can communicate via your domestic WiFi.

Peter999_2

I would second the Zappi as well.

I've got an Ohme charger and it is pretty unreliable and I wouldn't recommend it.    My colleague has had a Zappi for years and it's never failed to charge even once.

NorthEastLight

My zappi install: external meter box -> external mini consumer unit (CU) beside meter box -> zappi. It's all at the side of the house so the utilitarian look isn't a big issue

The installers refusing to put the mini CU in the meter box are avoiding potential future issues for you/them.

The space in the box is intended for DNO & supplier equipment. If the mini CU is fitted in the box  but the DNO or supplier needs the space for their equipment in the future then it's your cost & responsibility to move it out and make the space.

Based on postings on the speakev forum the ohme epod doesn't lock the cable in place at its end when charging. The untethered zappi has various options for locking the cable.

I'm guessing your second post is referring to a request to install a double pole isolator switch in the meter box between the meter tails and your current main CU.

 My understanding is that is at your cost as it's beyond the meter and therefore on the customer side, but only certain people can pull the main fuse to allow the install which is why you've been told to contact your supplier.

My supplier fitted one when they installed tbe smart meter as the main fuse is pulled anyway, but I've seen posts elsewhere where they haven't. 

A pic of tbe inside of you meter box may help others more knowledgeable

kokolino23

Thanks a lot for all your replies, pictures provided as well, both meter boxes for electric and gas are outside the property (detached house so they aren't shared with anyone).

This is my neighbours meter box

This is our meter box

Would Octopus send someone out to fit the double pole isolator switch and the mini CU? Do they need to install the mini CU outside the meter box, in case DNO or the supplier needs the space inside the box at some point in the future? Cheers

chrisw

I've just had an EV charger fitted with the same layout as you. I had to have the main 60A fuse upgraded by the DNO which was free, and the installers installed a seaparate EV breaker CU in a waterproof box on the outside wall directly under the cabinet. 

QrizB

NorthEastLight said:

Based on postings on the speakev forum the ohme epod doesn't lock the cable in place at its end when charging. 

Reports are wrong (or Ohme has changed the design); my ePod does lock the cable when charging.

The cable is unlocked when you're not charging, so if you want to leave the cable in place when it's not in use you need to trust your neighbours.

kingstreet

We bought an Ohme Home Pro (8m cable) and had it installed by our local electrician. This saved us a considerable amount as the total cost came in at under £850. He took care of everything and since getting our MG4 in February 2024 we have had zero charging issues and now charge our daughters Fiat 500e as well, also with no issues.

MWT

kokolino23 said:

Would Octopus send someone out to fit the double pole isolator switch and the mini CU? Do they need to install the mini CU outside the meter box, in case DNO or the supplier needs the space inside the box at some point in the future? Cheers

Octopus may agree to fit the isolator switch for free, they did for me, but that was 3 years ago.

They will not fit a CU of any type for you though that is outside of their responsibilities.

Once you have the isolator switch installed then your own electrician can safely do the rest of the work as they will not need to pull the main fuse but can use the isolator switch instead.