[Rippa700]

I have an old Zero wallbox with e 32a Commando socket for EV (has an RCBO in the box). I want to change the socket for a type 2. Any ideas on a good socket to buy to swap out with the commando one? It is set on a flat faceplate in the wallbox, so should be easy to adapt to different mounting configurations. Do I (or should I) add the locking solenoid? Thanks

 

[phproxy]

Octopus | Ohme (odoo.com)

Ohme?

 

[dk6780]

EVBitz sell them.

You can fit the locking solenoid if your charge point has the driver but lots of people have issues with them sticking/failing so I'd suggest looking at another form of locking if you are worried about theft.

 

[Jeremy Harris]

From what I can recall, the old Zero wall box wasn't an EVSE as such, so perhaps doesn't comply with IEC 61851, in that it doesn't have a Control Pilot to advertise the max available current to the charger. If my memory is correct, then I think you need an EVSE that can handle the handshake between the car, switch the power on and off, etc.

As suggested above, the Ohme makes sense, as there's a version that will just plug into a 32 A commando outlet. I believe there are also other portable units available with a 32 A commando, like the Tesla UMC and probably one or two others.

Worth remembering that any charge point installation now needs either Type B RCD protection, or Type A RCD protection plus DC tolerant earth leakage protection in the EVSE. Also, if you're on a PME/TN-C-S supply then the charge point must have open PEN fault protection as well. Like DC tolerant earth leakage detection, some EVSEs include open PEN fault detection, but some (including the Ohme) still need this to be provided at the supply end, either by connecting the installation as TT or by adding an open PEN fault protection device.

 

[Rippa700]

Thanks for the info. I don't want a cable as we have plenty of visitors that want to charge, so I want a type 2 socket. Can I just change out the commando for one of these? 62196-2 32A Female Socket/Inlet Hinged Lid

 

[Jeremy Harris]

Thanks for the info. I don't want a cable as we have plenty of visitors that want to charge, so I want a type 2 socket. Can I just change out the commando for one of these? 62196-2 32A Female Socket/Inlet Hinged Lid

No, because you need an EVSE, the bit of kit that tells the charger in the car how much current is available (via the duty cycle set on the Control Pilot wire) and also the bit of kit that senses the charger's request for power and turns on the main contactor in the charge point. You also need to sense the Proximity Pilot, as that tells the EVSE the current rating of the cable that's plugged in.

The Commando connector doesn't have either a Control Pilot or Proximity Pilot sockets/pins, only L, N and PE.

 

[Rippa700]

No, because you need an EVSE, the bit of kit that tells the charger in the car how much current is available (via the duty cycle set on the Control Pilot wire) and also the bit of kit that senses the charger's request for power and turns on the main contactor in the charge point. You also need to sense the Proximity Pilot, as that tells the EVSE the current rating of the cable that's plugged in.

The Commando connector doesn't have either a Control Pilot or Proximity Pilot sockets/pins, only L, N and PE.

Thank you - I guess that means I need to buy a type 2 wall mounted box and get it installed? Any recommendations?

 

[Harry6]

If you already have a commando socket on the wall then get an OHME as you can get them for £200 with Octopus.

 

[Rippa700]

You have been really helpful. I think I have the solution here. Any comments? EVWP0020 to EVWP2020 32A Fast Charger with Type 2 Socket Upgrade Kit

 

[Jeremy Harris]

You have been really helpful. I think I have the solution here. Any comments? EVWP0020 to EVWP2020 32A Fast Charger with Type 2 Socket Upgrade Kit

The only comment I will make is that it's made by Rolec. My experience has been that they use less than stellar quality components, and they have an unenviable reputation for their RCBOs burning out.

For that sort of money there are other options, too. If your intent on DIY (bearing in mind the regs, and the law that applies in England and Wales) then a better option would be to build an EVSE using the Viridian components:

EVSE protocol controller, with DC tolerant earth leakage protection and open PEN fault detection: EVSE Protocol Controller (EPC) 2.0 Basic

Contactor, socket, etc: Components

In addition, the supply to the unit will need protecting with a Type A RCBO, or a Type A RCD and MCB, to meet the requirement for earth leakage protection to not reset when the power cycles.

 

[Rippa700]

Thanks Jeremy. I'm not so much bent on DIY but hate to waste the wallbox I have. I think it is looking like a new wallbox though. I'd rather it works than is a few quid cheaper. Thank you.