Maybe stump up for a metal cased charger if you're concerned. Someone mentioned Viridian, in my thread about this: Time for metal chargers?

 

I’ve noticed some people leave the garage door open, but I don’t know the reasoning (I don't know them to feel I can just go and ask them).

Just put your "I'm a newbie" badge on and ask. Most people (though I've only known one Norwegian) are fine unless they are in a hurry.

That said I suspect the reasons will range from tin-foil hat logic to "Well, the cat's gone to sleep in there", so don't expect a lot

 

One advantage of having the charger inside the garage ( and only useable in the garage) is that the installation does not need to comply with the earth-rod requirements, as these only apply to outdoor usage.
If you're worried about fire, install an interconnected smoke alarm

 

If you're worried about fire, install an interconnected smoke alarm

It sounds like a remote garage block, so there probably isn't much point.

 

You’ll be fine with a dedicated 7kw charger in your garage

 

I charged in my garage with the granny lead for three months before the charger was fitted in the garage. If using the granny lead just check that the plug/socket is not overheating, although if this a new installation there shouldn’t be any concerns.

My garage is attached to the house and is therefore part of the equipotential bonding zone and no earthing rod is enquired. Sounds as though this is a block of garages separate from the house. I am not sure of the regs but if fitting a charging unit this my need an earth rod? No matter because if it is a professional installation they will have done the necessary work.

No need to worry about shutting the garage door; our garage is locked at night and charging is in the early hours of the morning on the cheap tariff.

 

It’s a proper installation - I think they even added a lightning rod when the garages were all made electric car ready. It’s just me having buyers worries!

 

It’s just me having buyers worries!

You'll perhaps be surprised to know that petrol cars sometimes ignite spontaneously - often soon after being parked.
Sh1t happens occasionally.

Just make sure your insurance is OK.

 

😬

 

Six years of charging in garage never thought much about it

 

Same, not six years but three and a bit. Using the "granny charger" connected to a normal wall socket that is wired directly to a 16A breaker.

A dedicated wallbox will be installed with proper wiring section and connected directly to a breaker, so no worries.

 

This is what we have in the garage (see picture). As you can see, we need to get an electrician to actually connect the socket. I assume the lead that comes with the car goes straight into this blue socket (no other adaptations needed and the plug supplied will definitely fit ???)

The metal box is the back of what looks like a circuit breaker (that you get in your house and all the sockets in the garages are connected to this). It's access from the outside.

ps is there a thread anywhere or a place that I can ask stupid newbie questions on?

Thank you!

 

I assume the lead that comes with the car goes straight into this blue socket (no other adaptations needed and the plug supplied will definitely fit ???)

That appears to be a 'commando' socket - possibly 16A given the situation.

You can't plug the car directly into that - you'll need a portable EVSE which is a box of electrical gubbins with a lead out each end. One end goes in the car, the other into that plug. (They come in different versions with different plugs for the supply end, but the same-ish for the car.)

 

If you're charging regularly, you wanta tethered charge point ( has its own captive cable) rather than one with a socket, as using the car's cable is a faff - getting it it of the car each time, coiling/uncoiling etc.

 

Are those wires actually connected anywhere? It looks like rather a rough installation if they are.

 

As you can see, we need to get an electrician to actually connect the socket.

 

Definitely a Commando socket in which case you need a 13 amp socket to Commando plug adaptor which is easy to get and quite cheap (I carry one in case I need to charge the car at a golf club). You plug your “granny lead” into the adaptor then into your wall socket. The granny lead should be supplied with the car and is recognisable as it has a 13 amp plug one end, a plug for the car at the other and a box in between.

 

you need a 13 amp socket to Commando plug adaptor

From his flag this guy/gal is in Norway. A 13A anything is unlikely to help

 

Sorry! Yes, in Norway (but English so was drawn to the English forum - I can read the Norwegian ones, but felt more 'at home' posting here). I’m only just realising how different the cars can be in different countries (I thought other than rhd/ lhd, the cars would be more or less the same).

Re the plugs/ sockets, even if it’s not the same, I know what you’re talking about so I know what sort of things I need to ask for. My Norwegian is ok, but I need to know what I need to ask them first, otherwise I’ll be clueless.

 

In Norway, with more EVs than you can shake a stick at, every local jobbing electrician will be capable of supplying and fitting an EVSE in that location inside an hour by removing the commando socket to use that power supply and screwing the box to the wall.

As to the initial question, you probably have an equal risk of being struck by lightning than experiencing a garage fire with a properly installed EVSE.

 

Thank you.

I know I could phone someone and point at the box, but then a) I’d never understand things really and b) there might be another /better way to do things that the electrician doesn’t offer, but would if I knew to ask iyswim.

 

Well, as this forum is very much UK based any advice will be based on our own EV charge point regulations and available systems. It has already been mentioned that our own regs over earthing such points have been gradually tightened up over the last few years and may still differ from the current situation in Norway. Only a fully qualified sparky there, with EV experience, will be able to give accurate advice in your situation.

Similarly, your choice of EVSE system will depend on your own budget and need for 'smart' features. There will be numerous wall boxes that just offer a basic 'dumb' supply with no timing, app, or power supplier links to access overnight cheaper tariffs on electricity. Those usually only vary on budget grounds as they become increasingly aesthetically pleasing from a simple black box. They all do the same thing. But some are 'prettier'.

Here in the UK there are now a few much more sophisticated chargers, such as the Zappi, that can organise links to home solar supply as well as timed tariffs to maximise economic car charging. Some power suppliers offer their own in house boxes that speak to their own servers. Octopus has one such system. But, apart from alerting you to the availability of such systems, we cannot be aware of what is specifically available in Norway. A switched-on sparky ( pun intended ) should be able to discuss such systems from local knowledge. Much depends on your own requirements but from what we have seen so far I would suspect that any basic EVSE installed, using the existing power supply to that blue outlet, would be sufficient for your immediate needs. And as it will be inside the garage there is little need to spend a lot on a fancy box.

Your main choice will be between tethered or untethered. I always prefer a tethered unit as the constant faff of fighting with a loose cable soon becomes a pain - leading to it being left permanently plugged in anyway. Much more convenient to grab a tethered plug and stick it in the car. Which leaves the loose cable tidy in the car boot for any away charge situation.

Please let us know how this goes eventually.

 

Ah, the dangers of trying to give advice on on a forum such as this. Full marks to those who spotted the Norwegian flag and, yes, the Commando socket makes more sense now.

Still, rather than waste my comment I would just mention that many golf buggies use a commando socket so if you are ever staying at a golf club hotel overnight you may be able to “borrow” a socket and plug in your granny lead with the adapter I mentioned. Alternatively, you could park below your hotel room and hang your extension lead out of the window which is what I did (needs must!)

 

Sorry for the confusion!! I see so many flags that, while it’s an English forum, I came here due to international members.

I hope that you don’t feel that any of the comments have been wasted (I’ve read many old posts on this forum and they’re appreciated very much even if the information isn’t always relevant). This thread has helped me to work out the sort of things I needed to ask in a foreign language. In the meantime, I've been told that I only need a type 2 to type 2 cable and when the electrician comes out, I’m going to to ask about tethered and untethered options (and if this is needed/ viable).

Thank you

 

No problem here. It's just that we can't really comment on the regs in Norway over the installation of a home charger. Many countries have 3 phase electricity as standard as well that further complicates matters. As you say, you will need a type 2 to type 2 cable but whether you use that purely for charging at sites away from home, or also from your home charger, will depend on your view over tethered or socketed units. Experience has shown that most people find the convenience of a tethered plug, especially when used inside a garage, outweighs the cosmetic appearance of a unit without a cable draped over it. Even people who opt for a socketed unit eventually leave the type 2/type 2 cable permanently in the socket. And then have to buy a second cable for away use. Going tethered in the first place simply avoids this experimental phase.

Here in the UK the grant-aided scheme now insists on a moderately expensive 'smart' charger being used. When in most cases a 'dumb' unit is all that is needed. From the info gleaned in here I suspect that a basic dumb tethered type 2 plugged charger, in a metal case to help with your fire phobia, will be all that is required. Your sparky will remove the commando blue socket and wire in such a unit in no time. Usually a type 2/type 2 cable comes with the car so you will then be covered for all circumstances.

 

Just updating after the electrician came out yesterday (in case anyone stumbles upon this later). Caveat that I’m in Norway, not UK

1. The socket on the wall has nothing to do with EVs😶. Someone early picked up on that.

2. While the wiring infrastructure is there, I need to buy a wall charging box. Can be tethered or untethered, but he’s coming back with prices.

Thank you everyone. I have SO much to learn!

 

The socket on the wall has nothing to do with EVs😶. Someone early picked up on that.

If you mean the blue commando socket then that is only partly correct. It probably wasn't put there for an EV of course but just to provide a decent power supply for any future piece of equipment. As regards power for an EV, here in the UK it's possible to buy a complete EVSE that simply plugs into such a commando power supply. Equipment like this that can be a very economical way to charge an EV safely when there is already a blue commando socket in place.

Type 2, EV Portable Charger, Variable 6-16A, 3.6kW, 5 Metre, Commando plug

Free UK Delivery 2 Year Warranty Premium LCD Portable Charger with commando plug Type 2, 6A to 16A, 250V, 3.8KW IP67, TUV, CE Portable plug in chargers are designed for your convenience. This charger has a 16A plug and need to be connected to a 16A socket This portable charger has variable...

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And the Ohme model can handle a full 7.6Kw to charge faster - but is more expensive.

Ohme EV Commando Charger Tethered | Electricpoint.com

Provides intelligent EV charging for every electric vehicle. Saves you money on your electricity bills. Fast UK Delivery.

www.electricpoint.com