[KCTalksEV]

I had a Rolec Homesmart point installed last year under the OLEV grant, with all the cabling already in place. Cabling wise, it is a 32A MCB from my consumer unit, into what looks like an RCBO and then into the Rolec.

I recently realised that I needed an EV Charger which may need load balancing, as it would be certainly possible to hit the 100A main fuse limit within the household. It looks as though the Zappi will do exactly this and cut the current to the car in favour of the house, to protect the main fuse. Then, when the load is lifted, go back up to 32A. Great!

I looked at pricing however and it would seem that Zappi V2 installed prices are quite high (others have been quoted £1000-1200 w/o OLEV grant), but I would've thought that also included the cable runs and the labour that is required. I can buy a Zappi V2 tethered for £725 direct from MyEnergi for context.

Would it be a reasonable option to remove the Rolec, and then fit the Zappi myself if the cable run is already present for the Rolec? Two areas that I would be most concerned about are differences in ground/earthing requirements and commissioning.

Or alternatively, would any competent electrician be able to remove and fix the Zappi, or does it require a specialist who can fit Zappi for the commissioning process?

TIA

 

[KCTalksEV]

I should also mention that I've also contacted Rolec if my charger already offers this, or alternatively if Rolec has something that already does this available.

 

[Tandy0]

Unless the electrician who installed the Rolec was a complete numpty, I suspect he already allowed for what you mention. The main fuse won't go until several hours at 33% over the rating.

 

[Ralkbirdy]

Or alternatively, would any competent electrician be able to remove and fix the Zappi, or does it require a specialist who can fit Zappi for the commissioning process?

zappi support | myenergi UK

myenergi.com

Read the manual which tells you how to fit and commission, if you understand it, fit it, if it makes no sense, get someone in. Decide if you need the app, I just use the Zappi by itself.

 

[ChrisCross123]

If it was installed a year ago the installation should already be compliant to the latest 18th edition of the wiring regs, which keeps it simple.

The Zappi will need a current transformer (clamp) on the main house supply. If there is one already fitted for the Rolec it should be possible to reuse it. I don't know how standard the output from CTs used with EVSEs are - it is possible you might have to replace the Rolec CT with a Zappi one. If you don't have a CT on the Rolec you will need to fit one, either wired (supplied free with the Zappi) or wireless (Harvi, available separately from MyEnergi).

Commissioning the Zappi is straightforward. To do the install 'properly' you need some specialist test kit (eg an RCD tester). Whether a general electrician or even an EVSE installer would bother with this is debatable, but it is best practice.

I would get a couple of quotes from companies that install Zappis (eg JoJu Solar). With the supply already in place changing the Rolec to a Zappi will be very quick and simple, and a Zappi installer will be be buying the Zappis from MyEnergi for a lot less than £725. They should be able to quote from photos of your current install.

 

[KCTalksEV]

Thanks All.

I've asked a local installer for some guidance, they'll get back to me. If the price is right I'm happy for a professional (and probably cleaner) install. If not, it looks as though it's the standard live, neutral and earth + a CT clamp for energy monitoring (or Harvi if wireless is a must).

I just don't see why it would be more than the Zappi and a few hours of labour at most. No cable run needed, should be a direct swap from Rolec to Zappi.

I e-mailed Rolec, they also mentioned the option of a diversity switch, which would ensure the electric shower was powered with the EV charger, and vice versa, with the shower on priority.