Earlier this month, the IET announced it will publish a stand-alone update to Section 722 of the 18th Edition on electric vehicle charging installations in early 2020, as part of a new amendment to BS 7671:2018. The amendment, which will be implemented immediately and free to view on the IET website, follows advances in technology. It is expected to make installing charging points quicker and easier, and cheaper for both installers and consumers.
The amendment is unlikely to feature any wide sweeping reforms, but instead focus on changes in-line with EU regulations as well as evolving practice on the PME supply issues and residual current devices (RCDs).
It is rumoured the upcoming amendment will set out new rules on emerging integrated EV charging devices that satisfy the restrictions around PME earthing by disconnecting the supply including the protective conductor upon detecting an open circuit in the neutral (PEN conductor) for single phase supplies.
The amendment is designed to keep up with the harmonised standards in the CENELEC Harmonised Document (HD), as well as providing further changes to the earthing requirements for EV charging points. It is also likely to provide additional guidance on how RCDs are used in EV chargers.
The good news is that the amendment will be free to download – a move that will no doubt be welcomed by electrical contractors and the industry as it will allow for a swift and low-cost implementation.
For many, Electric Vehicle Charging Installation will be a new area, and sometimes fraught with complexity. That’s why having the relevant knowledge of the regulations and training for the installation and certification of new charging installations by a qualified installer is important in what is a rapidly expanding market.
The Draft for Public Comment for Amendment 1 will be available from October 2019, while in February 2020 the IET will publish the 4th Edition of the Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation.
