When is Amendment 1 to BS 7671:2018 due to be published?
BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 was published on 1 February 2020 and is available as a read-only document on our website.
The changes made in this amendment only concern Section 722 Electric Vehicle Charging Installations and it is intended to be implemented immediately. Electrical installations falling within the scope of Section 722, the erection of which is commenced after 31 July 2020, are to comply with BS 7671:2018 incorporating Amendment 1:2020.
The IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment installation provides further guidance.
Do I need to inform the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) when I install an Electric Vehicle charging point?
If following the Electric Vehicle (EV) charging point installation, the Maximum Demand (MD) of the whole customer connection is less than 13.8 kVA, the ENA must be notified by email within one month of installation at EV-notifications@energynetworks.org. If the MD exceeds 13.8 kVA, the DNO must be contacted prior to connection.
The ENA (Energy Networks Association) website provides further guidance.
What height should I install an electric vehicle charging point?
The installation height requirements for an Electric Vehicle (EV) socket-outlet have been removed in Amendment 1 of the 18th Edition.
BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 refers to the BS 8300 series, which states the EV socket-outlet must be installed within 0.75 to 1.2 metres from Finished Floor Level (FFL), with the top of displays between 1.2 and 1.4 metres from FFL.
The IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment installation provides further guidance.
Can I use a normal 13 amp socket-outlet to charge my electric vehicle?
Some smaller, lower capacity electric vehicles have a charger with a standard 13 A plug. This is called Mode 1 or Mode 2 charging. Whilst it is possible to plug this into a standard 13 A socket-outlet, BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 has requirements for a socket-outlet which is intended for Electric Vehicle (EV) to be of a particular type.
Regulation 722.55.101.0.201.1 of BS 7671:2018+A1:2020, requires each AC charging point to incorporate a socket-outlet complying with BS 1363-2, to be marked ‘EV’ on its rear.
BS 1363-2 requires EV marked socket-outlets used for charging electric vehicles to be subjected to additional testing requirements. For example, the socket and switch contacts being tested with an inductive load, as opposed to a resistive load for a normal 13 amp socket-outlet.
The IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment installation provides further guidance.
Do circuits supplying electric vehicle charging equipment require RCD protection?
The requirements for RCD protection refer to the point itself as opposed to the final circuit supplying the equipment. However, there may be other requirements for the final circuit to be RCD protected such as for fault protection, if it were connected to a TT earthing arrangement. If this is the case, it is important to select the correct Type of RCD and to ensure selectivity upstream from the charging equipment.
BS 7671:2018+A1:2020, Regulation 722.531.2.101 requires the charging point to be RCD protected by its own RCD of at least a Type A, having a residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA. It is likely that the RCD will be installed within the charging equipment, but this must be verified with the supplier of the charging equipment.
The IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment installation provides guidance.
Can I use a PME earthing system for electric vehicle charging equipment?
BS 7671:2018+A1:2020, does not preclude the use of PME earthing arrangements, but you have to use one of the five methods and it’s not easy to meet the requirements of Regulation using one of the five methods listed.
However, new products are emerging which feature such safety devices incorporated within the charging equipment. It’s important to remember that it is the electrical designer’s responsibility, to establish that the manufacturer of the equipment, has ensured that the equipment meets the relevant European Directive(s).
Creating a TT earthing system for charging equipment as an alternative to using a PME earthing facility with one of the five methods listed may not be an appropriate solution due to the inability to provide sufficient separation from buried metalwork connected to the supply PEN conductor.
Regulation 722.411.4.1 states that a PME earthing facility shall not be used when charging outdoors unless one of the five methods are used.
- Balanced three-phase installation, or
- the main earthing terminal of the installation is connected to an additional earth electrode, or
- a device which electrically disconnects line, neutral and protective earth connections, when the supply voltage is greater than 70 V between the protective conductor and Earth, or
- a device which electrically disconnects line, neutral and protective earth connections, when the supply voltage is greater than 253 V or less than 207 V rms, or
- an alternative device to point 3 or 4 which does not result in a lesser degree of safety.
The IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation provides further guidance.
What is the requirement for testing an RCD associated with an EV charging point, as part of an EV charging installation process?
Any RCD(s) associated with an EV Charging installation, should be tested in accordance with BS 7671:2018+Amd1:2020, Regulation 643.8.
Best practice would suggest that this also includes any RCD forming part of the charger equipment itself, thereby helping protect the installer’s future liability.
Such RCD testing will require suitable test equipment appropriate to the Type of RCD provided, and be undertaken taking account of the RCD or charging equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
The requirement for regular testing at six monthly intervals, using the test button (if fitted), should also be brought to the attention of the client.