Another home charger recommendation thread..

sparrowcar

Hi all,

Taking delivery of an Outlander PHEV next week and just received the home charger grant approval letter.

I'm no electrition so will need to get this professionally done. Based in swords so looking for recommendations of licensed installers? Or suggested chargers and source my own electrician?

Thanks in advance.

sparrowcar

Anyone?

goz83

Can't really give recommendations, but you need a RECI electrician.

When calling for quotes, don't tell them it's an EV charge point. Get quoted for a 32A external socket.

If you have an electric shower, you will likely need to have a priority board installed too. Get the quote first before showing them your "external socket" and have them complete the paper work for the grant where appropriate.

_dof_

You can get 16A or 32A chargers, but don't even consider 16A, go for 32A.

I would recommend the Zappi, which you can get from electricautos.ie. It's 585 euros, or at least it was last time I checked.

It's a little bit more expensive than the simple ones like the Rolec, and it's bigger on the wall, but it has more features.
For example, it has built in recording of all the details of the charge sessions, if you want a meter on the rolec it costs extra.

If you have an electric shower you would need to get a priority switch installed if you used a simpler charger, which is around 200 euros.
The Zappi has a built-in feature the allows you to limit the whole house current, so if the electric shower is on, the Zappi would reduce the current being set to the car to keep the whole house current below the set limit (which you need to configure). So, no priority switch needed.

Then it also allows solar panels to be used, and it can ensure that any spare electricity from the panels is used to charge the car instead of sending it to the grid.

If you had 2 electric cars in the future, with 2 charges, then the 2 Zappis can communicate to each other to control the flow to each.

Finally, they're planning to release an internet hub which would allow you to connect to the Zappi over the net apparently allowing control and download of logs etc.

I got my local electrician to install it, he charged around 180 for parts (excluding the Zappi of course) and labour.

sparrowcar

_dof_ wrote: »

You can get 16A or 32A chargers, but don't even consider 16A, go for 32A.

I would recommend the Zappi, which you can get from electricautos.ie. It's 585 euros, or at least it was last time I checked.

It's a little bit more expensive than the simple ones like the Rolec, and it's bigger on the wall, but it has more features.
For example, it has built in recording of all the details of the charge sessions, if you want a meter on the rolec it costs extra.

If you have an electric shower you would need to get a priority switch installed if you used a simpler charger, which is around 200 euros.
The Zappi has a built-in feature the allows you to limit the whole house current, so if the electric shower is on, the Zappi would reduce the current being set to the car to keep the whole house current below the set limit (which you need to configure). So, no priority switch needed.

Then it also allows solar panels to be used, and it can ensure that any spare electricity from the panels is used to charge the car instead of sending it to the grid.

If you had 2 electric cars in the future, with 2 charges, then the 2 Zappis can communicate to each other to control the flow to each.

Finally, they're planning to release an internet hub which would allow you to connect to the Zappi over the net apparently allowing control and download of logs etc.

I got my local electrician to install it, he charged around 180 for parts (excluding the Zappi of course) and labour.

Many thanks for detailed reply.
If I wasn't interested in logs and connection etc and have a power shower and no electric shower planned would I be ok with a basic Rolec or am I future proofing with a zappi?

goz83

sparrowcar wrote: »

Many thanks for detailed reply.
If I wasn't interested in logs and connection etc and have a power shower and no electric shower planned would I be ok with a basic Rolec or am I future proofing with a zappi?

The Zappi wasn't available when I got my rolec. I would have probably gone for a Zappi. What I like about my rolec is that mine has a 13A domestic socket built into it so I can plug in the power tools outside.....or the hoover.

If you want cheap....look online for used units.

_dof_

sparrowcar wrote: »

Many thanks for detailed reply.
If I wasn't interested in logs and connection etc and have a power shower and no electric shower planned would I be ok with a basic Rolec or am I future proofing with a zappi?

If you won't ever need the features, then don't spend the extra. Like goz says, you could get a second had Rolec reasonably cheap, and if the electrician is reasonable too, maybe the whole lot would come in under the 600 grant.

The grant would still cover second hand chargers, the electrician just has to certify the cost of the parts to put that into the grant application, you don't need to include receipts for the charger.

sparrowcar

_dof_ wrote: »

If you won't ever need the features, then don't spend the extra. Like goz says, you could get a second had Rolec reasonably cheap, and if the electrician is reasonable too, maybe the whole lot would come in under the 600 grant.

The grant would still cover second hand chargers, the electrician just has to certify the cost of the parts to put that into the grant application, you don't need to include receipts for the charger.

No problem paying for a new Rolec.
Is that the best option for basic charging?
Where is considered a good place to buy online?
Thanks again.

goz83

I got mine at evonestop.co.uk

They aren’t cheap. The basic untethered unit will cost around €400 where the tethered one with the extra socket costs around €500.

Rafal

Contact Nigel Daly, NMD, on 0862589432. He and his company install chargepoints country-wide. I had mine done by him over two years ago and I am still very happy with the quality of the work and the after-service. You get all the proper installation paperwork with it too.

You can read about my installation here: https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057538444

unkel

Rafal wrote: »

Contact Nigel Daly, NMD, on 0862589432. He and his company install chargepoints country-wide. I had mine done by him over two years ago and I am still very happy with the quality of the work and the after-service. You get all the proper installation paperwork with it too.

He installed mine too last year and did a sound job. That was under the previous scheme though, so my installation was free.

I wonder what his labour charge is should you provide all the materials yourself (for a basic installation)? Or even his charge for labour and parts should you provide just the charger yourself

sparrowcar

thanks all, having looked into whats been suggested and elsewhere I've decided to go with a 32amp tethered type 1. I believe you can get a type 1 to type 2 adapter for any future change in cars. No electric shower so priority switch not needed.

is this a good job for the money and what I'm looking for?

https://evonestop.co.uk/collections/mitsubishi-outlander-phev/products/wallpod-ev-homecharge-j1772-type-1-tethered-lead-5m-1

many thanks again

goz83

I would spend the extra £60 and get the one with the included domestic socket. If for nothing else, it comes in handy if someone else with an EV wanted to plug in with their granny cable.

Also the socket holder which is built into the basic unit makes the unit much more intrusive. I installed an L bracket in the wall so the charge handle doesnt stick out when holstered. With the unit linked below, you should get a plug mount for the wall.

https://evonestop.co.uk/collections/wall-mounted-chargers/products/wallpod-ev-multi-mode-j1772-type-1-tethered-cable-5m?variant=40494191300

sparrowcar

goz83 wrote: »

I would spend the extra £60 and get the one with the included domestic socket. If for nothing else, it comes in handy if someone else with an EV wanted to plug in with their granny cable.

Also the socket holder which is built into the basic unit makes the unit much more intrusive. I installed an L bracket in the wall so the charge handle doesnt stick out when holstered. With the unit linked below, you should get a plug mount for the wall.

https://evonestop.co.uk/collections/wall-mounted-chargers/products/wallpod-ev-multi-mode-j1772-type-1-tethered-cable-5m?variant=40494191300

Agreed makes sense. Many thanks for your help.
Will order that this evening.

sparrowcar

Just had an RECI sparks try to quote me €550 for instal of above unit. That seems crazy?
Its going on the outside wall and inside of same wall is the fuse board. Modern house with no priority switch required.

It's very pricy no?

goz83

The mistake you made was telling him its an electric vehicle charger. Tell any RECI that you need a 32A outdoor socket installed and you are supplying the socket.

sparrowcar

goz83 wrote: »

The mistake you made was telling him its an electric vehicle charger. Tell any RECI that you need a 32A outdoor socket installed and you are supplying the socket.

Why does make a difference. Is it some scam with them knowing you are getting a grant so overcharging you?

goz83

sparrowcar wrote: »

Why does make a difference. Is it some scam with them knowing you are getting a grant so overcharging you?

In most cases, I suspect yes. But even when there was no grant, people were getting silly quotes...myself included. I think it's a combination of the grant, an assumption that you have money to burn because you have an EV....and because most RECIs haven't installed a charge point yet.

It's no more complicated than installing an external socket, other than the fact that it's bigger. So, tell them you're supplying your own socket and they can supply the cable.

sparrowcar

goz83 wrote: »

In most cases, I suspect yes. But even when there was no grant, people were getting silly quotes...myself included. I think it's a combination of the grant, an assumption that you have money to burn because you have an EV....and because most RECIs haven't installed a charge point yet.

It's no more complicated than installing an external socket, other than the fact that it's bigger. So, tell them you're supplying your own socket and they can supply the cable.

Ok will try that approach so and thanks.

spuddy

goz83 wrote: »

I would spend the extra £60 and get the one with the included domestic socket. If for nothing else, it comes in handy if someone else with an EV wanted to plug in with their granny cable.

Also the socket holder which is built into the basic unit makes the unit much more intrusive. I installed an L bracket in the wall so the charge handle doesnt stick out when holstered. With the unit linked below, you should get a plug mount for the wall.

https://evonestop.co.uk/collections/wall-mounted-chargers/products/wallpod-ev-multi-mode-j1772-type-1-tethered-cable-5m?variant=40494191300

Is there any issue with claiming the grant against purchases you made yourself and / or in another currency?

goz83

spuddy wrote: »

Is there any issue with claiming the grant against purchases you made yourself and / or in another currency?

No. The electrician just signs off on the cost.

traco

Howdy - I've no EV at present but imagine that at some point it will happen.

Mrs Traco has decided the front garden / driveway et all needs a revamp so if its getting dug up then I think its the ideal time to lay some trunking. My thinking is as per the sketch below. I was going to put down 50/60mm trunking as on the link and run it to the orange locations where chargers could be connected in future.

Does this seem like a logical layout? Have I missed anything? Should I go with larger trunking? The fuesbox is essentially on the wall inside the meter box.

Input welcome.

Link to trunking:
https://www.goodwins.ie/50mm-amp-60mm-ducting/c-538.html

Garden

goz83

Good plan. My CP is on the far side of the gas meter and I plan to have a second CP directly across from it in the future. The wall up at the gate end would not be a good plan in most cases because it will likely be planted.

traco

goz83 wrote: »

Good plan. My CP is on the far side of the gas meter and I plan to have a second CP directly across from it in the future. The wall up at the gate end would not be a good plan in most cases because it will likely be planted.

Cheers, There's a tree in they right top corner and its staying. I was just going to run trunking to there just in case as I was figuring its better to be looking at it rather than for it?? There's lot of space on the walls underneath it although it is awkward to get in at it.



Any thoughts on the trunking dimensions and where would I find specs that say what depth it should be at? I intend to just throw i some lines to pull cables in the future as I don't know what future chargers will require.

goz83

The standard depth I believe is 24 inches. You would need to be running 10mm SWA for sure over to tree if/when hooking it up. Not sure if there are any trunking requirements in general....I would be inclined to use 40mm pvc pipe after confirming it's ok to use as trunking. Solvent welding would keep it dry inside.

traco

goz83 wrote: »

The standard depth I believe is 24 inches. You would need to be running 10mm SWA for sure over to tree if/when hooking it up. Not sure if there are any trunking requirements in general....I would be inclined to use 40mm pvc pipe after confirming it's ok to use as trunking. Solvent welding would keep it dry inside.

24" - that'll be interesting but hopefully doable.



I was looking at this trunking, has the large radius bends also. More expensive than the PVC pipe and was going to bring it up and cap as suggested. Although the PVC pipe propably has more unions and fittings for truns / outlets etc





https://www.goodwins.ie/50mm-amp-60m...ing/c-538.html

spuddy

goz83 wrote: »

No. The electrician just signs off on the cost.

How exactly do they sign it off? i.e. do you tell them what you spent, and they record the amount, convert to euro etc?

ted1

Just run the SWA now don’t bother with the trunking.

sparrowcar

Sparks here today installing my charger. Just realised that the 5m cable is a bit short. Will only be able to park the car one way and not both ways in driveway.

Anyone recommend where to buy an extension cable? For a rolec type 1 for an Outlander PHEV.

Cheers

Edit: anyone reading this for future reference get a 10m cable, 5M is surprisingly short.

cros13

You can't really safely extend the cable. What you can do is purchase the 10 meter cable as a spare part.

unkel

I had a 15m cable made to order, which is a perfect fit for my driveway.

spuddy

Had my charge point installed by NMD, after reading favourable reviews on boards. Can't fault the job, top class.
One example of why it's a good idea to go to the experts, they've got all the right equipment. In my case they had a test unit for my Rolec charge point... much better than making my car the test!

unkel

Would you mind sharing what the install cost, spuddy? Broken down in what the charger cost you and what the install cost you in parts and labour? As detailed as possible please. It could help other people making up their mind about going for an EV. Those people only know they get €600 subsidy, but most of them have no idea how much the total net cost might be to them.

sparrowcar

My expenses

Charger: Rolec J1772 type 1 with outdoor socket. Ordered with parcel motel all in for €540 from EVonestop in the UK.

Install with RECI sparks for €340 including vat. Got my cert 3, test cert and completed grant form back from him. He also gave my fuse board a good examination (ooh errr).

Talk of it being an €100 job on here but that price is few and far between I would imagine. It took a very competent sparks 4 hours to install mine which made me happy he was being particular. He had done about 5 previous charger installs and said they are all different depending on placement and what's behind the walls you are drilling into.

Total spend was €880 and net spend after grant refund of €600 will be €280.

unkel

Was there anything non standard in your install, sparrowcar?

My install was as standard as they get. Charger on outside wall of the house. Consumer unit on inside of the same wall, just a few meters away. Nigel Daly man took not an awful lot longer than about 1-1:30 hours to complete the (very tidy) job. My install was completely free under the old scheme. But if I had to pay for it myself I guess for a call out charge, a €25 RCBO and €15 worth of cabling for a 1:30 hour job would be around €120-€180

Any reason you went for the Rolec, I presume the outdoor socket? If I had to pay for it out of my own pocket now, I would go for a smart Zappi for not much more than the €540 you paid

sparrowcar

No pretty standard I would imagine. I received 3 quotes all in excess of €500 so was happy with what I paid in the end.

I went for the rolec for the outdoor socket but also don't require a smart function on a charger if I'm honest. Looked at the zappi and don't require all the bells and whistles.