Duffy Electrical Services Ltd

Duffy Electrical Services LtdDuffy Electrical Services LtdDuffy Electrical Services Ltd

Duffy Electrical Services Ltd

Duffy Electrical Services LtdDuffy Electrical Services LtdDuffy Electrical Services Ltd
  • Home
  • Napit/Trustmark
  • Our Services
  • Services
    • Installation Work
    • Inspection and Testing
    • Consumer Unit Replacement
    • Smart Home Technology
    • Fire Alarm Systems
    • E.V Charging points
  • Contact Us
  • Pricing
  • More
    • Home
    • Napit/Trustmark
    • Our Services
    • Services
      • Installation Work
      • Inspection and Testing
      • Consumer Unit Replacement
      • Smart Home Technology
      • Fire Alarm Systems
      • E.V Charging points
    • Contact Us
    • Pricing
  • Home
  • Napit/Trustmark
  • Our Services
  • Services
    • Installation Work
    • Inspection and Testing
    • Consumer Unit Replacement
    • Smart Home Technology
    • Fire Alarm Systems
    • E.V Charging points
  • Contact Us
  • Pricing

Electric Vehicle Charging Points

Making the choice to drive electric is one way you're helping reduce your carbon footprint. Every switch to an EV makes a difference.


Electric vehicles (EV) are becoming more popular, and it seems that this trend is only going to continue.

It’s predicted that at least two thirds of global car sales will be electric by 2040.

So, where does that leave drivers in the UK and what does the future hold for the automotive industry?


The sale of new Petrol and Diesel cars will end in 2030 in the UK.


The decision was announced by the UK Government in a bid to tackle climate change and create jobs in industries such as nuclear energy.

From 2030, petrol and diesel cars will still be available second hand. However, with no new models allowed to be sold, they'll eventually all be replaced by electric cars.


The sale of hybrid vehicles in the UK will end in 2035.


So..... what does that mean for drivers?...well, if you are going to buy an EV, you will need somewhere to charge it up.

Types of EV Charging

There are three main types of EV charging – rapid, fast, and slow. These represent the power outputs, and therefore charging speeds, available to charge an EV. Note that power is measured in kilowatts (kW). Higher the kW, the faster the charge.


Rapid - DC Chargepoints that you will find at Services Stations, Supermarkets or Dedicated DC charging points. Charging your car, possibly, in less than an hour

Fast - Charging points that are installed at your home or office, standard 7kW power giving charging capability from around 4-10 hours, dependent on your needs.

Slow - Generally, manufacturer issued leads that plug into a standard home socket outlet that can take up to 20 hours to charge your vehicle.


Each charger type has an associated set of connectors which are designed for low- or high-power use, and for either AC or DC charging. 


Check out this great link for more information.

https://www.zap-map.com/charge-points/connectors-speeds/ 

Choosing a Chargepoint/Tariff

With an ever increasing EV market and an abundance of chargepoints to choose from, is it any wonder that new EV owners struggle to choose a chargepoint thats right for them.


Generally, one that looks nice on the wall or matches the car is a common choice, but with the current climate we find ourselves in, more and more EV owners are looking closely at manufacturers that little bit more and what they can offer. 


Despite the current energy crisis, you can still save money as an EV owner, you may just need the "Triangle of Smartness"...... Smart Meter, Smart Tariff, Smart Chargepoint.... If used together then you should definitely save money against petrol/diesel over time.


Smart Tariffs


How do EV Tariffs work ?


EV tariffs are specifically designed for owners of electric vehicles who want to be able to charge them at home in the most affordable way. Electricity is used to charge the vehicle, so it makes sense that electricity suppliers should offer specific tariffs for EV owners.

These tariffs usually offer a lower rate per unit of electricity used at night, with the rationale that car owners can charge overnight when they’re less likely to be away from home, and therefore pay less to do so. 

It’s also worth noting that most, if not all, of these electric car tariffs will require you to have a smart meter so the supplier can track your usage at different times of the day and charge you the right amount (i.e. less for the lower night-time hours). If you don’t (or can’t) have a smart meter, you probably won’t be able to take advantage of these EV charging tariffs.


Which Energy suppliers have the best EV tariffs. ?


As the EV market grows, so does the demand from drivers for EV-specific tariffs. As a result, the number of suppliers offering those tariffs has grown over the past couple of years. With the ongoing energy crisis leading to high prices and many small suppliers going out of business, you’ll likely only find EV energy tariffs from bigger suppliers. 


Clink this great link for more information


https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/ev-energy-tariffs/


OZEV Grant Schemes

Despite the EV Homecharge Scheme finishing earlier this year, there are still several grants available which potentially could save you £350 - ££850 dependant on your installation.


These grants are now available for:-


Workplace Charging Scheme.

Flat owner-occupiers and people living in rental properties.

Chargepoint and Infrastructure grant for landlords.

Infrastructure grant for residential car parks.

Infrastructure grants for staff and fleets.


If you live in small apartment block/flat, not necessarily on the ground floor, with a dedicated parking bay, you now have the opportunity to install a chargepoint.


Contact us for a free survey to evaluate an installation for you.


To see if you are eligible for a government grant, contact us or visit the OZEV link. 


https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-grants-for-low-emission-vehicles


PEN Fault Detection ( Tesla owners please note )

Sorry, but now the boring stuff, that EV owners probably don't know about but need to !!!


What is PME Fault Detection?


A Protective Multiple Earth (PME) system is wired in many UK homes. In a PME system, the home’s earth wiring is connected to the neutral conductor at the mains supply connection point entering the home. The combined Protective Earth and Neutral (PEN) is then earthed multiple times on its route back to the sub-station. The low impedance path provided between neutral, and earth ensures RCDs fitted in the home consumer unit reliably detect earth faults.

A home EV charge point when installed is connected to the same point, allowing the PEN conductor to provide connection back to earth.


A possible fault condition in a PME system occurs when due to a break in the PEN conductor the home appliances appear dead. However, if a device is turned ON the neutral will rise to the live potential, and so too will earth as this is also connected to the house neutral. Under this fault condition RCDs no longer provide fault protection.


Inside the home the danger is low as no potential difference exists between the live, neutral and earth conductors to do any harm. However, if a vehicle is connected to the charge point and earthed inside the home this provides high risk of electric shock due to the potential difference between vehicle chassis and external ground. If a person stood on the ground touches the vehicle chassis, they could complete the earth’s path to ground and experience an electric shock.


The IET Wiring Regulations have addressed this problem on the installation of EV charge points for domestic and Commercial installations.

Protecting a person in the event of this fault condition can be achieved by either installation of an earth rod at the charge point, or through PEN fault detection and isolation of vehicle from home live, neutral and earth. One or the other is Mandatory......


Most EV manufacturers are now integrating this PEN fault detection within their chargepoints so there is no need for a separate device. Unfortunately, at the moment and at time of writing, the TESLA WALL CONNECTOR GEN 3 does not have this built in protection, hence the relatively low unit cost compared to other brands. The cost of a PEN fault device will push the price up to be in comparison with other brands.

Surge Protection

What does Surge Protection do ?


A surge pro­tec­tion device is de­signed to pro­tect elec­trical devices such as com­puters and TV's and certainly EV equipment from voltage spikes. The surge pro­tec­tion device (SPD) at­tempts to lessen the voltage sup­plied to an elec­trical device by either block­ing or short­ing to earth any un­wanted voltages above a safe stand­ard.


Do you really need Surge Protection ?


If elec­trical equip­ment is used then a surge pro­tec­tion device is def­in­itely needed as elec­trical equip­ment comes with sens­it­ive com­pon­ents that could be dam­aged very eas­ily. A surge pro­tec­tion device will in­crease the longev­ity of elec­trical equip­ment.

Additionally, certain regulations such as the IET 18th edition standards both advise and recommend the installation of electrical protection in industrial environments. Transient voltage and power surges can present a great risk to both individuals and equipment, which is why the role that surge protection plays should not be overlooked when it comes to safety.


What is a Surge Protection device ?


An (SPD) is an electrical surge protection device. On new installations they are typically installed in Consumer Units to protect all the circuits, this is now a mandatory requirement on new installations.

On existing installations, an SPD may be integrated into a stand alone isolator which, again, would protect your whole installation.

They may also be installed in an EV distribution board if you have no spare ways in your existing Consumer Unit.

These devices are designed to protect against electrical surges and power spikes, including those caused by lightning and are intended to protect everyday household equipment from such hazards.


The current Wiring Regulations fully recommend that SPD's are 'retrofitted' to existing installations and as Approved Contractors, we will be advising you to do so.


What can we do for you ?


Duffy Electrical Services are authorised by the UK governments Office of Zero Emission Vehicles to install EV Supply equipment and infrastructure both Domestically and Commercially.

Whether you require a 7.4kW Home Charger or a 22kW 3 phase unit for your commercial premises or car park, we offer a service that will meet your needs.


We are approved partners of several EV equipment manufacturers, so you can be sure you are in good hands when it comes to your EV installation. 


Approved Partners (click for link )

Small selection of recent installs

    Copyright © 2023 Duffy Electrical Services Ltd - All Rights Reserved.

    Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder

    • Privacy Policy

    D.E.S... Surging forward with EV Charging !!

    Welcome! Check out our Electrical Vehicle Charging page 

    Learn More