Leaving the trickle charger outdoors overnight/in bad weather.

cambo1982

cambo1982

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MG5 Exclusive LR
Recently got an MG5 and for a variety of reasons (cost, old house wiring needing upgrade) we're going to hold off investing in a 7kW external charger.

Instead we've gotten an electrician to install a regular weather-sealed 13A socket outside that we can plug the trickle charger into so we dangle extension cords out windows.

Just wondering what people typically do here re: bad weather/security. Do you have a lockbox you place the charger in. Is it ok getting wet/dirty. Can't find any info anywhere re: standard practice.

Cheers
 
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cambo1982 said:
Instead we've gotten an electrician to install a regular weather-sealed 13A socket
Click to expand...
I hope he installed one suitable for an EV, rather than a 'regular' socket?

I'm not a sparky, but AFAIAA, IET Wiring Regulations specify that 13A UK sockets which are installed to charge an EV must comply with BS 1363-2 and be marked ‘EV’ on the back of the socket and only single sockets can be used.

Edited to add: Sorry, ignore that... just spotted you're in Ireland, so no doubt have different regulations over there!
 
Yeah sorry regular meaning "3 pin plug" as opposed to a CCS charger. but yes it's rated for the amperage and outdoors. Sparky was above board and not a cowboy 👍

Was more concerned about the granny cable itself. and whether the big transformer block in the middle of it was weather sealed.
 
It should be IP65 or 66 rated for ingress resistance. Have a look on the attached label.

As long as the car is locked the connector will be locked into the charging port.
 
cambo1982 said:
Recently got an MG5 and for a variety of reasons (cost, old house wiring needing upgrade) we're going to hold off investing in a 7kW external charger.

Instead we've gotten an electrician to install a regular weather-sealed 13A socket outside that we can plug the trickle charger into so we dangle extension cords out windows.

Just wondering what people typically do here re: bad weather/security. Do you have a lockbox you place the charger in. Is it ok getting wet/dirty. Can't find any info anywhere re: standard practice.

Cheers
Click to expand...
You could get a 32A (Blue 'Commando' Camp site) socket installed instead.
Then get a charger similar in size to charge up at 7kW at night.
This one (or similar)
 
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Oh OK - In my case I just fitted a cable suitable to carry 32A back to a RCBO/Trip Switch suitable for that current.

The cable runs from the main 'fuse board' out to the front porch.

I did use the 13A cable out to the 'granny charger'.
That charger had no issues with rain or storms.
 
Mines plugged in the garage, with the car end left on the drive coming out under garage door. Been meaning to fit some kind of hook to get it up off the floor. Bit worried about the cap icing on in cold weather, and the caps zigzaggy retaining plastic string snapped (more brittle on cold or just my ham fistedness?)
 
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