2 Way Metal Enclosure c/w 40A Type A Double Pole RCBO

Description

2 Way Metal Enclosure c/w 40A Type A Double Pole RCBO. Circuit protection unit for EV installations, electric car chargers

Are RCDs required to supply a car charger?

Yes, regulation 722.531.3 requires that an RCD (Max 30mA) supplies a car charger and the RCD shall disconnect all live conductors.  This means, it also includes the Neutral therefore the single-pole RCBOs should not be used for this application.

Some car charger manufacturers quote an RDC-DD, what is this? 

An RDC-DD is a ‘Residual Direct Current – Disconnecting Device’.  This is often built within the car charger equipment to monitor and if necessary disconnect should any DC problems appear on the AC side of the installation, which could affect the operation of RCDs

If a car charger does not have any RDC-DD then what type of RCD is required?

If the car charger does not have any RDC-DD then you will need a Type B RCD supplying the car charger. This is because Type B can detect this DC, still work and disconnect if required.

If a car charger does not have any RDC-DD then what type of RCD is required? 

If the car charger does not have any RDC-DD then you will need a Type B RCD supplying the car charger. This is because Type B can detect this DC, still work and disconnect if required.

What type of RCD should be used if the car charger has an RCD-DD that will detect and disconnect any DC issues above 6mA?

In this case, a Type A RCD can be used. This is because Type A can still work correctly up to a level of 6mA DC.  Over 6mA however, this Type-A device could be affected and possibly blinded and potentially stop working.  This is the preferred option as Type A are now very common and lowest price.  Therefore most car charger manufacturers have a 6mA RDC-DD built-in.