Does a Tesla Gen 3 Wall Connector (EVSE) require a Type B RCD?

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wonderstuff

110 posts

Master Geek

#303640 24-Feb-2023 17:01

Hi all,

I am having a discussion with my electrician who believes that all EVSE's require a Type B RCD, even the Tesla Wall Connector.

He sites a Worksafe guidance quoting Electrolink Issue 135 that states:

However, I also note from the Tesla Gen 3 Wall Connector Install Guide https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/support/charging/Gen3_WallConnector_Installation_Manual_AU_NZ.pdf

Does anyone know whether the Worksafe guidance has changed? and whether a Type B RCD is still a requirement?

michaelmurfy

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#3041463 24-Feb-2023 17:14

Nope. I have got one installed and my Sparky said it doesn't require a Type B RCD, it has leakage detection built in.

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SomeoneSomewhere

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#3041529 24-Feb-2023 18:33

The 'guidelines' are not 'law' as such. If you comply with 3000, you're compliant... but worksafe really, really, really wants you to follow the guidance.

There's an addendum to the guidelines now: https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/dmsdocument/22031-addendum-to-electric-vehicle-charging-safety-guidelines-2nd-edition/latest

I think they're still saying you need to have the type B RCD for a residential install, but it's a mess:

> 2. Where any safety function is not provided as part
of the installed charging station or IC-CPD, the
safety function shall be installed at the origin
of the supplying final subcircuit.

Exception proves the rule, so if your IC-CPD/EVSE contains the required safety functions, you don't need them at the board?

> 3. Where an EVSE is installed at a residential
installation, the charging final subcircuit shall
be protected by a type B RCD and the subcircuit
shall originate from a MEN switchboard.

But if it's residential, you must have a type B at the board, and lesser known, it must be an MEN board. I thought previously they were stating that it must be an MSB or a non-MEN sub-board because they don't want people using MEN subboards where a submain neutral is also acting as an earth...

> Use of RDC-DDs

> While the guidelines do not recognise the use of an RDC-DD incorporated into an IC-CPD, they do not prevent the use of an RDC-DD in compliance with IEC 62955 in combination with a type A RCD as an alternative to the use of a type B RCD, provided the RDC-DD and the type A RCD are installed in accordance with the relevant IEC Standards.

> While the guidelines do not recognise the use of EVSE that incorporates a type B RCD, they do not restrict the use of EVSE that incorporates a type B RCD without the need to install a Type B RCD protecting the final subcircuit.

Sounds like a "you're on your own".

> Note: AS/NZS 3000 requires an RCD that provides protection for new final subcircuits installed in a residential installation.

Noting that if you do choose to rely on the RDC-DD or type B RCD integrated into the IC-CPD/EVSE, residential installations still need at least a type A RCD protecting the subcircuit cabling*. Which implies that you can choose to rely on the onboard protection in a residential situation.

* Which is incorrect, as it's only circuits feeding socket-outlets, lighting, or directly-connected handheld equipment like hair-dryers or tools that require an RCD per 3000. RCDs are not required by 3000 on other circuits such as ovens, water heaters, AC units, and presumably EVSE.

Our regulators need a good slapping.

wonderstuff

110 posts

Master Geek

#3041539 24-Feb-2023 18:51

Yeah it is pretty confusing for end customers and electricians.

I was looking through a few other websites too.

Another website to look at is Evnex, which is a NZ designer and manufacturer of EV chargers. On their site they have this page: https://www.evnex.com/articles/ev-charging-and-type-b-rcds

This essentially repeats what you have stated above.

Here is a thread on the Tesla Motors Club forum about Gen 3 charger installations in NZ.: https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/gen-3-wall-charger-now-on-the-nz-store.231966/

So it seems acceptable to not need a Type B.

michaelmurfy

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#3041579 24-Feb-2023 19:34

Just a note - the Gen 2 Tesla wall connector does require a Type B RCD. The Gen 3 doesn't.

During provisioning it has a switch for it in the installer settings and explains what it does:

Do note, while I have a wall connector and have a knowledge about these sorts of things I am not a Sparky. Please ensure you consult with a Sparky and have them configure the wall connector for you (or have them guide you through it) as entering the wrong settings can be dangerous. My Sparky is really knowledgeable about these and he did state the Type B is not required but I do however have a Type A RCD dedicated to the charger.

SomeoneSomewhere

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#3041638 24-Feb-2023 22:05

Ground (continuity) monitoring is not the same as leakage current detection.