Request a quote from Artisan Electrics here - app.openquote.net/company/artisanelectrics

Brilliant bit of advice here. My local supplier stopped getting in the Rolec EV chargers and kept saying there were issues with the internal RCBO. Nice to see the issue first hand. Thanks for sharing this one Jordan. 👍🏼

I only install Zappi's. I stopped fitting Rolec's the minute they said I had to have their test equipment to be an approved installer!

Literally said to myself "Need big Clive to take a look at that" 20 seconds before you said it 🤣. Deffo send it over, looking forward to seeing what went wrong.

Another great video! So interesting and i'm learning loads!! And even cleaning the unit for the customer! Im mega impressed!

Happy to see Rolec have updated their rcd, according to other comments. Customer service is king. But i like ones you install with inbuilt PEN fault detection. Rolec need to get with the program.

Looking forward to BigClive ripping into that :D

@zjzozn

3 жыл бұрын

A sledge hammer or vice should fix that 😂

@muzikman2008

3 жыл бұрын

@@zjzozn "The vice of knowledge" lol :-)

@aaronbrandenburg2441

3 жыл бұрын

He should send it to big Clive!

@aaronbrandenburg2441

3 жыл бұрын

Actually is that are CT looks very familiar from Big Core I5 or new beat was just breaker but he did have something like that in a video that looked almost identical down I think of it and he had similar devices are there before so very possible that was something just so we're looking but I think that he has done at least one video on our CDs that if they hold and I know for sure there is at least one device that looked like that on the side that had failed in that way so yeah think it's been done maybe not this particular one but one is very similar or a rcd like that Libby was just a breaker can't remember.

@BoHolbo

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve just watched BigClives video of him taking it apart, and it does look a wee bit sooty! A bit of a skid mark, as it were.. 😏

Mate of mine had one of those Rolec chargepoints, had this same (known) issue multiple times. I posted him an ABB type A RCD with an amperage ratting triple the constant current demand of the EV. Walked him through the swap via video-call. No problem since. Rolec wasn't well pleased, but it was near end of warranty anyway.

I've been finding loads of faulty rolec units over the last year at clients homes . I always recommend to my customer to rip these pieces of crap out and get something decent like a Zappi. People will spend 50k on a ev but will happily have a cheap substandard ev charger installed . The crook ev charger installers who sub contract the work out aren't helping the problem with the race to the bottom prices. I'm glad there is fellow sparks like you Jordan who use the best of materials. Good video as always

@grahamlush7140

3 жыл бұрын

Your dead right, same is going on in Ireland. Complete race to the bottom! The amount of shite chargers out there.

@edc1569

3 жыл бұрын

If you don't need the features of the Zappi then there's little point paying for them, plenty of cheaper reliable chargers.

@CarlosArruda77

3 жыл бұрын

Imagine when the big metering contractors (I'm a meter fitter myself but electrician too) start fitting them with engineers whose only electric background is to install a meter! When they see an old 14th or 15th edition storage heaters setup with a contractor and a stand alone RCD and they're first instinct is to strip the lot, leave the RCD, remove the contactor and install a 5 port meter. Then the next day there's a call out cause customer has no power. RCD did its job once the 5 port in the meter kicked in and cut the power due to an imbalance in current.

My Rolec is about the same age, been waiting for this to happen! Love your work, we live in Norwich and may get in contact next year to go over our electrics and get them tip top. Keep up the good content, cheers

@artisanelectrics

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome thanks

@docdr7199

Жыл бұрын

Has it happened yet?

Came over from BigClive's video...liked what I saw and immediately subbed :)

Great Job You did replace the new safety switch. Thumb up! Cheer!!!!!!!

Electric Vehicle Chargers I do fit: Zappi: kzread.info/dash/bejne/c6aJz5mNc9Wpk9I.html Andersen: kzread.info/dash/bejne/iouimpVuis-WaZs.html EO: kzread.info/dash/bejne/hJyYr6-mg6rfcps.html

@RealFrenchWill

3 жыл бұрын

and your new favourite.. Hypervolt! kzread.info/dash/bejne/pYBtw6iwqrq5p6Q.html

@RealFrenchWill

3 жыл бұрын

Only discovered your content. Really like the installer point of view on these EV chargers. It's like asking gas installers what boiler they have at home! Have you reviewed the Smart Pro from Indra/Kaluza? Seems like a popular choice but I can't find your video on it. OVO are offering me a Smart Pro or an EO. (looped supply, 100amps, need load balancing, strong wifi signal) Thoughts?

@karlos0993

3 жыл бұрын

Have you tried the ABB chargers at all?

Hi Jordan I was just wondering with the new zappy ev chargers you use do you need a testing unit like the rokec one you used on this video or is that just needed for the old ones like rolec?

Another great video. Hoping the gov grants will extend to other chargers.. Cant wait for Clive cloves vid too 👍👍

I repaired my Rolec from your video, thank you. The problem with them is not the design, it's that if the little perspex panel that covers the RCD is left slightly ajar throughout the winter or damp weather, then corrosion sets in and it fails. Just make sure it's closed properly with the thumb screw and the charger will give many years of service.

Do you happen to know the wiring for the Rolec keyswitch? I can't find any installation instructions but Rolec sell it as an accessory so assume the module supports it as a retro-fit. Thanks.

It seems a shame to give up on Rolec as their main advantage is that they *can* be repaired due to their modularity of design. Compared to just about any other EVSE (charge-point) out there they are not only cheap but use pretty much off-the-shelf components for its entire design (box aside). Other EVSEs simply have one large PCB in them which is unobtainable as a spare part. Therefore you have to scrap the whole thing if this fails - which they do (especially Podpoint and Chargemaster ones) including the expensive cable and plug set. I'd suggest you just put a good quality RCBO in them at time of install. You can even get Type B (with B curve) RCBOs now for reasonable money (~£100). I'd be very interested to see a video explaining the earthing issues with EVSEs... historical and current - if you have the time!

@geofflyon8248

2 жыл бұрын

I have bought a unused rolec evh2020/olev but can’t find any info on wiring diagrams as some of the wires have been disconnected! Any info on this will be appreciated.

A great attitude to your work.

Came here after watching the BigClive tear down video! :D

@umxrr8677

3 жыл бұрын

How did you watch it two weeks before?? Patreon?

@artisanelectrics

3 жыл бұрын

Yep he releases all his videos early for his Patreon Supporters

I found this valuable.. due to get a call from a fitter to have one of these put in. Going to cancel now. As an instumentatiin engineer, I always use ferrules for wiring, pull live wires tighter through from the cable prior to terminating and leave earthing cables cut longer than the others. Great videos and very informative. For a hybrid car charger, what brands or units are going to give reasonable value with safety in mind? thanks

Great video, what is the best budget charger in your option?

I'm always amazed by all the testing you see a typical UK electrician do.. Here in the US that type of testing is simply not done, at least in residential settings.

@westinthewest

3 жыл бұрын

Testing isn't typical here in the UK. I've seen a few houses here in Birmingham where there's been no earth connection for more than forty years, despite a new fuseboard proudly displaying its NICEIC registration sticker.

@Wookey.

3 жыл бұрын

We didn't used to do it here either but we got new rules requiring it some time around the late 1990s after some dodgy kitchen fitters' work electrocuted a politician's daughter. PITA if you are a DIYer because the test kit is expensive (and even if you used it still wouldn't be technically legal). So all but the simplest jobs have been professionalised which makes electrical changes bloody expensive.

@waynecartwright7276

3 жыл бұрын

@@Wookey. it was 2005 when we got part P and BS7671 became building regs

@Wookey.

3 жыл бұрын

@@waynecartwright7276 Thanks - I couldn't be bothered looking it up to check :-)

Did you contact Rolec? Would be nice to know how they responded/ dealt with your recurring issues.

Hi Jordan, have you installed any Wallbox Pulsar Plus units? They appear to have PEN protection built in and I’d appreciate any insight you might have on them. Thanks - I really enjoy your videos. Craig.

Quick question. The replacement parts I get, but who covers your time/cost to repair the unit whilst under warranty? Rolec, or do you have to suck it up? Thanks.

BigClive sent me here, his video is up now :D

@artisanelectrics

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome!

@CJonestheSteam72

3 жыл бұрын

Me too, Wondering from what he said whether the rcd needs to be overrated from what they were on those sort of units?

I work in R&I and I completely understand Jordans insight regarding ground up bespoke ev chargers versus adaptions to fit a new market. The difference is often the quality and accuracy of the market research tensioned against the iron grip accountants have on mediocre research budgets. So far play to myrnergi and Anderson for bold innovation. As a caravan owner rolec points are often troublesome as well, FYI. Not good

What do you think of the newer Rolec Zura & what do you recommend for charging 2 Teslas simultaneously at 11 kW's each ?

So what are you using now as preferred for dwellings with PME?

I had an EV charger fitted a few months back. Was initially going to get a Rolec. Between the time I agreed the installation with the installer and the installation date he said he would not fit a Rolec. He supplied an alternative (better) unit for a slightly higher price. Same issue: lots of RCD failures. But with the additional problem that Rolec would only supply the RCD in warrantee and would not pay for the electricians time to fit it basically expecting the installer to fit for free!

I fitted a Rolec EV CHARGER in may 2019. Customer called me last week to say the charger was making loud noises intermittently. So loud they could hear it from 20m away. Obviously when I checked it it never happened. Rolec said it was probably the contactor making the noise when it was live. So they sent a new contactor and I changed it. No doubt I'll be going back to fix it again.

Big Clive sent me. Good video. Thumbed, Subed, I'm checking out your other posts.

It’s good to see a man take pride in his work 👍

@artisanelectrics

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

Sounds like you need to plan a revisit to all the Rotec installs and upgrade.

The advantage of the ROLEC system is they are serviceable indefinitely, RCBO fails, well you scan swap that - even with another manufacturer, contactor fails, well again you can swap that, controller fails, easily swapped out and there are open source modules that you could swap into the ROLEC with all sorts of functionality if you so desired. Not that this excuses them for using the lowest bidder RCBO in their product for so many years! While with the other manufacturers, anything fails you're potentially chucking the whole thing in the bin - not terribly green.

@atkt62

Жыл бұрын

Consumers take a dim view of products which fail regularly. If your argument was applied to your car would you really persist with it ? I dont think so. If ev charging at home is to become the norm then the chargers must be reliable and durable.

@ikifkif

Жыл бұрын

can you point me to what kind of alternative rcd i can use? thanks

Damn! I've just fit one. Have they superseded the RCBOs now? Are they more reliable?

can i ask you that when you do testing and show the results ie loop fault you say 44ohms is ok but for the apprentices you might mention what the highest limit should be

You said you checked over other connections in the unit. Did you find them tight or had they loosened Off As it’s a normal maintenance procedure to check terminations of this type. Though I wonder if this has had the cover off since fitting . As you say it’s at the cheap end of the market it’s functional. It works . And it complies with the specification of the protocol. That is more than some of the chargers on the market . And as an electrician you are able to repair it quite easy . Contractor, control modual , rcd later ones have the dc leakage detection modual . All modular and easy to repair . I wonder do zappie do a board repair service ? Service exchange main boards. ?

Hi. Which ones do you recommend?

I had the same issue and the crimp on Ferrell's do seem to of made the difference . The terminals had got very hot.

hi, nice vid, but why you don't put another RCD, like Hager or other?

I have had failures at 2 Rolec chargers at 2 separate houses. Both times the RCBO has burned out at the neutral terminal. On the plus side Rolec sent me a replacement RCBO despite the unit being 5 years old.

Thanks Jordan

I had a Rolec installed 3 years ago and one week outside the warranty neither Rolec or the installer ChargedEV were interested, the fault was exactly as you showed, other suppliers wanted to replace the whole system, which I thought was unnecessary. Wouldn’t recommend either brand, I’m having a HyperVolt 2 fitted this week following your favourable review, for £500

Hello, Could you tell me what your Ra was on the rod? You must have installed it to comply with regulation 722.411.4.1 (ii), but that is an unrealistic option with regards PME as you nearly always need to get a

Rolec Switchgear is Chinese made. The MCB’s are the same as CHNT, just rebranded as Rolec. It’s the same manufacturer.

@muzikman2008

3 жыл бұрын

I rest my case Me ludd!...

@martinwinlow

3 жыл бұрын

"Rolec Switchgear is Chinese made..." iPhones are Chinese-made... What's your point?

Nice job and video like always

Super video!

Looking at the Gunk you wiped off look like a seal failure and quite plausible outcome that you have a indoor (garage rated) charger, looking at the damage on the fuse block burnout, would either indicate power spike in charger or water/moisture ingress from the gasket seal. with the disintegration of the gasket you were wiping off with the screw driver would seem to indicate this issue with the charging unit

Was this car pulling 3kw or 7? Just wondering if the RCD can't handle the higher current or if it doesn't matter and rolec burns out regardless

@edc1569

3 жыл бұрын

No doubt more current manifests the problem, it happens over years with progressive excess heating of the internal parts of the RCD, eventually its starts to breakdown and then failure is inevitable. I'd be surprised if anyone with a car with a 3.6kW charger has ever experienced this.

I watched Clive's destruction of the breaker - very interesting how the power factor possibly just making the 40A contacts insufficient.

Got 12 Rolec EV chargers specified on a cambridge project .... this fills me with such confidence lol! Ps keep up the good work on the videos 👍🏻

@oiuslags

3 жыл бұрын

You just need to to tighten up the RCD in the first place and double over the cable so you don’t get hot spots

@mfx1

3 жыл бұрын

@@oiuslags This isn't a loose terminal/cable issue, if it was there would be far more evidence of burning/heat around the terminals, the teardown of the breaker confirms that the heat was generated inside the breaker.

How many of the various manufacturers chargers overheat? Do all ROLEC chargers do it?

Having come here from Big Clive's teardown of that RCD, it looks like a redesign of charger point RCDs to deal with peculiar current spikes of these units may be necessary.

Thanks for this video, it is important to expose poor quality products

Had exactly the same thing on a three phase Rolec. RCD burnt out and the first phase contacts fused together.

At least you can change the faulty component and how many other domestic units pull that current?

I think the problem for the ark burns could be loose connections which I notice you now use ferrules

Jordan.... the copper showing on that RCD???😜😜😜😜😂

This is interesting to hear you talk about separate grounding not touching, here in USA everything I hear is all grounds at a building are always bonded with very heavy cable to ensure all equal potential

@rolfs2165

3 жыл бұрын

In this case it's because the house and the charger use different grounding systems that may not play nice with each other. So you don't want the RCD in the charger to trip and potentially take the whole house with it.

@Sixta16

10 ай бұрын

@@rolfs2165 So what is the reason of having two different grounding systems at one property?

@AWellesley

Ай бұрын

Many houses in the UK use a TNCS earthing system where the earth connection is combined with neutral on the incoming supply cable, split into separate protective earth and neutral (PEN) lines where the supply enters the property. Think about what happens if the combined earth/neutral part of the supply line is interrupted outside the property but the live is still connected. An interrupted PEN could result in increase in the potential difference of any earthed metal surface within the home to dangerous levels. Inside the property there is still a relatively low risk of electric shock as there are few routes back to the real physical earth (the ground outside) to complete a circuit and shock someone, especially in modern homes with mostly plastic pipework. Now consider an electric car sat on a driveway, plugged in and charging. If the PEN connection is interrupted there is a much higher risk of shock as anyone touching the car exterior is also likely to be stood on the ground outside. Modern EVSE units mitigate this risk with PEN fault detectors that disconnect all three conductors in the event of a fault. Before they were commonplace a solution was to not connect the EVSE to the home’s earthing system, but to instead to provide it with its own independent connection to Earth via an earthing rod.

Just came over from Big Clive. 👍😷

How much should I be concerned that I have a Rolec wallpod evhs2020 it doesn’t look like this one though, in mine the RCA is in the consumer unit box not in the charger itself (my top part doesn’t open like this one)

Great !! Ive just ordered one with Halfords 😕😕😕

@artisanelectrics

2 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂

Interesting my Rolec has been working fine for 4 years now.. does this only relate to one type of Rolec Charger?

I have exactly the same unit installed in 2016 and it failed in 2018 and has just failed again. It is now regularly charging 2 EV’s both are 7Kwh. Is it not really up to the job and should I cut my losses and get a cost for changing it to one of the newer and possibly more suitable models or is budgeting for occasional failure of the Rolec one and putting up with it the way to go? Scary to see how burnt out the one you removed was.

@artisanelectrics

3 жыл бұрын

To be honest I would just swap it for a good modern charger with smart capabilities

Nice video 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿 any advice please, I have always interested installing the EV Charger and went on to get the qualifications but need some recommendations how do I register under government scheme as a installer.

@edc1569

3 жыл бұрын

all the info you need is on gov.uk key terms are OLEV installer, I believe Scotland and NI have different schemes

@triplerjm2353

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 🙏🏿 n will look at it.

@WalshelectricalIe

3 жыл бұрын

@@edc1569 no they don't - it's OLEV for all of them. SEAI in the south of Ireland.

Well, couldn't you fit a different rcd (different manufacturer) of the same type in that charger?

@artisanelectrics

3 жыл бұрын

Probably could have but it wouldn’t be type tested for that charger

Big Clive is the master :D

I don't have an EV just yet however I aim to install a GivEnergy system I figure then a GivEnergy charger is probably best too

The RCD might be sub-standard but the overall design of the Rolec looks much better than most domestic EVSEs. I really like that it uses standard DIN mounted modules which can be easily swapped by any electrician. If the RCD burns out on a zappi or a pod point charger then you’re talking about a much more expensive swap of the integrated control PCB, or more realistically just having to replace the entire wall box.

I love your videos !

@artisanelectrics

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I enjoy your video but have no electronic background could you explain the difference types of earth system you talk about

@stuartarnold9444

3 жыл бұрын

TT = earth rod at property. TNCS/PME = earth supplied by the DNO. PEN is the protective earth/neutral conductor (i.e. the earth is tapped off of the incoming neutral conductor that has been earthed multiple times before it enters the property).

could it be like an idea to talk to the customer or even Rolec for another EV-charger instead of that one to eliminate more problems if they appear again?

@millomweb

3 жыл бұрын

Looks like the customer needs to get a decent sparky in on the job. Fancy replacing the contactor with another with the same fault ! Even bigger laugh was putting plastic pipe to that tap and while not connecting the pipe to a source of plastic water ! Having fitted insulated pipe, doesn't look like he did an insulation test on it !

Thumbs up Jordan

To counter all this negativity, I have two rolec chargers. Both in daily use, the first one installed in 2013 second in 2018 and had the 1st RCBO replaced free even though out of warranty when the 2nd was installed. That's 9 years, south facing, in a seaside city with salty air, unshielded from the weather, no other issues and used daily since installation. Friend has had his tesla charger repaired once then replaced already in 4 years.

Are ROLEC paying for your time to sort this out, aren't they obliged to under the terms of the OLEV grant (where applicable)

@scabthecat

3 жыл бұрын

That's the whole electrical industry for you. Manufacturers sell you some crap which fails then they are nice as pie about replacing it under warranty, BUT you don't get paid for your time to replace the old crap with the new crap.

I have a Rolec like that one. Been using it for two years now. No problems so far but that has made me nervous 😬. I never chose it as such, it just came free with my Kia Soul. I'll probably just replace it with a Zappy if it fails.

@edc1569

3 жыл бұрын

A new RCBO is a few quid, I'm sure Rolec probably provide them for free (?) no point chucking the whole thing away and paying close to a grand for a new install, unless you need some of the Zappi features?

@adeytecnic

3 жыл бұрын

@@edc1569 Good piont. I should say though, just to give a bit more background. I am also considering installing PV and other MyEnergy systems. So in my case would make sense to upgrade the EV charger. Thing is though I'll rather upgrade it when I'm ready and not have it fall over on me.

3 years on, are you still recommending Zappis? My charge cable stuck in the the socket. Looking like puns melted in!

Hey Ho Artisan, I have had some proper issues with CHINT crap, the sales director threatened to take legal action over the way I slated their rubbish, I bet their legal team is top notch it certainly needs to be. By the way take your conduit all the way into your earth box to make it look tidy and give the earth cable the protection it deserves !

A contactor and rd been done in 3 years. Easy to work on. Replace with Schneider parts not copied job done

Getting a bit peed off with my Rolec charger. It works as a dumb charger by using the car timer but I’m unable to set the on/off times for economy 7 in the charger app. My meter is the old style radiotele switch type that has E7 from 0030 - 0730 GMT and 0130 - 0830 BST. There is no way to set these times for the charger. The support is useless and the charger isn’t far off either. Now looking for a different make.

In almost all European households we have 3 phase service and electric car chargers are also 3 phase. Maybe the UK should convert to 3 phase as well.

Circa 2:43 Did you call that an Arse CD? 😀

Had this problem with the cpac rcbos in other stuff as well..... Its a poor contact inside the rcbos. Pretty much the only rcbos to fit to the chargers are the ones rolec do..... There is a version of rcbo for ev made by a company called depoke but god they are expensive in comparison to rolec ones

why not use another brand when replacing the RCD?

Link us the big Clive vid when he does it then 👍🏻

@timballam3675

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZnyFmbqIhrHHkso.html

I'd love your comment non something. College is still teaching that vehicle charging points "need" their independent earth by means of an earth electrode (TT). Now I understand that for example Zappy and other EVCP sell their products and strongly emphasize the no need for independent earth. Would you care to comment please? Teachers at school only excuse is that it's the regulations. I'm skeptical.

Great video as usual! Not an electrician or even from the UK. Just a electric car and solar nerd. Quick question for you, have you tried these? easee-international.com/uk/home-charging/ I’m not affiliated with them, just a happy customer of their charger here in Sweden, and very curious what you would think about it?

Oh Dear ! - How long before we see a comment from Rolec ! ?

Worth noting this is a double pole RCBO - not an rcd. Its compliant with BS61009.

2.5mm in conduit and protected is fine for the earth conductor to the TT rod and clamp. Nothing wrong with 10mm earth just over kill. See The min cross-sectional is 2.5mm copper equivalent if mechanically protected, or 4.0mm if not mechanically protected. Tidy install mate just trim your conductors abit shorter into top of rcd should never have any bare copper showing into top of any rcd or main switch.....

I got a tethered Wall Pod fitted last year (with a Matt.E thingy for my TN-S) as was somewhat constrained by the single brick width left of my garage. The "smart" app has never worked properly not a problem since the car has a timer but the whole thing is obviously a kludge and was eye wateringly expensive even with the grant. As RCDs just aren't something manufactured in this country it must therefore be a cheap noname of far eastern origin

Why would you put the charger in a TT-system event though you have a TN-system readily available? Also these chargers are almost always double isolated so there is no risk of simultaneous contact? If you use the same earthing system as the house, the simultaneous contact is also no problem. Of course if the piping is grounded.

@manticore055

3 жыл бұрын

Also, you should use a type B RCBO for electric vehicles.

Just saved me some money! I was going to get an electrician as I didn't know about pushing down on the RCD before pushing it back up thanks a LOT

@artisanelectrics

3 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome! Glad it helped

Hi, if the Rolec RCD's are such poor quality why not replace them with a more reputable brand?

could you not just fit a hager rcd of the same type

Our unit died recently. RCD detector in the distributor inside the electric cupboard. In the unit is a simple switch with no RCD. There is a continuous RCD detector inside the outside unit. Been quoted £150 callout and £1000 for a new unit.

Ferrules are not designed for that cable type. You are potentially causing a high resistance joint.

Love the videos but don’t like that much exposed copper 😂