EV installation on the charge

As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) increases, so does the demand for charging station installation and maintenance, explains Steve Dunning, MD of Martindale Electric.

The UK Government has a target to increase the number of chargepoints from 82,000 to 300,000 by 2030, so a major upgrade of the associated infrastructure is now planned. Additionally, over 50% of UK households now have access to a driveway or parking space which could accommodate an EV chargepoint.

This rapid increase in demand for both commercial and domestic chargers is a challenge though, specifically because any work/test carried out on a new electrical installation – which includes EV chargers – must be performed by an electrician or competent person, as required by BS 7671.

Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) ready test equipment is required to install and verify the installation. While many manufacturers have already introduced appropriate kit and break out boxes, more varied EV test equipment is needed going forward, including simple-to-use tools for basic safety testing.

TL326-EV

EV chargepoint installation testing

The multifunction installation tester has become a must-have tool because it covers most of the basic tests needed for EVSE and is the solution for both initial installation testing and periodic inspection. Key tests on the EV charger include earth loop impedance measurement, RCD testing and, for three phase systems, a phase sequence test. 

More recent introductions to the market – such as the Martindale ET6500 and ET6300 – are EV ready and able to perform installation tests on EV chargers. The ET6500 is the complete kit, ready to test out of the box and includes a Type-2 adapter. The ET6300 is ideal for installers who are not currently testing EVSE but may need this option in the future. This can be achieved by simply adding the EV adapter accessory at a later date.

BZ820-EV

Adapters and connectors

These are also becoming more plentiful, with varying built-in test capabilities including simulation of a connected vehicle, basic CP testing and the ability to be used to connect from the EVSE chargepoint to standard test instrumentation. 

One advanced example is the Martindale TL326-EV electric vehicle test adapter. This accessory enables connection to an EVSE charging point Type-2 connector to relevant test equipment, using standard 4mm jack plugs. When used with a suitable multifunction tester it will allow the tester to support all relevant measurements via the standard measurement inputs. 

Ideal for both single and three-phase applications, the TL326-EV gives access to L1, L2, L3, N and PE. The CP mode slider switch means vehicle states can also be simulated – namely no vehicle connected; vehicle connected but not ready to charge; vehicle connected and ready to charge. Additionally, the unit has an error position simulating failure of the CP signal, which should cause the charger to inhibit charging.

ET6500 and TL326-EV

EV chargepoint checking

A multifunction tester is not usually the first line tool for very basic functional checks of commercial and domestic outlets – this would generally be performed by equipment such as a simple socket tester. Subsequently, the arsenal of tools for EVSE checking has improved with the likes of dedicated EV socket testers such as the Martindale BZ820-EV.

The BZ820-EV is a first-line checker for EV chargers fitted with Type-2 connectors. While it cannot test RCDs or measure earth loop impedance, it can detect up to 28 wiring fault conditions and can confirm the voltage supply level is within limits. Correct polarity connection of the EV charger is indicated by three flashing green LEDs and a continuous audible tone.

Socket polarity and earth wiring faults, meanwhile, are identified by a combination of three red LEDs. The integral slider switch on the connector allows vehicle states to be simulated – no vehicle; vehicle connected and ready to charge. As with the TL326-EV, the additional error setting simulates failure of the CP signal causing the charger to inhibit charging.

Just as socket testers are widely used in standard residential and commercial outlet checks, it is expected that these low-cost tools will be widely used for EVSE checks alongside the more capable multifunction tester solutions.

The UK EV market is expected to continue growing rapidly, driven by Government policies, increasing consumer awareness and technological advancements. The comprehensive set of tools offered by test equipment suppliers such as Martindale are built to help to support the march towards cleaner and greener transportation.

martindale-electric.co.uk

This article appeared in Electrotechnical News September/October 2025 edition – read it here