We catch up with the team at Lewden to find out more about the benefits of utilising EV feeder pillars for both domestic and business purposes.
EV feeder pillars are critical components in the electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Feeder pillars are designed to provide safe and reliable electrical connections for EV charging equipment, essentially providing an outdoor hub that can safely distribute power from one supply source to multiple EV chargepoints.
What are the typical features of an EV feeder pillar?
EV feeder pillars are arranged with a device for isolation of the incoming supply source. Depending on the electrical arrangement of the building, this may be a switch disconnector, a fuse, or moulded case circuit breaker (MCCB).
EV chargepoints connected to the pillar may require single phase or 3 phase distribution supplied in various current ratings according to the variety of kW EV chargers. The pillar houses the circuit protection devices essential for connection to each of these final circuits. This would typically provide protection against overcurrent, residual current, voltage transients, and PEN conductor faults.
EV feeder pillars can also house metering to monitor power consumed from the supply network.
What do the Building Regulations state regarding the provision of EV chargepoints?
For new residential buildings, Part S of the Building Regulations states that the number of associated car parking spaces that have access to EV chargepoints must be:
1. The total number of associated parking spaces where there are fewer associated parking spaces than there are dwellings, or
2. The number of associated parking spaces that is equal to the total number of dwellings within the residential building, where there are the same number of associated parking spaces as, or more associated parking spaces than the dwelling.
Where a building undergoes material change of use and one or more dwellings with associated parking result, at least one associated parking space for the use of each dwelling must have access to an EV charging point.
Where a residential building undergoing major renovation work will have more than 10 associated parking spaces after completion of the renovation, at least one parking space for the use of each dwelling must have access to an EV charging point.
Where a new building, which is not a residential or mixed-use building, has more than 10 parking spaces, at least one parking space must have access to an EV charging point.
How can EV feeder pillars aid compliance to the Building Regulations?
Strategically placed EV feeder pillars allow a number of EV charging points to be radially connected from one or more central hubs, allowing easy coverage to larger parking areas with EV charging points for business. They create a central point of interface for system protection, metering and isolation.
How are EV feeder pillars constructed?
EV feeder pillars can be constructed from a range of different materials and finishes, depending upon their environment and specific applications.
Mild steel cabinet construction is suitable for sheltered inland installations situated more than 20 miles from the coast, whereas stainless steel construction would suit externally exposed, polluted, or coastal atmospheres where salt corrosion is a factor.
Where the installation of a new electricity supply cable is required solely to power the EV charging installation, the distribution network operator (DNO) will only terminate their supply cables within GRP cabinets or brick construction.
Cabinets can be designed for installation onto a cast concrete plinth or equipped with a root base for direct burial. In all cases cabinets must have a minimum of an IP55 ingress protection rating, making them suitable for outdoor EV charging stations.
How can Lewden help you?
The Lewden range of EV feeder pillars is specifically designed to provide this power distribution to:
1. Domestic EV charging points
2. Workplace EV chargers
3. EV charging points in public car parking zones.
Lewden EV feeder pillars offer a state-of-the-art solution for powering EV charging infrastructure, providing a combination of safety, flexibility, and compliance with regulations. Their quality design makes them an attractive choice for various EV charging applications.
Browse the Lewden EV feeder pillar product brochure online here
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