Pete (Monty) Monfort, Director of Arena Training Centre and Monty Electrics, reviews the Megger EVX100 electric vehicle charger interface for the MFT-X1.
Earlier this year you may have seen a review from myself and the students at Arena Training for the Megger EVCA210-UK, which appeared in this esteemed publication. Since then, Megger has introduced a new device – the EVX100.
Now, if you’ve already purchased the former, there’s no need to panic as this new device is not a replacement per se – instead it’s an adaptor that’s designed specifically to work with the Megger MFT-X1, whereas the aforementioned EVCA210-UK is an adaptor that could be used with any brand of MFT that’s suitable for carrying out EV specific tests.
The EVX100 is designed for testing mode 3 AC electric vehicle charger units from single phase through to 3 phase units rated at 22 KW.
Talk about simple to use! The adaptor clips to the top of the MFT-X1 and you basically then only have to hold one thing – the tester – which conveniently straps around your neck. The adaptor must be charged before use and does so via a USB-C source which is revealed when the adaptor is removed from the X1.
The MFT-X1 also needs to have the correct firmware to support the adaptor. Updating is simple – all you need is a Pozidriv screwdriver and a micro-SD card. If your laptop doesn’t have a micro-SD slot you can pick up a USB stick with one for next to nothing. You simply format the card and copy the latest firmware from the Megger website.
Accessing the micro-SD slot in the MFT-X1 can be a bit awkward but the new style Megger clips (nicknamed ‘Sigourneys’ after the Alien film – if you know you know!) are perfect for gripping the micro-SD card. You should also make sure your X1 is fully charged before updating.
Access to a range of automated tests
The EVX100 carries out live tests so it’s essential that initial verification has been carried out on a newly installed EVCE.
With the new adaptor plugged in to the X1, you simply connect the mode 3 connector into the EVCE. EV-specific ‘hot keys’ are enabled by the adaptor, giving access to a range of EV related automated live loop tests and RCD tests with the results clearly displayed on the X1’s coloured screen.
The charge status of the adaptor can be checked with the push of a button and an LED indicator gives a clear indication of battery charge state.
The EV tester automatically cycles through a series of tests before you’re able to check the supply voltage and confirm that the presence of protective earth and communication error both result in the EVCE disconnecting the supply.
The Control Pilot Status is clearly shown with status codes. The earth loop impedance test follows and a soft touch of the test button also checks for dangerous voltages on the electric vehicle before a firm press carries out the test.
The RCD test cycles through with one press of a button and displays the results in a table.
Many EV chargers incorporate O-PEN detection devices. These devices work by monitoring the utilisation voltage in accordance with BS7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024 722.411.4.1 and where the voltage is outside the parameters of 207 V – 253 V the device will disconnect the supply and protective conductors.
When installing an EVCE it is recommended to design circuits so that the volt drop on the EVCE circuit is no more than 4% to avoid scenarios where unwanted tripping of the O-PEN detection device occurs.
(See https://shorturl.at/dQ65Q for a detailed explanation).
The X1 permits the measurement of a reference Ze measurement and can be programmed with the expected EV circuit current demand such that an actual volt drop can be measured at the point of utilisation, allowing installers to verify that unwanted tripping will not be an issue.
Conclusion
The Megger EVX100 is like every other product in Megger portfolio – sturdy and well built. With its integrated functionality and auto testing it makes using it very straightforward.
Alongside its stablemate, the EVCA210-UK, Megger has you covered – regardless of whether you’ve already fully adopted the brand’s range of MFTs or not.
Visit the Megger EVX100 EV Charge Point Adaptor product information page here
Catch up on previous Product Tests and Reviews here
