Switching from Wallbox to Telsa Wall Connector - PEN?

[stef1808]

Not clear on what exactly a pen-fault is but I do know that in the UK you need to install one since the tesla wall connector doesn't have it. Despite this my electrician (in Greece) is happy to just swap out the the wallbox to the tesla wall connector and has no worries. Should I be concerned?

[CharlieAlphaMike]

stef1808 said:

Not clear on what exactly a pen-fault is but I do know that in the UK you need to install one since the tesla wall connector doesn't have it. Despite this my electrician (in Greece) is happy to just swap out the the wallbox to the tesla wall connector and has no worries. Should I be concerned?

I would be concerned enough to investigate further. A pen-fault (Protective Earth Neutral) could cause a fatal electric shock. Fatal shocks could occur if you are touching a 'true earth' and the EV at the same time. If this happens, your RCD (Residual Current Device) might not operate.

If a 'true earth' exists and the earthing system is in good order, you might not need pen protection. In the UK, PME (Protective Multipal Earth) systems are used which increase the risk of a pen fault. Earth rods are (should be) used to minimise this risk. I don't know anything about electrical installations in Greece but my guess is they don't use a PME system. That might be why your electrician isn't concerned but check with your electrician and confirm.

An example of a 'true earth' might be a metal post in the ground. HTH.

[stef1808]

Thanks for that. I think I figured it out now in that it's only the UK earthing method which makes being protected from a neutral fault necessary

[Ardennes92]

stef1808 said:

Thanks for that. I think I figured it out now in that it's only the UK earthing method which makes being protected from a neutral fault necessary

Presumably because the uk minimum requirement is only to switch the live, unlike other countries that switch live & neutral, so they don’t bother with polarity checks.