Can I mount an EV charger on a chain-link fence post?

[justanotherguy]

I've had an electrician round to quote for installing https://www.eocharging.com/support/home-charging/eo-mini-pro-3.

He's keen on installing his own post, but I'd rather, if possible, use one of the metal posts of the chain link fence we have. The posts are extremely solid, and are L-shaped like this:

From an electrical point of view, electrician said it was fine - he just wasn't sure how he'd attach the charger.

Looking at the installation manual https://a.storyblok.com/f/120859/x/...o-3-installation-commissioning-guide-2023.pdf - it seems it just needs to be screwed in on the four corners (about A5 sized).

Could I attached a small wooden panel with a clamp of some sort?

Or drill a couple of holes through and screw a wooden panel that way?

I think from the point of view of the installer he just has to be sure it's very solidly attached.

 

[jj4091]

I would not make a panel out of wood it will rot in no time, if that is your only option get a piece of steel plate (preferably stainless). I also hope the site is not exposed as you could have problems with wind

 

[justanotherguy]

Thanks.

Not sure what counts as "exposed", but it's on a driveway about 6 meters from a house opposite, in a sub-urban area.

The post the installer is suggesting is wooden itself, are you saying we shouldn't go with that either?

 

[jj4091]

I would not, wood never lasts no matter how well. you treat it. I thought you meant your electrician was suggesting a concrete fence post which would be much better. Can't you get it on wall

 

[justanotherguy]

I would not, wood never lasts no matter how well. you treat it. I thought you meant your electrician was suggesting a concrete fence post which would be much better. Can't you get it on wall

No there's no wall just fences either side and a fence at the end of a 20 metre garden.

 

[Tigercubrider]

If you must use that post, use a composite material panel that won’t rot or discolour

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Perhaps fix two horizontal composite decking battens at the appropriate centres to the steel post.

eg

Pardon our interruption...

 

[blup]

Re post on electricians forum, there may be implications

 

[justanotherguy]

Re post on electricians forum, there may be implications

I could do - the electrician I've asked to do it said it was fine technically speaking. (in terms of regs etc). He was just used to installing his own post.

 

[^woody^]

Any board should be weather resistant. So alternatives to FMTs suggestion would be a thick piece of uPVC or cement board cut to the shape of the charger.

Don't forget to consider the cable clipping.