Comando Socket for EV charging (In Scotland)

[flameport]

There are 2 pins used for communications/signals.

CP is used to indicate the charge current available, this can be varied at any time including while charging is taking place.
The signal is a pulse-width modulated square wave. There are many pages of documentation regarding the possible configurations and what they represent.

PP is used to detect when the vehicle is connected, and also indicates the current rating of the cable assembly using a fixed resistance between PP and PE.

L2 and L3 connections are optional.

There are various values of resistor to indicate the current rating.

These apply to situations where the cable is a separate item, to avoid low rated cables being overloaded when used with EVSEs/vehicle combinations which can use more current than the cable assembly is rated for.

 

[SUNRAY]

There are 2 pins used for communications/signals...

Thanks for this, is there mention of wiring for 'granny leads' in there?

 

[flameport]

There is no specific diagram for those, but it will be the same general principles, the main difference being that J and I (EV socket outlet / EV plug) don't exist as the cable is permanently attached to the controller.
L/N/E/CP are just straight through from the controller to the vehicle connector.
PP is connected to E with a resistor in the vehicle connector.

Same applies to wall mounted EVSEs with tethered cables.

 

[SUNRAY]

There is no specific diagram for those, but it will be the same general principles, the main difference being that J and I (EV socket outlet / EV plug) don't exist as the cable is permanently attached to the controller.
L/N/E/CP are just straight through from the controller to the vehicle connector.
PP is connected to E with a resistor in the vehicle connector.

Same applies to wall mounted EVSEs with tethered cables.

There is no controller with a granny lead, just a 13A or 16/32A plug, the left looked like this

there may have been components in the plugs which I didn't detect but this is as I buzzed it out before and after repair:

 

[flameport]

A 'granny lead' in the UK and most other countries refers to a cable with an AC plug on one end, a control box and a vehicle connector at the other.

For the UK typically a 13A plug as shown, but can be other types such as the blue 16A or 32A versions.
Other countries use plugs appropriate to their location.
Known as Mode 2 in the relevant standards.

Wiring internally as in the diagrams previously, functionally identical to a wall mounted EVSE with a tethered cable.
Wall mounted permanently connected items are Mode 3, the only difference being they are permanently connected to the AC supply, not via a plug/socket arrangement.

A lead that connects to a vehicle to an AC supply with no control electronics would be Mode 1.
That has no safety features at all, no PP or CP connections. It's a length of flex with a connector on each end.
Described in the standard as 'Mode 1 is a method for the connection of an EV to a standard socket-outlet of an AC supply network, utilizing a cable and plug, both of which are not fitted with any supplementary pilot or auxiliary contacts.'
Such things are not permitted for EV charging in the UK and many other countries.

 

[SUNRAY]

A 'granny lead' in the UK and most other countries refers to a cable with an AC plug on one end, a control box and a vehicle connector at the other.
View attachment 400013
For the UK typically a 13A plug as shown, but can be other types such as the blue 16A or 32A versions.
Other countries use plugs appropriate to their location.
Known as Mode 2 in the relevant standards.

Wiring internally as in the diagrams previously, functionally identical to a wall mounted EVSE with a tethered cable.
Wall mounted permanently connected items are Mode 3, the only difference being they are permanently connected to the AC supply, not via a plug/socket arrangement.

A lead that connects to a vehicle to an AC supply with no control electronics would be Mode 1.
That has no safety features at all, no PP or CP connections. It's a length of flex with a connector on each end.
Described in the standard as 'Mode 1 is a method for the connection of an EV to a standard socket-outlet of an AC supply network, utilizing a cable and plug, both of which are not fitted with any supplementary pilot or auxiliary contacts.'
Such things are not permitted for EV charging in the UK and many other countries.

Oh Thanks.
The 2 13A & 16A leads I repaired (vandalised at the same property) had no such controller, I believe one was supplied with the vehicle, (either a mini or a volvo and was used to charge both vehicles) and the second replaced it. They are my only involvement with EV so far so assumed them to be proper leads.

 

[Risteard]

A 'granny lead' in the UK and most other countries refers to a cable with an AC plug on one end, a control box and a vehicle connector at the other.
View attachment 400013
For the UK typically a 13A plug as shown, but can be other types such as the blue 16A or 32A versions.
Other countries use plugs appropriate to their location.
Known as Mode 2 in the relevant standards.

Wiring internally as in the diagrams previously, functionally identical to a wall mounted EVSE with a tethered cable.
Wall mounted permanently connected items are Mode 3, the only difference being they are permanently connected to the AC supply, not via a plug/socket arrangement.

A lead that connects to a vehicle to an AC supply with no control electronics would be Mode 1.
That has no safety features at all, no PP or CP connections. It's a length of flex with a connector on each end.
Described in the standard as 'Mode 1 is a method for the connection of an EV to a standard socket-outlet of an AC supply network, utilizing a cable and plug, both of which are not fitted with any supplementary pilot or auxiliary contacts.'
Such things are not permitted for EV charging in the UK and many other countries.

And for completeness DC rapid charging (CCS/CHAdeMO) is Mode 4.

 

[SUNRAY]

Almost an Omen. What are the chances of another repair ?

I was sent these pics 6am today with a request for help

However I can categorically state the previous 2 repairs had no such unit mid cable.

 

[morqthana]

Oh Thanks.
The 2 13A & 16A leads I repaired (vandalised at the same property) had no such controller, I believe one was supplied with the vehicle, (either a mini or a volvo and was used to charge both vehicles) and the second replaced it. They are my only involvement with EV so far so assumed them to be proper leads.

OOI, what was the nature of the "vandalism"?

 

[SUNRAY]

OOI, what was the nature of the "vandalism"?

The first was slashed, presumably a big knife as a very clean thin cut and wasn't found until the second was damaged which looked like it was rubbed up and down the corner of the garage wall.

 

[morqthana]

Probably done by a Geoff Buys Cars subscriber...