POD Point Solo 3 - Home User manual

Fast Charging
Solo 3 - Home
Install Guide
Solo 3 - Home PP-D-210449-2
Install Guide S3-UK-H-IG

Important safety information
The Solo 3 is designed and manufactured to
be safe provided it is professionally installed,
used and maintained in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. It should be
installed by approved electrical installers in
accordance with national and local regulations
applicable at the time of installation, e.g.
BS7671:2018.
The Solo 3 is designed to be connected to one
dedicated AC supply only. The property must
comply with minimum BS7671 standards
before installation commences and the supply
must be adequately rated for the additional
load required for EV charging.
As of the 1st January 2019 either a Type B or a
Type A RCD with 6mA DC protection must be
used for protection (6mA DC protection is
included inside the Solo 3).
Important notes:
A DC leakage fault in the vehicle may “blind”
a “Type AC” RCD and render it ineective.
BS7671 requires a “mechanical” RCD/RCBO
that switches all poles (including neutral) be
installed in the circuit and 2 pole isolation for
RCD/RCBOs.
Locations for install
The Solo 3 can be fitted inside or outside. The
installer should consult the site owner to
establish their preferred installation location.
This should take into consideration the cable
length (distance to vehicle being charged), risk
of vehicle impact, obstruction of access, Wi-Fi
signal strength and other limiting factors.
IET code of practice recommends the Solo 3 be
mounted to a permanent structure at a height
of 750mm-1200mm (see Fig. 1). This is to assist
those with accessibility requirements and reduce
the risk of vehicle impact.
Fig. 1 - Location and dimensions of the Solo 3
This document details the install guidance for the Solo 3 (Home) variant of the Solo 3 product family.
The Solo 3 is designed for installations inside or outside, with the advanced safety systems we have
built into the charger ensuring its safe usage. This guidance provides information to assist when
installing the Solo 3. This guide should not be used for any other EVSE.
Universal Socket
Tethered
Speed category Fast Charging
Charging speed 3.6, 7 and 22kW models
available
Product family Solo 3
Solo 3 - Home
Universal socketed
models consider the
additional connector for
the overall depth from
wall when plugged in
(approximately 150mm
should be added).
750-1200mm (code of practice)
500-1500mm (BS7671 & BS EN61851)
Installation height to centre of socket
Solo 3 - Home PP-D-210449-2
Install Guide S3-UK-H-IG

Technical details
The Solo 3 is a Class I/II rated device,
pollution degree 3 for 230V / 400V AC 50Hz
systems and is IP54 and IK10 rated.
It is designed to meet the following European
standards: BS EN IEC 61851-1:2019 (BS7671
722.511.101), Low Voltage Directive (LVD)
2014/35/EU and electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EU.
Sockets and EV charging connectors comply
with IEC 62196-1.
During manufacture, each Solo 3 has been
functionally tested for safety using BS EN
61010 and BS EN 61557 approved equipment.
IEC 61851: (6.3.2 Optional functions)
The Universal socketed Solo 3 includes an
electro-mechanical means for locking Type 2
connectors (as per IEC 61851-1, IEC 62196-2
and BS7671).
The Solo 3 does not support State D
(ventilation for lead acid battery vehicles).
All Solo 3s include overcurrent protection for
the various charging cables that may be
used.
Earthing arrangements
The Solo 3 EVSE includes a safety monitoring
system to detect low voltage supplies, failed
earths and potential earth-neutral faults. If a
fault condition is detected, the charge cycle is
ended or prevented and the Solo 3 eectively
becomes a double insulated (Class II) device
and isolates the vehicle from supply and
earth.
This feature removes the requirement for an
earth electrode where it may be ineective or
introduce further risk. The Solo 3 (Tethered or
Universal socketed) may be connected
directly to a TN-C-S (PME) earthing system
without any special arrangements and
complies with regulation 722.411.4.1 (v) of
BS7671.
Get our technical advice on earthing:
See our earthing arrangements information
sheet - find it on our installation documents
page. Scan the QR code to get there with your
smartphone.
RCD protection:
All Pod Point Solo 3s include 6mA DC vehicle
fault protection and only Type A RCD/RCBOs
are required at source.
If the Solo was built earlier than January 2019,
Type B RCD protection should be fitted. The
symbols printed on the RCD in Fig. 2 can be
used to identify the type of RCD protection.
Care should be taken if using pollution degree
2 devices if located outside.
Fig. 2
RCD Markings
Type A Type B
The RCD may include additional markings.
Notes:
A vehicle DC leakage fault can “blind” certain
“Type AC” RCDs.
Surge Protection Devices (SPDs):
See BS7671: section 443 guidance.
The Solo 3 includes Type 3 protection against
transient over voltages (+/-2kV Line-Earth and
+/-1kV Line-Line as a requirement of EN
61000-6-1). The guidance on risk calculation in
section 443.5 in most cases is dicult and it
may be prudent that Type 2 protection should
be installed at the source of supply, especially
if life support equipment or business
operations could be aected. Type 1 SPD may
also be desired in certain higher risk locations.
Notes:
EU homologated battery electric vehicles do
not have the ability to create AC supply voltage
spikes under normal circumstances.
SPDs have a finite life expectancy and may
require replacement in as little as 1 year.
Frequent checks of the SPD’s health indicator is
advised.
Solo 3 - Home
Solo 3 - Home PP-D-210449-2
Install Guide S3-UK-H-IG

Transformers
If a galvanically isolated transformer is required,
it should be placed upstream of the EVSE. The
neutral output feed of the transformer should be
connected to EVSE earth (creating a TN-S
system) and the PE taken before any RCD and
MCB (if 2 pole MCB is used). Resistance
measured between the EVSE earth and PE Earth
must be less than 100 ohms. Do not connect the
output earth/neutral of the transformer to a
PME earthed system. Upstream transformer
RCD protection may be of Type AC (if fitted).
Downstream RCD protection is still required to
protect for vehicle faults.
Transformers should be rated for 100% duty
cycle at 10% above rated charge current.
●Transformers should be located in a dry
and well-ventilated area.
●Transformers shall comply with the
requirements of IEC 61558-1 and IEC
61558-2-4.
●Direct connection of an EVSE to a
three-phase IT system is prohibited. Contact
us if an IT network is to be used with a
single-phase Solo 3 as it will report an earth
fault.
Isolation and switching for security,
safety and maintenance
To ensure that the Solo 3 can be “turned o” and
to enhance security and enable maintenance
activities, a double-pole isolator suitably rated
must be installed within the circuit (2-pole RCBO
can provide isolation).
An additional isolator switch may already be
provided in a new build, but is optional for
existing dwellings (at customer’s request and
cost). The isolator should be mounted at a
height of between 500mm and 1500mm above
finished floor level to comply with regulations.
The switch should be rated greater than 32A.
Any devices located outside should comply with
pollution degree level 3 for safety and reliability.
The installation of any accessory devices must
also comply to relevant BS7671 regulations.
Installation procedure
Note: national or local regulations not related to
electrical works are not covered in this guide.
Relevant H&S at work, building regulations etc.
must be adhered to.
Prior to any installation work beginning (drilling
or fitting of conduit and cables etc.), allow the
customer to visualise where the EVSE will be
installed. Consider cable trip hazards and
access routes. Once the customer has
confirmed the location meets their expectations,
the location may be marked up and installation
can commence.
Non-permanent structures must not be used
to fit the EVSE to, e.g. fences and trees.
The installer should confirm the wall that the
EVSE is intended to be fixed to is structurally
appropriate for the mounting of the Solo 3 and
identify the correct and appropriate fixings to
be used.
• The Solo 3 must be securely attached to the
wall or other “permanent” structure where it is
intended to be operated from.
• To maintain IK10, at least 80mm long screws
should be used for brick or concrete and it is
recommended penny washers be included.
• Before drilling commences, ensure that the
installation wall has been checked for electric
cabling or pipework with a suitable detector.
Once the location and height of the Solo 3 has
been decided, the installer can begin marking
the wall with indicator points to locate the
charger. Use the box insert as the drilling
template for the 3 mounting holes (see Fig. 4).
Notes: If any groundworks are required (cable
trenching or earth electrode fitment) it is
advisable to check if underground services
could be present before commencement. Plans
for undergrounds services may be available at:
linesearchbeforeudig.co.uk
Solo 3 - Home
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Install Guide S3-UK-H-IG

Drilling the holes for the electrical
supply cable entry
The Solo 3 has been designed to accept
supply cable entry on either the left, right,
bottom or via the rear. Top entry is only
possible if there is no risk of water ingress
(indoor). The installer should drill a suitably
sized hole for the cable and waterproof gland
to be used. Entry holes should only be drilled
on flat surfaces as shown.
Fig. 3
When drilling the case:
●Do not drill holes on any curved face.
●Take care not to damage any wiring or
components inside the case. Place a
suitable stop (e.g. block of wood) inside the
case when drilling to prevent accidental
damage.
●If any of the wiring or components are
damaged during installation DO NOT
CONNECT OR SWITCH ON THE POWER
before consulting with Pod Point.
The wall can now be drilled for the 3 fixing
holes. Do not drill with the Solo 3 in position
as masonry dust may cause latent damage.
Once the holes are drilled and plugged, the
Solo 3 can be securely fixed to the wall.
Note: the surface should be reasonably flat;
stone walls may not be suitable without
additional preparation.
Drilling template (box insert)
Fig. 4
Wiring up the Solo 3
The supply cable used should be rated for a
maximum current of at least 33A for a 7kW
Solo 3 and should be approved to British
Standards.
• With the rear unit securely fitted to the wall,
the electrical supply connection can be made.
• The installation route of the wiring will vary
with each installation. Allow adequate cable
length inside the Solo 3 for easy termination,
avoiding stress to the cables and PCB.
• The choice of entry point used will determine
the amount of insulation/SWA that needs to be
removed for the internal wiring connection of
the unit. Fig. 5 illustrates the connection
terminals for the supply cables.
• When cutting SWA cables, allow at least
10mm of inner insulator to enter the Solo 3’s
housing to avoid cores “chafing” with the gland
or SWA.
All cables that are to be connected into the
supply terminals should have their insulation
stripped back, exposing 12~15mm of copper
conductor to ensure good contact in the screw
terminal jaws and insulation is not “clamped”.
Torque settings for supply input connections
are 1.5~2.0Nm. Appropriate pull tests shall be
performed after tightening connections to
confirm they are correctly clamped into the
terminal block.
Solo 3 - Home
Solo 3 - Home PP-D-210449-2
Install Guide S3-UK-H-IG

Solo 3 Supply Wiring
• Ensure that incoming cables are connected
to the appropriate terminal as follows:
Fig. 5
Supply input cable wiring
Live1: Brown
Live2: Black
Live3: Grey
Neutral: Blue
Earth: Green/Yellow
Screened cable
Signal (usually Red)
Screen (outer braiding of cable)
Auto Power Balancing (Load balancing)
The Solo 3 provides a load curtailment
feature where additional uncontrolled loads
of EV charging could potentially overload
the supply.
The default supply limit is set by default at
60A, which can be changed either locally by
connecting to the PCB Wi-Fi and opening
the page 192.168.101.1 or remotely when
connected to Wi-Fi by contacting Pod Point
customer support to change this value.
Wiring of the Energy Clamp
The current transformer used for Auto Power
Balancing on a domestic supply should be wired
using a screened cable to eliminate the risk of
noise aecting charging rates. The Solo should
be wired to terminals as shown. The screen or
“braiding” of the signal wire should be connected
to the GND terminal of the blue screw terminal
block J14 - C#1.
Note: Terminals require no more than 0.5Nm of
torque; overtightening of these terminals can
sever the cables and also damage the terminals.
External Energy Clamp/Current
Transformer (CT) fitting:
The CT should be clamped around the incoming
supply feed. If PV or a storage battery is also in
use the “feed in” load from these should be
avoided if possible. Only the domestic and Solo
“loads” should be measured by the CT.
Where the only available supply cable includes
PV or storage “export” energy, contact Pod Point
to configure the unit to work with these.
External Current Transformer orientation
The “split core” transformer has a direction arrow
marking inside. This should be fitted in the
direction of the incoming live. If fitted to Neutral
reverse the direction of travel (for single phase
supplies only).
Solo 3 - Home
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Setting up the Solo 3
Current rating, cable overcurrent protection and load
curtailment settings must be set before testing and
final assembly of the unit. Connect to the podpoint AP
and configure the Solo 3 by going to 192.168.101.1.
Press the cog in the top right corner and enter the
PCB serial number as the device password.
Notes: Over current limit to IEC 61851 = 10%
For Renault Zoe do not set below 10A (2.4kW).
The Solo’s internal dynamic overcurrent protection safeguards
against long term cable overcurrent and NOT short circuit fault
conditions.
Minimum cable size shown does not consider voltage drop (length of
cable) or routing methods that may aect its operating temperature.
MCB ratings assume an 80% “thermal” derating factor
System wiring
Typically an additional small consumer unit will
be fitted as few existing distribution boards
support a 3rd split load required for EVSE. When
this additional unit is installed, a screw terminal
junction box(es) should be installed at the
incoming supply to avoid any modifications to
the existing consumer unit. If there are any
safety concerns regarding the existing board, the
customer should be made aware.
Do not use IDC terminals for the installation.
If a consumer unit includes a spare non-RCD
protected circuit, this may be used to supply the
additional “mini” consumer unit.
Use recommended torque settings for all MCB,
RCD and terminal blocks.
Supply Cable
The size of the supply cable used should be
designed for a maximum current of 33A (7kW
Solo) and be approved to relevant standards.
Fig. 6 Typical Solo installation layout.
Final electrical testing
To meet the BS7671 (18th edition) requirements
for testing of an electrical installation:
●Visually check the installation, including the
existing electrical installation for any issues.
●Check the condition of any existing bonding. If
any issues are found, correct if possible or
advise customer if the work is beyond the
scope of the installation.
●Verification of the characteristics of the
electrical supply at the origin of the installation
to confirm its suitability for the additional load.
●Check the service head and cables are
serviceable and advise as necessary if issues
are identified.
●Check for exposed cables and ensure any
missing blanks are replaced.
●Confirm the new circuit insulation resistance.
●Confirm the polarity of the installation is
correct.
●Where applicable, confirm that the earth
electrode resistance is within acceptable
tolerances (<100 Ohms recommended).
Solo 3 - Home
Solo 3 - Home PP-D-210449-2
Install Guide S3-UK-H-IG

●Check the mechanical operation of the residual
current device, including the rated trip current and
at five times the rated current.
●A test or calculated measurement of the
prospective fault current.
●Functional verification using an EV simulator
confirming operation of the Solo 3.
●If a vehicle is available, check the vehicle charges
normally for a short time.
●If the Pod Point EV simulator is available, test fault
state and DC 6mA functions of the Solo 3.
Note: At the time of this document’s publication, there are no
specific standards for 6mA DC testing. If ramp tests are
conducted, false readings are possible if the test equipment
has too fast a ramp up time (Max trip time @6mA = 10 Sec).
When checking internal safety systems of the Solo 3,
disconnection of the vehicle/tester may be required to reset
these systems.
Energy clamp Test.
If relevant connect the Energy Clamp to J14 - C#1 and
measure the resistance between the positive and
negative terminals. The resistance should be around
74 ohms. If less than 10 ohms you have a short circuit,
if greater than 80 ohms you have an open circuit
between the PCB and the energy clamp.
To enable Energy Clamp test mode visit the AP
webpage 192.168.101.1, toggle ‘Energy clamp test’ on
and lastly save configuration.
Disconnect the Energy clamp form the tail or from the
connector on the PC and plug the Pod Point EV
simulator into the Solo 3 and the heater into the EV
simulator socket. In state C the Solo 3 should fault if
the Energy Clamp is operating correctly. To conclude
this test access the AP webpage, disable ‘Energy
Clamp Test’ and save the configuration. Reconnect the
Energy Clamp and ensure the Solo 3 does not fault in
State C.
Connecting the Solo to Wi-Fi
Visit Pod Point's installation documents webpage to
get to our Pod Point Solo Wi-Fi Connection Guide
Scan this QR code to get to
our installer documents
webpage - you’ll find
the connection guide here.
On power up of the Solo 3, the front LED should
illuminate white. To connect the Solo to a Wi-Fi
network do the following:
●Search for “podpoint” Wi-Fi network on your mobile
device and connect to it.
●On the device’s web browser address bar type
192.168.101.1 then “Enter” or “OK”.
●A page displaying available networks should show.
Select the desired network and enter the network
password. Press “Connect” at the bottom of the
page.
Note: The page will remain displayed but inactive after
“Connect” has been pressed.
●Wait for 1 minute. The LED should change to blue
with a short pink flash when it has connected.
●If the status LED remains white, you may need to
restart the Solo 3 again and verify the settings (see
notes at end of this guide).
Fitting the front of the charger
Once the wiring, testing and setup of the Solo 3 is completed,
the front cover can be fitted in place.
Prior to fitting the front cover, visually check the internal
wiring will not interfere with assembly, dress if needed, and
remove any debris that may have entered during installation.
Check that the front cover mating seal is in place before
fitting the cover to the housing. The front cover can then be
secured in place using the 6 screws.
Accessories, features and helpful hints
Remote diagnostics
When connected to the internet via Wi-Fi, the Solo 3 will
provide information on supply voltage(s), status of the
incoming earth, charging current, temperature, rating of
connected cable, etc. This data is primarily used for internal
diagnostic purposes but is also used for energy usage
displayed in the Pod Point App. In exceptional circumstances,
Pod Point may contact the site/charger owner if an
abnormality is detected.
Key lock
The Solo 3 may include a mechanical key lock feature to
disable use of the charger where theft of electricity is a
concern. The key lock input requires “volt free” isolated
switching contacts. When the contacts are closed, the Solo 3
enters a “Pause” state and the LED will flash yellow.
Theft of the Solo 3
All Solo 3 EVSE includes a unique MAC address to identify
itself which is programmed into the silicon and cannot be
changed. If a Solo 3 is reported as stolen and its connection
to the Pod Point network is attempted, it can be placed
permanently out of service.
Solo 3 - Home
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Install Guide S3-UK-H-IG

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi connection
problems
Sometimes, Wi-Fi routers block the connection
of devices for various reasons. These may be
related to the total number of connected
devices, bugs in the router's ARP table, password
errors and other system settings.
If it is known the correct network and password
have been entered (the device used for setting
up may capitalise the 1st password character
etc.) and the Solo 3 still fails to connect after it
has been restarted, a restart of the Wi-Fi router
may cure the issue. The router should refresh the
ARP table if conflicts existed.
Solo 3 supports 802.11 bgn Wi-Fi networks. AC is
not supported. Ensure 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi is enabled on
the router.
Check to make sure the default router password
has not been changed and is no longer that 15
characters.
Check the security settings on the router have
not been changed. Solo 3 EVSE use WPA2 by
default.
Check the router's setting have not been
modified to limit the number of users it will allow
to connect.
Some low cost Wi-Fi routers have a maximum
limit of connected devices they can support. If
possible, remove a device from the network and
retry.
If a managed IT network is in use, the addition of
the Solo 3 using the MAC address may be the
only option. The MAC address can be provided
by Pod Point from the PSL number of the unit
which can then be included in the router’s
allowlist.
Some Technicolour routers will only allow
connection after the Solo 3's MAC address is
added to the allowlist. After adding this, the Solo
3 can be added in the usual way.
The Solo 3 cannot connect to networks that
require an email address or where Terms and
Conditions need to be agreed.
Cable and adaptor warning
IEC 61851-1 dictates that in-cable adaptors must
be approved by the vehicle or the chargepoint
manufacturer. In the interest of safety, Pod Point
does not approve the use of any in-cable
adaptors for customer use as they can and do
override safety features.
Adaptors/cables that change operational states
of the EVSE are forbidden under terms of IEC
61851-1. These cables (commonly used for
energy management) are not approved.
Bypassing fundamental safety systems of the
Solo 3 can compromise electrical safety.
Charging cables cannot be used as “extension”
leads; the CP pin is intentionally made shorter to
prevent this.
It is prudent to visually check both plugs and
sockets on any equipment for damage or
debris before every use. Ensure all connectors
can be fully plugged into the vehicle and
chargepoint before use. Vehicle, cable or
chargepoint manufacturers may not cover
damaged cables under terms of their warranty.
Commissioning of the Solo 3 to validate
the warranty
It is important that all Pod Point EVSE is
commissioned once it has been installed. Failure
to do so will mean the EVSE is not covered by
warranty, and the end user will not be able to
access the charging point via the Pod Point App.
Commissioning of Domestic Solo 3 chargers:
To commission a domestic Pod
Point charger please complete
the commissioning form at:
podpoint.force.com/commissioning/s/login/
For more information about
domestic Pod Point commissioning:
pod-point.com/products/install
er/domestic-install-training
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Install Guide S3-UK-H-IG

Testing of functionalities
When power is turned on, the lights on the
Pod Point Solo 3 should change colours
as follows:
1. Establishing communication with
server (takes up to 1 min) - white
2. Communication established,
car not plugged - blue/flashing pink
An EV simulator is required for functionality
tests.
1. Unlock mode - blue/flashing pink
2. Standby - flashing green
3. Charge - green
4. Fault - solid or flashing red
If the test procedure fails at any stage please
contact Pod Point.
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Customer support - Help Centre
If you need more help, our online Help Centre
covers a range of topics for installers and
customers, including how to connect the Solo
3 to Wi-Fi, how to commission Pod Point
chargepoints, and various troubleshooting
guides and tips.
Visit the Help Centre using this link:
help.pod-point.com/s/