Install Guide Solo 3S Domestic

Introduction

This guide provides instructions for installing the Pod Point Solo 3S Domestic charger. The Pod Point Installer App is required to configure the charger and manage warranty care, enabling remote customer support.

For assistance, visit www.pod-point.com or call 020 7247 4114.

The document includes visual representations of the Solo 3S charger, showing its design and wall-mounting capabilities.

Legal Notice

Pod Point is not responsible for installation or commissioning works performed by third-party installers. Pod Point is not liable for injury, loss, or damage resulting from works performed by the customer or their installer, including installation, moving, modification, re-wiring, or commissioning of the chargepoint, unless due to Pod Point's negligence.

All installations must comply with Pod Point's latest technical guides and recommendations, available at pod-point.com/technical/hardware.

If Pod Point does not perform the installation, the customer must ensure the appointed third-party installer meets all technical standards, including BS 7671 and Part 722 for electrical installation work related to EV charging.

Installation must comply with Building Regulations (including Part P for England and Wales) and be carried out by a Competent Persons Scheme (CPS) registered installer. Pod Point recognizes NICEIC, ECA, NAPIT, and SELECT as recognized CPSs.

Do not open, move, modify, or rewire the chargepoint or its components after commissioning, as this may affect warranties.

What You'll Need

What's in the box

• 1 x Drilling Template
• 1 x Connection Details
• 1 x Solo 3S Charger (Universal or Tethered)
• 1 x Power Balancing Sensor (CT clamp) + Cable tie (Must be installed)

If any items are missing or damaged, please visit www.pod-point.com/fault.

What's required

• Drill
• Appropriate mounting screws and plugs (See Section 5)
• Supply cabling, insulation and related cabling support materials
• Appropriate circuit protection (See Section 2)
• Cable glands, grommet and sealant
• Cable ties
• EV simulator device
• Multi-function tester
• Smartphone with the Pod Point Installer App

[QR Code Image] Scan Here for Pod Point Installer App

Specification

The Solo 3S charger and its installation guidance are intended for restricted access locations, such as private domestic residences. It is not intended for installations where public access or use is intended. It is suitable for both outdoor or indoor installations and for use by ordinary persons.

The Solo 3S is designed for permanent connection to a TN-S, TN-S-C, or TT AC supply network, providing AC charging output only. It supports Mode 3 charging and does not support ventilation functions.

Wiring Diagrams

Wiring via a dedicated breaker (preferred)

This diagram illustrates the connection from a consumer unit via a dedicated breaker, Henley block, isolator, CT clamp, electricity meter, main fuse, and main earth terminal to the charger.

Wiring via a consumer unit

This diagram shows the connection from a consumer unit via an isolator, CT clamp, electricity meter, main fuse, and main earth terminal to the charger. A note indicates that single-pole switching devices should not be used when wiring via the consumer unit.

Preparing for the Installation

1. Initial Checks

Before commencing installation, perform checks on the existing electrical supply to ensure customer readiness. Verify supply voltage, resistance (Ze), adequate bonding, presence of looped supply, and any other reportable supply issues. Follow relevant ENA Guidance for charger registration, as it may affect the maximum current rating.

2. Choosing the Right Circuit Protection

All installations require individual short circuit, overload, and residual current protection. Options include an RCD with an MCB, or an RCBO, depending on connection type and location.

• RCDs must be 30mA Type A, Type B, or Type F.
• MCBs must be 6kA interrupt rated, class 3 devices. For a typical 7kW installation, a 40A rating is recommended, but this depends on installation type and grouping factors. MCBs should be curve B or C only.
• RCBOs can be used instead of an RCD with an MCB. The RCBO must be a double-pole switched device, disconnecting both Live and Neutral conductors.

Selectivity should be considered when choosing relevant circuit protection.

3. Charger Location

Consult with the charger owner regarding the desired location, considering charging cable length, parking, and potential trip hazards or vehicle impact risks. The charger must be installed on a flat, rigid, and permanent surface. Fences or non-permanent structures are not suitable. Additional preparation may be needed for uneven surfaces.

EV chargepoint heights should be between 750-1200mm from the ground to the centre line of the socket-outlet, in accordance with BS 8300-1:2018.

[Diagram showing charger placement and height measurement 750mm - 1200mm]

Installing the Charger

4. Preparing the Charger

Open the charger by removing the 6 casing screws. Drill a suitably sized hole on a flat surface of the casing for supply cable entry. Use a grommet, gland, and/or sealant as appropriate to maintain the product's IP rating, depending on the cable entry point. The available cable entry points are Top (indoor use only), Side, Rear, and Bottom.

Only use the top entry point for indoor installations suitably distanced from water ingress sources. Exercise caution when drilling to avoid damaging internal wiring or components.

If internal components are damaged, do not connect the charger. Contact Pod Point for further advice.

[Diagram showing charger interior with cable entry points labeled: Top, Side, Rear, Bottom]

5. Mounting the Charger

After checking the surface for cabling and pipework, use the provided drilling template to drill three holes and insert suitable plugs if required. For common brick wall installations, Pod Point recommends using 3 x No.12 (ø5.5mm) x 35mm long self-tapping screws and 3 x suitable wallplugs (for ø4.5-5.5mm screws).

Fixing head types should be Mushroom, flanged, or pan head only. Countersunk head types are not recommended.

Do not use the charger as a drilling guide, as masonry dust can damage internal components.

Appropriate fixings must be used depending on the mounting surface. Secure the charger using the three fixing points. Apply sealant around fixing holes or use rubber washers (Nitrile/TPR Material, ID 5.3-5.5mm, OD 12-15mm, Thickness 1.2-2mm) between screw heads and the product enclosure to maintain the IP rating.

[Diagram showing wall mounting with screws and template]

6. Wiring the Charger

Wire the supply to the charger as shown. For 7kW or 22kW 3-phase installations, cables should be rated to a minimum current of 40A and comply with the latest BS 7671.

To prevent damage, avoid touching any part of the PCB other than the connection terminals.

Ensure at least 15mm of insulation is removed from the end of the cables for good terminal contact. Allow at least 10mm of inner insulation to enter the Solo 3S housing to prevent chafing with the gland or SWA.

[Diagram showing 3-phase wiring L3, L2, L1, N and insulation stripping measurements 15mm and 10mm]

Allow adequate supply cable length for easy termination and avoid stress on cables or PCB. Do not route cables over the PCB. Ensure terminations are clamped to the terminal block using light force only.

7. Wiring the Power Balancing Sensor (CT Clamp)

This step is required for single-phase installations to enable features like solar charging. The CT clamp monitors property current, allowing the EV charger to de-rate if necessary to protect the main fuse from overload. It is also essential for compatibility with current or future solar PV installations.

The CT clamp should be installed around the live wire of the incoming supply feed, upstream of any additional power supply (e.g., solar PV, battery storage). The clamp has a directional arrow that must point in the same direction as the current flow, from the supply towards the charger.

[Diagram showing CT clamp placement on a wire with an arrow indicating current direction]

The CT clamp should be wired using a screened, 2-core Defence Standard cable. Direct connection of the cable into terminals is sufficient; crimps and ferrules are not required. Wire the CT clamp to the charger to a torque of 0.5Nm.

[Diagram showing CT clamp wiring terminals C1, C2 and connection to PCB]

The CT clamp must be secured with a cable tie. Ensure correct torque is not exceeded, as overtightening can damage cables or terminals.

8. Closing the Charger

Before closing the charger, take a clear picture of the inside showing all terminal connections for the registration process. This image is required for Pod Point to take ownership of post-installation customer support.

Once the photo is taken, close the lid, ensuring the tamper detection switch at the top is correctly engaged. Apply sealant to the supply cable entry point to maintain the IP rating and secure the housing with the 6 provided fixing screws.

[Diagram showing charger interior photo, lid closing, and sealant application]

Setting Up the Charger

9. Log in to the Installer App

Download and create an account for the Pod Point Installer App. Scan the QR code provided or search for 'Pod Point Installer' in your phone's app store.

[QR Code Image] Scan Here for Pod Point Installer App

With the charger configured and registered via the app, Pod Point's customer service team can handle customer issues remotely.

10. Connecting to the Charger

Ensure the charger lid is closed and turn it on at the breaker switch. The charger LED will flash white during power-on. Once the LED is solid blue, it is ready to connect to the Installer App. You have 60 minutes to connect; otherwise, turn the charger off and on again.

In the Installer App, tap 'Connect' to open your camera. Scan the QR code on the connection label provided in the box to connect to the charger.

[Smartphone image showing 'Connect' button and Connection Label with Charger ID, AP name, Password]

Keep the connection label safe, as it is needed for the customer. It is recommended to stick the label to the consumer unit for safekeeping. If the label is lost or damaged, contact customer support on 020 7247 4114.

11. Configuring the Charger

After connecting, check readings for Main Fuse Current, Mains Voltage, and Charging Current (A) are within expected ranges.

Navigate to the settings page and enter:

• EV charger RCBO rating (Amps): The rating of your RCBO or RCD+MCB protective device(s).
• Charger Rating (Amps): The maximum operating current of the charger.
• Max Supply at CT clamp (Amps): The maximum current allowed at the property's connection point.

Toggle 'Power Balancing CT Installed' to confirm the CT clamp is installed. Toggle 'Power Balancing Enabled' to activate the feature. Toggle 'PV Solar system installed' if solar panels are present.

To set the charger to 'Out of Service', toggle 'Service Mode' on. The charger will remain powered and connected to Wi-Fi but will not deliver energy.

[Two smartphone screenshots showing app configuration screens for Charger, Wi-Fi, Settings, Register Installation, and specific configuration toggles]

12. Connecting to Customer's Wi-Fi (where available)

Connect the charger to the customer's home Wi-Fi to enable smart features via the Pod Point App. This is not required for new build developments or where Wi-Fi is unavailable.

In the Pod Point Installer App, go to the charger information screen, tap 'Select a network', choose the customer's router SSID, and enter the password.

[Two smartphone screenshots showing Wi-Fi connection process: selecting network and entering password]

Once connected to Wi-Fi, a default overnight charging schedule with a randomized charging delay is applied as per Smart Charging Regulations. Customers can adjust or disable this schedule in the Pod Point App.

Having Wi-Fi Troubles?

If the charger struggles to locate the router or maintain connection, try the following:

• Restarting the router and/or charger may refresh the connection and improve signal strength.

If issues persist after restarting, consider these options:

• Relocate the router closer to the charger.
• Upgrade to a more powerful router, as standard ISP routers may not be reliable.
• Purchase a powerline Wi-Fi Access point and plug it in near the charger to create a stronger local Wi-Fi network.

13. Registering the Charger (Required)

After correct configuration, tap 'Register Charger'. You will be prompted to submit photos of your installation.

Photos Required:

• The inside of the charger, showing all terminal connections clearly.
• The wiring of the CT clamp (if installed).
• The RCBO used and associated wiring.
• An image of the installed charger (closed) taken from a distance.

These photographs verify correct installation and enable Pod Point to provide post-installation remote support, minimizing the need for site visits.

[Smartphone screenshots showing app registration screen and photo upload prompts]

Functional Testing

14. Performing the Tests

If possible, connect the charger to an EV. The charger's status light should turn solid green, indicating successful charging for at least 2 minutes.

If an EV is not available, use an EV simulator:

• Not plugged in: Set the simulator to Off / State A / Unlocked before inserting.
• Plugged into Solo 3S: Once inserted, set the simulator to 'State C'. The charger's status light should turn solid green, and the cable should lock into the socket (for universal chargers).
• Plugged in & Appliance: Connect a suitable load according to the simulator's specification and leave for 2 minutes. The charger's LED should remain green, and the CT clamp reading (Main Fuse Current) should increase in the Installer App.

[Diagrams showing EV simulator connection states: A, C, C]

Customer Handover

New Build Developments

For installations on empty properties or new build sites:

• After functional testing, ensure the circuit protection device is set to 'off'.
• Apply the 'Connect to Charger' sticker to the consumer unit for safekeeping.

The installation of the CT clamp and the 'Connect to Charger' sticker are typically included on new build developers' snagging checklists.

[Image of the 'Connect to Charger' sticker with QR code and charger details]

Residential Customers

For installations on residential properties:

• Hand the 'Connect to Charger' sticker to the customer, advising them to keep it safe, preferably on the consumer unit.
• If the customer's car is available, allow them to plug it in. The status light should turn green, and charging should begin.
• Direct the customer to download the Pod Point App from their app store and assist with the setup process if possible.
• Inform the customer that user and app guides are available online at pod-point.com/customerdocuments.

LED Guide

This section describes the meaning of the charger's LED indicator lights:

Troubleshooting

Common Red LED Faults

If the charger displays a red LED, check the following:

• Verify terminals are wired correctly and securely terminated.
• Check pre-installed wiring from PCB to socket/tethered cable is securely terminated.
• Perform a voltage check across supply terminals. If voltage is outside the range of 207V to 253V, contact the Distribution Network Operator. Chargers will be in fault mode outside this range.
• Ensure system Earthing arrangements are correct, required protective bonding is in place, and meets local wiring regulations and building regulations.
• Check for water in the charging socket or charging cable head.
• Investigate potential faults with the CT clamp wiring or location.
• Ensure the vehicle is not drawing excessive current due to non-compliant adaptors.

Visit our help centre at help.pod-point.com or contact technical support on 020 7247 4114.

CT Clamp Troubleshooting

If a CT clamp fault occurs during testing, the charger LED should turn Red. Check the following:

• Is the clamp correctly located, fully closed around the cable, and secured with a tie?
• Are the connections on the PCB and clamp wired correctly?
• Is there a damaged cable or clamp?
• Has the CT Clamp been enabled in the charger settings menu?

The PCB could be damaged; swap only after checking all other possibilities.

Testing for a Fault

First, ensure the charger is de-energised.

With the CT Clamp wired correctly, place an Ohmmeter across the C1 terminals and refer to the readings:

When connecting to the K & L terminal with the CT clamp in isolation, the value should typically be around 332 Ω for both an open and closed clamp, but can range between 260 Ω - 340 Ω.

Visit our help centre at help.pod-point.com or contact technical support on 020 7247 4114.

Declarations of Conformity

EU Declaration of Conformity

Pod Point Ltd. declares that the Solo 3S charger complies with essential requirements of Directives 2014/53/EU (RED), 2014/30/EU (EMC), and 2011/65/EU (ROHS), meeting specified harmonised standards including EN IEC 61851-1:2019 and ETSI EN 300.328 V2.2.2:2019. Signed by Arjan Van Rooijen, CTO.

UKCA Declaration of Conformity

Pod Point Ltd. declares that the Solo 3S charger complies with essential requirements of UK Regulations including The Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 and The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016, meeting specified designated standards including EN IEC 61851-1:2019 and ETSI EN 300.328 V2.2.2:2019. Signed by Arjan Van Rooijen, CTO.