EV charging infrastructure review and supply of pre-wired EV distribution cabinets & feeder pillars

In this issue of Sustainability Today, we are delighted to select Charles Endirect as our EV Charger Systems Supplier Company of the Month

There is now real impetus for drivers to switch to cleaner vehicles, with the impending 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol or diesel car. There has been steady growth, with an estimated 1.02 million zero-emission electric vehicles (cars) on UK roads today, alongside 615,000 plug-in hybrids.

The number of public charging stations are growing too across workplaces, council-owned car parks, hotels and numerous other places, to keep up with demand.

One of the biggest questions remains though: How do you maintain reliable and ever-increasing charging speeds while keeping the users and installers safe, through adherence to BS7671:2018 amendment 2:2022?

The role of electrical distribution cabinets for EV chargers

Correctly designed and manufactured electrical distribution cabinets are an integral aspect of the EV charging infrastructure, providing optimised safety and reliable electrical connections for EV charging equipment. They are typically configured to provide automatic disconnection of the supply for a given fault condition such as a short circuit, overcurrent, earth fault, and open neutral conductor (O-PEN fault on the incoming supply side cable where PME is used).

Who is a trusted manufacturer/supplier of electrical distribution cabinets to power EV Chargers?

Charles Endirect is a family-based company with an expert history celebrating forty years in the design and manufacture of metal fabrication and electric equipment originally for the street lighting market. Working with the EV power distribution sector is a natural progression for the Company. Founded by engineer Eric Charles in 1984, the company has built up its strong industry reputation through the recruitment and retention of talented mechanical and electrical engineers.

Eric designed the Central Earth Terminal for use on the construction of the M1 motorway and with an eye on exceeding industry benchmarks, the company has undertaken innovative R&D over the decades.

Eric’s son, Nic Charles took over the running of the company and after outgrowing its Sherborne premises, the company relocated to Wincanton, Somerset. With fabrication factory and sales and delivery offices all on-site, Charles Endirect prides itself on working with Local Authorities, National Highways and numerous other public and private bodies across the UK and further afield.

Charles Endirect is a founding member of the Highway Electrical Manufacturers & Suppliers Association (HEMSA), prominent existing member of the Highways Electrical Association (HEA.) and are long-standing members of the Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP).

Over the last five years, the company has seen a surge in demand for EV charging stations and with its reputation for quality products and service in the design and manufacture of metal fabrication and electrical equipment, provides pre-LV Distribution Cabinet solutions to meet that demand.

Expert guidance and distribution for EV charging

The Somerset-based company provides a wide range of EV charging solutions, from the slow (nonrapid) 3kW to the Ultra-rapid DC 350kW chargers.

The range of feeder pillars and distribution cabinets include the slimline and compact Mini pillar range, Mega pillars, with customised metalwork and build service available beyond standardised models. The cabinets are designed and pre-wired to requested customer specifications and are robustly tested to an internationally recognised standard before dispatching.

Charles Endirect offers a full in-house solutions service from design, manufacture, testing, certification and delivery to customer expectations.

Spotlight on Charles Endirect

We spoke to Andrew Jackson, Sales & Marketing Director, for more information, “Our company holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 accreditation and we pride ourselves on delivering products that are market-leading.

“Our pre-wired distribution cabinets for example are designed using cutting-edge OEM equipment, parametric 3D modelling and AutoCAD software. A full range of distribution boards are available in polycarbonate IP65, steel and 304 grade stainless steel.

“The MEGA electrical cabinet range, originally launched in 2021 has been purposefully designed for the larger, feeder pillars in the EV supply industry. Cabinets are usually pre-wired providing a ‘fit and forget’ solution for the installer.

“We also offer a range of concealed in-ground pillars, which reduce street clutter and the risk of vandalism. This is perfect for heritage sites such as Piece Hall in Halifax and has also been used in contemporary settings such as the new Tottenham Hotspur football stadium.

“The key components of isolation and earthing remain essential, and so we can share our forty years of expertise in training sessions and presentations to consultants and industry stakeholders on large TEAMS meetings and in faceto-face meetings.”

Charles Endirect will be at:• Passive Safety Conference & Workshop: National Conference Centre, Birmingham. 9th May 2024• and NRSC2024: Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel: 6th- 7th November 2024.

For more information, contact the sales teams below:

T +44 (0)1963 828400info@charlesendirect.comwww.charlesendirect.com