Advance preparation and installation of charging stations

A well-prepared car park can grow with the number of vehicles. First design the routes and available power, then select the stations and their mounting method. This article provides an outline for project preparation, rather than universal wiring instructions for every model.

1. Determine the charging requirements

Establish the number of spaces, parking duration and energy the vehicles need to replenish. Record the main circuit breaker, reserved capacity, other loads and planned expansion. For managed charging, simultaneous branch loads are designed according to usage and electrical conditions.

2. Design the branches and cabling

The designer determines the cable cross-sections, installation method, lengths, protection devices and branches. They also consider voltage drop and distribute single-phase loads between the phases. The terminals' connection range must be verified for the exact station variant. Values such as 5 × 16 mm², 80 A or 18 connectors from the original examples do not constitute a universal design for another site.

If the through-feed cable exceeds the station's connection capacity, a branch connection must be designed using a suitable component. GarageBase is available for garages. SmartBase can provide spare cable space outdoors and allow later station installation. Determine the cable exit location, spare cable length and anchoring according to the selected model's installation instructions.

3. Prepare the metering and control system

Where vehicles share a supply with other equipment, total consumption must be measured. The SmartSystem can obtain data from SmartMeters or a compatible building system via Modbus TCP/RTU. On a branch containing only chargers, it can use their measurements and the branch current limit.

Select SmartMeter sensors according to the current, conductor or busbar dimensions, and sensor documentation. Their cables and connections are governed by the specific product, rather than a general limit taken from a different type of metering.

4. Distinguish CIB from the network connection

SmartMeter, supported EV modules and displays connect to the SmartSystem via CIB. The basic bus supports 32 hardware components. Each SmartMeter, EV module and display is counted separately. A single charger with a display has two components; a double charger has three. Expansion is designed using the Smart Extender.

The documentation for the installed system determines the CIB cable, lengths, topology and power supply. Ethernet for internet access and the expansion interconnect cable are not automatically interchangeable. The SmartSystem connects via Ethernet or a supported Wi-Fi adapter, depending on the system.

5. Mounting, inspection and commissioning

A qualified technician performs the installation and wiring according to the project and the manufacturer's instructions. After the required tests and electrical inspection, the metering points, limits and station assignments are configured. Depending on the scope ordered, MyAgeVolt is connected and access, pricing and reports are set up.

How to obtain documentation

CAD and model documents: Designer library. Outdoor example: Outdoor cable preparation using underground chambers. SmartBase installation: Installing AgeVolt SmartBase. Installation instructions: Pillar Slim, charging Wallbox One and Wallbox Double. For design and installation, you can choose AgeVolt services or your own contractor.