Do I need a Type A or Type B RCBO for an EV charger circuit?

If the charger has built-in 6mA DC fault detection, a Type A RCBO is sufficient. If the charger does not have built-in DC detection, a Type B RCBO is required.

Can I order PME protection devices without a charger from EcoHarmony?

Yes. Protection devices, RCBOs and earthing equipment can be ordered independently. Many EcoHarmony trade customers use EcoHarmony as their sole supplier for all protection components regardless of the charger brand they are fitting.

Is there a minimum order quantity on PME protection devices?

No minimum quantity applies. Orders of one or more units are accepted. Volume pricing applies at certain thresholds confirmed by your account manager.

Protection Devices for EV Chargers — Trade Supply UK

Trade & Wholesale — Electrical Protection

PME Protection Devices at Trade Prices

RDC-DD, RCBO, earth rods and earthing kits for EV charger installs on PME supplies. In stock, priced for trade, dispatched fast — one supplier for your complete protection stack.

✓ Trade Pricing

✓ Priority Dispatch (qualifying)

✓ Bundle with EV Chargers

✓ UK Compliance Covered

✓ Dedicated Account Manager

Why This Matters

Every EV Charger on a PME Supply Needs Protection

Under UK regulations, an EV charger on a PME (TN-C-S) earthing system requires protection against a lost neutral — which can cause dangerous voltages on exposed metalwork. Getting this right protects your customers and your liability.

⚡ PME protection in plain English Most UK properties use PME earthing. If the neutral conductor fails, the earth voltage can rise to dangerous levels. An EV charger connected to the vehicle adds significant risk — the car becomes part of the circuit. The solution is either an earth rod or an approved PME protection device such as an RDC-DD that disconnects the charger if a fault is detected. We supply both.

Quick Reference

Earth Rod vs PME Device — When to Use Which

Scenario	Best Solution	Why
Detached house, garden access, straightforward install	Earth rod + appropriate RCBO	Simple, cost-effective, meets regs without additional devices
No space for earth rod, flat, terrace or difficult ground	RDC-DD device	Protects against PME lost neutral without requiring an earth electrode
Apartment block or shared supply	RDC-DD or specialist assessment	Earth rods may not be practical; protection device typically preferred
Commercial or high-current install	Speak to account manager	May require Type B RCD and specific protection to BS 7671 requirements

Product Range

Protection Devices Available at Trade Price

All devices in stock for trade orders. Bundle with any EV charger order to save on shipping and simplify your supply chain.

Primary Protection

RDC-DD Device

Specifically designed for EV charger PME protection

Detects lost neutral on PME supplies
Disconnects charger automatically if fault detected
No earth rod required
Compact, DIN-rail mount
Meets BS 7671 & IET Code of Practice
Suitable for most residential and light commercial installs

Circuit Protection

RCBO (Type A & Type B)

Combined RCD + MCB protection — essential for any EV charger circuit

Type A: suitable for most AC-only chargers
Type B: required for chargers without built-in DC detection
Single-module DIN-rail design
Meets BS 7671 Amendment 3 requirements
Available in multiple ratings

Earth Electrode

Earth Rods & Earthing Kits

The straightforward PME protection solution where ground conditions allow

Standard copper-bonded earth rods
Multiple lengths available
Clamps, couplers and accessories in stock
Can bundle with charger orders
Recommended where ground resistance is achievable

Smarter Ordering

Bundle Your Charger with Protection

The Complete EV Install Kit

Most trade customers find it easier to order everything from one place. When you order your charger, add the right protection device and we'll dispatch together — saving time and reducing the risk of a site delay waiting for parts from a second supplier.

One order, one dispatch, one invoice
We match the right protection device to your charger and supply type
Bundle pricing available on qualifying orders
Reduces site-delay risk from multiple suppliers

Technical FAQs

PME Protection — Trade Questions

Does every EV charger install need PME protection?

If the property uses a PME (TN-C-S) earthing arrangement — the most common type in the UK — then yes, some form of PME protection is required under BS 7671 Section 722. This is either an earth rod or an approved protection device such as an RDC-DD unit.

What's the difference between an RDC-DD and a standard RCD?

An RDC-DD monitors the voltage between neutral and earth and disconnects the charger if it rises above a safe threshold due to a PME lost neutral fault. A standard RCD protects against earth fault currents but does not address this specific PME risk. The IET Code of Practice is the key reference for deciding which device is appropriate.

Do I need a Type B RCBO for EV charger installs?

It depends on the charger. If the charger has built-in 6mA DC fault detection, a Type A RCBO is sufficient. Chargers without built-in detection require a Type B. Your account manager can advise based on your chosen charger model.

Can I order protection devices without a charger?

Yes. You can order protection devices, RCBOs and earthing equipment independently. Many trade customers use EcoHarmony as a single supplier for all protection components regardless of which charger brand they're fitting.

Is there a minimum order quantity on protection devices?

No minimum quantity. Order one or order a hundred. Volume pricing applies at certain thresholds — your account manager will share the current pricing tiers when your account is set up.