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Tesla EV Charger Installation UK — PME Protection Guide

PME & Earthing

Tesla Charger Installs on PME Supplies

A Tesla Wall Connector is still just a charger as far as PME and PEN fault regulations are concerned. Here is what's specific to a Tesla install versus any other charger.

Quick answer

Tesla Wall Connectors do not include built-in open-PEN detection, so on a PME supply you need an external PEN fault detection device or an earth rod, same as for any charger without built-in protection. The regulation doesn't treat Tesla differently; the charger's own feature set does.

Why this needs calling out specifically

Some chargers, like the Simpson & Partners Home Series, include built-in open-PEN monitoring, which means no external device is needed. A Tesla Wall Connector doesn't have this feature, so the installer has to add the protection separately: an external PEN fault detection unit, or an earth rod. See What is PME in EV charging? for the three routes in general.

Choosing the protection device

The choice follows the same logic as any other charger: single vs three-phase supply, IP rating for the mounting location, and whether you want surge protection and an RCBO bundled in. Some manufacturers market units specifically as "Tesla compatible", which generally just means they've been tested and documented against Tesla's specific installation requirements rather than needing different electrical characteristics.

For the full selection logic, see PME protection devices instead of an earth rod.

Installer checklist for a Tesla install on PME

  • Confirm the supply is PME (TN-C-S), not TT or TN-S
  • Confirm the Wall Connector model doesn't include built-in open-PEN detection (check Tesla's current documentation, as this can change between hardware revisions)
  • Select a PEN fault device matched to single or three-phase and the mounting location's IP requirement
  • Assess and specify Type 2 surge protection alongside, as for any installation
  • Test the PEN fault function at commissioning and record it on the certificate

Shop Tesla-compatible PEN fault protection

3-phase PEN fault detection with surge protection, documented for Tesla Wall Connector installs.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Tesla require a specific brand of PEN fault protection?

No. Tesla doesn't mandate a specific protection brand; the requirement comes from BS 7671 and applies regardless of charger brand. Some products are marketed as "Tesla compatible" based on documented compatibility testing, but the underlying electrical requirement is the same as for any charger without built-in protection.

Will Tesla's installation documentation mention PME at all?

Tesla's own guidance generally defers to local wiring regulations rather than detailing UK-specific PME requirements, so it's the UK installer's responsibility to apply BS 7671 correctly rather than relying solely on Tesla's documentation.

Is a Tesla Wall Connector single-phase or three-phase?

This depends on the specific model and how it's configured at installation, so check the current Tesla documentation for the unit being installed rather than assuming.

PME & EarthingWhat Is PME in EV Charging?PME & EarthingDo I Need an Earth Rod for an EV Charger?PME & EarthingPME Protection Devices Instead of an Earth RodPME & EarthingPME & PEN Fault FAQs

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