Tesla Model 3 - Going Commando! Faster charging at home in the UK using a commando socket

[@MyMediaShares]

I have been using this for about 6 months now and I am super happy for now. saved my a lot of money.

[@timothyshanks6799]

Great bit of information. I dknt think a lot of people are aware of this as an alternative to a wall box. Nice work

[@lifeofpedros]

Great video! Now all I need is a house to have one installed 😅 Heading off topic, any recommendations on washer fluids for the M3? The manual has outlines many cautions (i.e. VOCs, do not use rain/bug repellent etc) which rules out the majority of what’s being sold in Halfords.

[@jdhartwell732]

Thanks Peter! I haven't actually needed to do it yet but I'm probably going to take those recommendations with a pinch of salt and follow the general principle of just not buying the super cheap stuff, but not worrying about it too much!

[@vincentohanlon]

Perfect. I'll be putting one of these in at my parents house!

[@peterblythe5219]

What earth & or PEN. Protection have you installed

[@CarFinanceSimplified]

I was just thinking the same.

[@LlyrRoberts]

Hi JD! Would be interested to know which dedicated charger you prefer over the commando socket! A video would be great! Cheers

[@rwdplz1]

I don't see the 3 pin plug connector in the UK store, did Tesla stop selling it? They have the blue ones in 16A and 32A

[@ster2130]

I've just had a 32A commando socket installed for £180 and bought an Ohme smart charger lead (£199 through Octopus energy). £380 all in for what is effectively a tethered smart charger. Okay, it doesn't look the prettiest, but it does the job.

[@jdhartwell732]

Sounds like a good setup!

[@mrg4537]

I am contemplating this set up. Did your £180 include earth protection? Many thanks.

[@jasonwest1957]

Did you convert an existing external socket to a 32A socket or have a brand new instal? What charge rate are you getting?

[@ster2130]

@@jasonwest1957 A new install and I get 7.4kw.

[@ster2130]

@@mrg4537 Yes

[@gjwestonable]

Is the UMC brainbox ok in our wonderful UK weather?

[@hood182ie]

no, not weather proof

[@benalowosile7659]

Hello, Like how much did the electrician charged for this work. and also I can't see the link where Tesla sells the plugin Thanks

[@andrewchamberlain6653]

hello, how do you get around the issue of the UMC connector not being fully waterproof? I had to replace mine after only 6 weeks due to the car not being in a garage or not under cover at all

[@CarFinanceSimplified]

I don’t have a Tesla yet. Can you tell me if you can “tell” the car to only charge at a certain time to take advantage of cheaper rates through the night?

[@jdhartwell732]

Yep, you can set this from the charge screen. I go through it (albeit briefly) on my touchscreen tutorial video if you want to take a look :)

[@paulwoolley69]

This is the solution to what i need due to not being eligible for the OLEV grant. Can i ask what the make/model of the 32A socket you used and which RCB (A / B) did you use. Plus did you have to have an earth rod fitted too?

[@jdhartwell732]

Hi Paul, it's a GEWISS 32A IP67 socket (model GW66215N). Unfortunately I'm not sure on the RCB or earth rod questions, I left that to the electrician, sorry!

[@paulwoolley69]

@@jdhartwell732 thank you for your reply, i will get my electrician on it

[@jubrilobafolahan6041]

How much did he charge you please.Mine is quoting 400pounds

[@davereeder61164]

I had a Zoe before getting my present model 3 and always charged from a 3 pin wall socket. I am still doing the same with my Tesla but I have been in touch with an electrician to fit a commando socket and have already bought Teslas commando plug for the charger. I am not really too bothered by the astheatics of the wall socket as I plan to have it tucked away. I still haven't used a Supercharger yet!

[@chris-lloyd]

How much was fitting of the commando if you don’t mind sharing? Thanks

[@russefrance4869]

Nicely explained. I live in France and have installed the same for around 280€. Here, we call it a 'prise bleu' which translates as 'blue plug' and therefore bears no relation to questionable clothing habits... I am really pleased with the result and can see no reason why I would now install a wall-charger as it's perfect for my daily 55-80% charge.

[@jdhartwell732]

Everything sounds a little more classy in French :) It's been working great for me so far. The only reason I can see for installing a full tethered wall charger now is the convenience factor, but we're talking seconds here...

[@Cheradanine]

Gotta be the cheapest way of doing it. A few hundred quid to install a 32A socket. Of course you lose all of the feature of a "proper" charger point- app control, timing, ability to lock people out and so on. However, these are probably not worth the cost of installing a smart charging point. I suppose that the other point is that there's potentially a bit more risk involved with these sockets if you've got kids about. Also, what's the IP rating of these outlets? Are they suitable for permanent outdoor installation?

[@jdhartwell732]

Yep, agreed, I think it’s more just the inconvenience of having to take out/put away the charger each time compared to a nice tethered solution that would tip it for me when it comes to very frequent use. The screw cap and the fact you can’t turn on any power without something plugged in I think goes some way to address the concerns of having kids around. It’s IP67 rated, which I think exceeds the IP rating for the EO Pro, so should be fine as a permanent outdoor fitting. I think ideally though, you’d have something like a lockable encasing cupboard around it that could also shield the UMC (which is “weather-proof”) as I wouldn’t really be comfortable constantly charging with that in torrential rain…

[@Cheradanine]

@@jdhartwell732 It'd be a good solution if you visit relatives or the like regularly. Kinda like a destination charger, especially if it was inside a garage. Certainly a damn sight cheaper than the Andersen that I had installed last week!

[@jdhartwell732]

@Cheradanine Yep, exactly my thinking. Ha, I think pretty much everything is cheaper than the Andersen to be fair, but it's sooo nice, absolutely the option I'll be going for! Was it a long lead time between ordering and install?

[@Cheradanine]

@@jdhartwell732 No, it was quite quick. I placed the order on the 3rd September. I completed the online survey the same day and they confirmed that a standard installation applied on the 9th. They confirmed shipping of the charging point on the 13th and it arrived on the 16th. On the 15th they offered an installation date of the 22nd. This didn't suit my diary, so we agreed an install of the 1st October. All-in-all, I could have had it installed in 3 calendar weeks from ordering. Very easy process.

[@jdhartwell732]

@Cheradanine Thanks for all the info! It'll be on my list for the new year all being well.

[@AutoAbsolute]

My electrician installed a 32amp 3 pin for £50. The plug was £40, adaptor from Tesla was £35. So for £125 this is a brilliant option. Mines hidden in my garage so you can't even see it. 3x speed for £125 was a bargain.

[@tonyleach3923]

where did you get the tesla adapter from

[@AutoAbsolute]

@@tonyleach3923 Tesla store. £35

[@assassin3131]

Hi @AutoAbsolute I’m looking to get this set up installed, interested to know whether it’s still working for you all ok?

[@ivandarakev1400]

Bullshit , no qualified electrician would do that and certify

[@chrisfoy8756]

@@ivandarakev1400How come?

[@creamosites]

Are you still using this 32A connector with the tesla mobile charger? I've been using the 16amp blue connector with it for 5 years, but thinking of upgrading to this one of 32A, or a proper wallcharger (expensive option). Thanks in advance.

[@vitorbentes]

is this Tesla cable waterproof? Can I charge overnight using with 32 amp socket no worrying about getting wet?

[@tedbearfudge]

Dam, no underwear, but seeing I'm here I might as well watch it.

[@vxnova1]

This is what I use but it’s in the garage so I just leave the cable,plugged in all the time,

[@lukecsmith1977]

Hi, Can you please post a link for the adaptor from Tesla as I can’t find it? Thanks,

[@jdhartwell732]

Here you go Luke, just select 32A from the drop down - shop.tesla.com/en_dk/product/blue-adapter---16a_32a-

[@jdhartwell732]

I think you'll need to copy and paste that link rather than click it direclty as youtube has cut off the last part of it

[@lukecsmith1977]

@@jdhartwell732 perfect thanks. I’ll look to get one in the coming days! BR, Luke

[@davidfarrell1062]

Only other thing is the commando option wont scale back the charge if there is more demand in the house (electric showers etc). You need to keep an eye on that yourself.

[@lookoutleo]

can you get an adapter to make commando fit the type 2 plug so could charge my leaf? my cable is type 2 to type 1, 6.6 charging

[@jy-dj4wl]

Is it safe to charge while it's raining?

[@derekbland5253]

Am likely to use a comando socket when we move but apart from occasional long journey to mum in laws we will probably stick with the granny charger which I get 10-11mph

[@JohnDundee-el2ro]

This the best and easiest to instal so far and the cheapest Fantastic

[@ligiarocha8447]

I have a question… the adaptor from tesla says 16A And the socket is 32A Is that any problem with that? Or the adaptor can deal with 32A? Thank you

[@abusasha478]

16 amp and 32 amp adaptor are available.

[@maxrelax1517]

Do you know whether you can get a longer cable? I need at least a 15 metre one.

[@jdhartwell732]

I think ur best bet might be to get the Tesla one, and then get an extension, something like this - www.videk.co.uk/section.php/1404/1/32-amp-commando-power-extension-cable

[@maxrelax1517]

@@jdhartwell732 thanks. Some of the cables I’ve looked at are like £400.

[@Ricky-wn3hq]

Hi mate, excellent videos! Can I ask how long the charging cable is that tesla provide?

[@maxrelax1517]

@@Ricky-wn3hq the UMC gen2 is 7.5m long.

[@NeoDK]

Does this work for the Model Y aswell? On the Tesla website it only gives information for: Range per hour: 44 km with Model 3 35 km with Model S 31 km with Model X So I'm a little confused.

[@abusasha478]

Yes, works a treat on model y too!

[@NeoDK]

@@abusasha478 great, I got one and yeh works a treat.

[@rivermoon9113]

Hi. If im going for a commando. Should i contact a qualified electrician and just tell them i want to install a commando socket? Sorry for the silly question. 😥 Thanks for the informative vid!

[@abusasha478]

Request 32 amp (blue) socket.

[@carbonangel1]

The tesla commando adapter on the tesla website only states this is for 16a, or 3.7kw of charging. How come you are getting the full 7/8 KW ?

[@abusasha478]

Using 32 amp socket instead of 16 amp socket.

[@skfsimon]

It’s Tesla not Tezla!

[@olliedann]

Exactly the information I need. Thanks!

[@mariacornwallis1602]

And what about the thousands of car owners who live in tall blocks of flats or terraced houses who may have to park their car more then 50 yards away?

[@abusasha478]

Public chargers!

[@TheAlgon76]

Is it safe during raining season?

[@cityblue0202]

Great video don’t forget size is not everything and this idea will hopefully help me.

[@blueslsd]

Great video many thanks.

[@mazdaram226]

Brilliant option , thank you

[@seamusfitz26]

thanks! good video

[@doodzy2]

Bro wth this is a revelation

[@MrTesla219]

It’s so cool

[@AlexN0me11]

Can the Commando connection be used on all EVs?

[@mjcamp01]

Thanks

[@peterblythe5219]

Great video, but I’m wondering what protection you put in place for the 32A socket PEN fault protection and or RCD Type A + DC 6mA? or did you just directly connect to a 32A Breaker on your consumer unit?

[@stevoc9930]

None I'd imagine but depending on the earthing arrangements of your incoming supply you might not need PEN fault protection.

[@bw9927]

@@stevoc9930 actually the supply could have been changed to PME in the street. Unfortunately it can’t be relied upon looking at what the earthing arrangement is in the property.

[@matc1603]

There isn't a requirement for pen fault protection when using a portable charger. It's just a nonsense used for outdoor wall chargers.

[@Peskyjooba]

Brilliant videos. Now I know to use the commando plug.. on my imaginary Tesla. One day... one day...

[@JoooostB]

Very cost effective solution, thanks for sharing! Would you mind sharing the shop where you got your Commando socket from, I'm looking for a similar one but for 16A instead.

[@jdhartwell732]

Thanks Joost. I don't have the exact link as the electrician ordered it, but toolstation have a pretty good selection, think you'd be after something like this - www.toolstation.com/industrial-socket-ip67/p79209

[@aravinds5192]

​@@jdhartwell732can this socket pull 22kw in 3phase?

[@abusasha478]

@@aravinds5192no

[@malccartledge9771]

Just bear in m ind that neither an existing 13A socket, nor a 16A or 32A commando, meet the electrical safety regulations for charging an EV without either a PEN fault detector/isolator or a suitable earth rod (new or existing). The issue with a PEN fault is that your whole car will become live without proper protection. That's not to say that all smart chargers don't need one too, but there are more and more that have the protection built in.

[@matc1603]

And pigs might fly

[@malccartledge9771]

@@matc1603 they will if you have a PEN fault without protection and they touched the car

[@matc1603]

@@malccartledge9771 has it ever happened? I genuinely don't know. It just seems incredibly unlikely. Almost impossible.

[@malccartledge9771]

@@matc1603 think about it: a PEN system is just where the PE (Protective Earth) and N (Neutral) circuits are ‘combined’ and the house feed is just two wires. This is the norm nowadays. A PEN fault here is where the cable is disrupted (dug up by the water or gas company for example) and the PEN wire broken but not the L wire. That doesn’t seem such an unlikely event, and it isn’t.

[@az015]

Does this need an earth rod?

[@matc1603]

Does anything really need an earth rod?

[@amcneil123]

Sorry - basic question - but is this the same adaptor you would need to use electric hookup on a UK campsite?

[@jdhartwell732]

Hi there, I think campsites are probably more likely to have the 16A variant of this (looks almost the same but is slightly smaller) although some may have 32A sockets too. You can get a 16A adapter from Tesla.

[@amcneil123]

@@jdhartwell732 thanks for the info much appreciated.

[@sko1beer]

Yes it is

[@vinceremedy]

excellent video - when installing this i assume your fuse/distributrion board needed to have space for an additonal 32amp breaker to run this new commando circuit on?

[@alunmauve]

You can add a dedicated EV/Shower priority board between the company fuse/meter and the existing distribution board. That way, if the load on your existing board exceeds a certain level (for example if you have an electric shower and cooker on at the same time) the priority board will shut off the current to your EV charger so that your 63 Amp company fuse doesn't blow. Once the current drain falls below 30 Amps, power will be restored to the EV charge point.

[@danielgfrimpong]

great job

[@hibbs79]

Mate your videos are great I hope you make some more soon.

[@jdhartwell732]

Cheers mate. Had a few things in the way recently but will hopefully be back to it soon!

[@jamiewickett7989]

Interesting....I had quotes between £650 to £1k to have my charger installed. Might be a good temp solution until things return to normal.

[@maxrelax1517]

Ive had a quote for a commando socket, £140 all in.

[@neilbridgeman7768]

If good means dangerous then yes it would be a good solution.

[@paulf3353]

@@neilbridgeman7768 How's that dangerous?

[@neilbridgeman7768]

@@paulf3353 EV chargers need specialist safety protection for the unique way the UK electrical system is earthed. A fault on the suppliers system could make the EV bodywork rise to 230v and when someone opens the EV car door they will complete the circuit as their feet will be on true Earth. Likely to result in death. Commando sockets have no protection unless a separate safety unit is installed. That cannot be installed for £140.

[@paulf3353]

@@neilbridgeman7768 I hear you, but it is no different than having the same fault inside the house (like in the bathroom for example). Also, the probability of that is extremely low, probably significantly lower than the EV car accident. PS. I wonder who is that bright mind who decided to use TN-C-S and why additional house earthing is not mandatory. It sounds ridiculous.

[@stevenandrews9713]

Great info and video! Cheers!

[@jdhartwell732]

Thanks Steven!

[@peterblythe5219]

Do you have PEN fault protection installed a type A RCD with 6mA protection?

[@computerbob06]

This is great to know. I can't charge at home but can at my Mum's - but therefore won't be eligible (legally) for the grant. My Mum only lives a mile away, so its great that I could get a 32A Commando fitted and whack in the juice at 7.4kw, while I'm round there!

[@BrianFraser]

Interesting video, Probably being dense but I'm missing something, how you are getting the extra charging power? Is the commando unit connected to a dedicated circuit off your main supply and also contains additional electronics to boost the power over the normal 3-pin plug?

[@alunmauve]

The limiting factor on a mains circuit is the current carrying capacity of the cable. Domestic UK ring mains are wired in 2.5 Sq mm cable but can also be a radial circuit which should be rated with a lower 20A fuse /MCB. A 32A commando would be wired as a radial circuit using 4mm sq cable ( or larger for longer runs to reduce volt drop). The Tesla charging cable knows what type of adapter (commando or domestic 3 pin) is plugged into it and will adjust the cars charging current accordingly to limit charging to 7kw when using the three pin adapter. This is so the mains circuit can still have a kettle plugged in without tripping a circuit breaker on your distribution board or setting fire to your house.

[@JustMeTalking]

Even though I have several wall ev chargers at home, I still had a 32 Amp Commando Socket installed for a Universal Mobile Charger. Ideal for a Grid Outage as the Commando Socket will run off the Home Battery storage.

[@pppscooby]

Biggest con you missed is the lack of safety features, like PEN fault detection, did your electrician fit that too in tne £300 you mention?

[@matc1603]

The only con with PEN fault detection is why the UK regs feel the need for it.

[@12alocin]

@@matc1603 It was dreamed up by by a bunch of mouthy sparkies.

[@edc1569]

This whole PEN fault thing is madness, you have sparks insisting you can't fit simple solutions even when houses have existing outdoor sockets and earthed garden class 2 lighting everywhere

[@lawrence18uk]

Well, I hope your parents might find that commando socket useful, one day! ;-) Also I note that some commando sockets are rated 16A, some 32A, and some (the red ones?) can be used with 415V - is this an option for the Tesla? - or any other car? Maybe we'll see new homes with a 415V connection as standard soon... Thanks!

[@aculeus1971]

If your house has a 3 phase supply , you could get a 3 phase red commando socket but this would need to be 3x16A as this is the maximum the internal model 3 AC chargers can handle … If your local Aldi has the blue post newmotion chargers these are often 11kW 3 phase and I get 54 miles of range added if I turn off the a/c while charging on these…

[@pjday6195]

If you are thinking of doing this, I suggest that you review the following first: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIumapKOoNmentE

[@neilbridgeman7768]

My worry here is that yes it will inevitably be cheaper to have a commando socket on the wall rather than a purpose built EV charge. The more ‘expensive’ purpose built chargers have a range of safety features installed to protect the user including specific EV RCDs and specialist monitoring devices that monitor if a drop in the neutral conductor occurs (very common in the UK) and cuts off the supply. A plain commando socket does not have this protection so clearly it will be cheaper. However opening an EV car door, while charging and when the neutral has dropped off will result in a horrendous electric shock and at 32A very likely death. A smart EV charger like a Zappi by MyEnergi will not let that happen. The alternative is to have an earth rod installed but I take it you have not had that installed as that would push the cost way up. A commando socket in most UK installations is terribly dangerous and would not meet the wiring regulations for the UK.

[@patdbean]

In a PEN fault situation, how is it any worse than a 13A plug?

[@neilbridgeman7768]

@@patdbean a good question. In terms of likelihood it is no different. But charging from a 13A plug is not really seen as a long term solution as most house sockets are not suitable and the slow charging rate is just rubbish. Also when you look at commando sockets or some of the dumb chargers, like the Tesla charger (that also has no safety devices fitted as standard) the current is a lot higher (16A - 32A) and therefore the resulting electric shock will be considerably worse. In an ideal world nobody should be charging an EV without the appropriate RCD and PEN fault protection as the consequences could be fatal.

[@patdbean]

@@neilbridgeman7768 yes, but I can well see someone who charges mostly at destination chargers, shopping centre, gym. Etc. Saying "I do one or other of those at least once a week, I can live with 14 hours 7mph charging the odd time I need to leave home with 150+ miles range Couldn't the PEN fault detection be built into the car? .

[@mickbitchum4664]

Totally agree. If a commando socket is installed with the intention of EV charging an earth rod should be installed. I do think it states this in the instructions for the Ohme plug-in charger but most DIYers will probably ignore this 😏

[@alexcattell1822]

@@mickbitchum4664 my house already has an earth rod. Would I need a second one just to have this installed?

[@pareshpanchal91]

Good video, could you leave the cable plugged in at the commando socket?

[@hood182ie]

glossed over the issues with having the UMC out in the rain and zero protection offered by the commando specific to BEVs… quite irresponsible

[@chrisdechristophe]

This is great. I'm going to get a tesla but was worried I'd have to get a dedicated charger. I'd much rather have this solution. I have a garage so won't need to keep unplugging the mobile charger anyway.

[@philmartin144]

Thanks this is really useful great video. Can you possibly give me the link how you sourced the adapter I noticed you gave an address in a previous reply but it doesn't seem to work (even cut and paste and im having trouble finding the adapter?

[@andrewdavis3366]

Fantastic! this will be perfect for my needs. Many Thanks

[@bendenton6265]

Very helpful. My Model 3 arrives in a few weeks so this has saved me a few quid vs getting the Tesla branded charger!

[@AlexN0me11]

Can you get an extension cable for the commando?

[@sko1beer]

Yes mine runs 30 meters to my car

[@tiny2068]

As stated by other contributors, what’s missing from this video is additional cost of an Open PEN device and type B RCBO or type A with additional 6mA DC fault device. Installation of an EV charger socket in the UK, no matter what type, and has particular regulations that must be adhered to in order to properly protect against electric shock in the event of a fault. Always consult an experienced, qualified electrician.

[@Beariam24]

This should never been put on KZbin. This is not a safe installation at all. I know people are trying to save money but if you can afford a EV you can afford a a safe charger install. You would be toast if a PEN fault was to occur. Also loading on the property has not even been considered. What would happen if there was a DC fault on the car? What type of RCD protection is upstream? This type of video pissis me off!

[@bw9927]

Why is everyone ignoring the fact that a commando socket olongapo is not compliant with the electrical regs for EV charging? No wonder you got it installed for £300!

[@billycookson8804]

very helpful