FAST AMPS Alpha 7 Crystal EV Charging User Manual

FAST AMPS Alpha 7 Crystal EV Charging

Product Information

Specifications

• Product Name: Alpha 7
• Type: Mode 3 stationary outdoor use AC EV supply equipment
• Connection: Permanent connection to AC supply network
• User: Intended for use by ordinary persons
• Access: Suitable for locations with non-restricted access (rated for medium mechanical resistance)
• Class: Class II equipment
• Manufacturing: Designed and Manufactured in The UK
• Website: fastamps.com

Product Usage Instructions

Safety
Safety Symbols
Throughout the document, the following warning words and symbols are used:

• DANGER: Risk of Death
• WARNING: Risk of Injury
• CAUTION: Risk of Damage
• GENERAL CAUTION
• HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE: Risk of Electric Shock

Use a Qualified Installer
DANGER: It is strongly recommended to use an experienced and qualified installer aware of local/national electrical wiring rules related to EVs and charging requirements. Fast Amps will not be liable for damage caused by incorrect installation.

General Warnings
Ensure to follow all general warnings and guidelines provided in the installation manual.

Installation

Preparation

1. Open the Alpha7 carton and inspect for any damage.
2. Choose a suitable location, preferably indoors or outdoors but out of direct sunlight.

Electrical Requirements
Ensure the supply cable is not live before proceeding with the installation.

Electrical Installation

1. Set the max. output current DIP switch setting as required.
2. Connect the power supply cable to the MAINS IN terminal block, observing correct polarity.
3. Tighten glands for weatherproof sealing and cable retention.
4. Replace the lid securely and tighten the cover screws.

Electrical Installation (Optional)
The Alpha 7 charger can be set to limit output current based on other electrical demand, allowing installation even with constrained electrical supply.

FAQ

• Q: Can the Alpha 7 charger be used indoors?
  A: Yes, the Alpha 7 charger can be used both indoors and outdoors, but it is recommended to keep it out of direct sunlight.

• Q: What is the warranty policy for the Alpha 7 charger?
  A: The warranty details can be found in section 7.1 of the manual. Fast Amps provide warranty coverage for specific periods as mentioned in the document.

Safety

Safety
Throughout this document, the following warning words and symbols are used:

• DANGER Risk of Death
• WARNING Risk of Injury
• CAUTION Risk of Damage

Use a Qualified Installer

• DANGER: Fast Amps very strongly recommends the use of an experienced and qualified installer who is aware of the local / national electrical wiring rules, specifically relating to EVs and charging requirements. Fast Amps will not accept liability for damage caused by incorrect installation.

General Warnings

• DANGER: Read these instructions carefully before starting work. A failure to follow the instructions is likely to invalidate the warranty.
• DANGER: The applicable local and national wiring regulations must be adhered to during the installation and commissioning process.
• WARNING: If the Alpha7 charger is damaged in any way: do not use it: contact Fast Amps to arrange a replacement unit.
• WARNING: Do not use high-pressure washers to clean the Alpha7 Charger.
• WARNING: Do not fit glands to the top of the product: this is associated with an increased risk of water ingress and potential electric shock.
• WARNING: Do not use charging extensions with this product.
• CAUTION: Avoid positioning the installation in direct sunlight. Use only cabling suitable for EV installations.

Installation

Preparation

1. Open the Alpha7 carton: inspect for any damage.
2. Choose a location, indoors or outdoors but ideally out of direct sunlight (direct sun will heat up the charger, limiting its performance and lifetime), that allows easy charging access and can be supplied by the necessary cabling. A flat, brick, concrete, or masonry wall is ideal. The charger should be fixed at a height of between 9m and 5m from the ground.
3. Use the mounting template from the box insert to mark the holes ready for drilling.
4. DeWalt wall plugs and stainless-steel screws are supplied with the Alpha7 for your convenience. The drill size is 8mm and the holes should be at least 40mm deep. The hole centres are 95(w) x 215(h) mm.
5. Remove the four front cover screws (a T20 security torx is required: see box label for tool part numbers).
6. Drill the gland holes (using e.g. a hole cutter) and fit the glands to the Alpha7 unit, according to the preferred direction of entry. There are helpful locating dimples on the bottom and rear of the Alpha7: LHS and RHS gland mounting is also possible. There may be multiple glands required if options are fitted.
7. Fit the Alpha7 charger to the wall using the 4off stainless-steel screws supplied.

Electrical Requirements
The cable sizing and installed supply protection depends on the output charging current that is set for the application (see section 2.3.4 below), the distance between the consumer unit and the Alpha7 charger, and the local electrical code being used for the installation. The cable size is likely (but not exclusively) to be between 4mm sq and 6mm sq. The maximum charging current can depend on the wider requirements of the overall electrical installation at the premises. The use of the dynamic load monitoring
option may positively influence this setting.

• Fast Amps recommends a 40A MCB (type C) or RCBO for a 32A installation and a 20A MCB (type C) or RCBO for a 16A installation. The used circuit must be protected by a 30mA type A RCD breaker.
• The Alpha7 is designed to be compatible with glands sized up to M40: capable of an overall cable diameter of up to 28mm.
• The Alpha7 is designed to easily accept copper conductor power supply cable of up to 10mm sq / 6AWG.

Electrical Installation

1. Ensure supply cable is dead.
2. Set the max. output current DIP switch (AMP) setting (LHS DIP-switch) as required (fig 1).
3. Fit the power supply cable to the “MAINS IN” terminal block. Take care to observe the correct polarity of Live, Neutral, and Earth. Recommended torque rating is 1.3Nm, a medium flat-head screwdriver is required. Note that the tether (if fitted) requires wiring to the “VEHICLE” connector and the white CP core fitted to the CP terminal (J4).
4. Ensure glands are tightened to provide a weatherproof seal and cable retention means.
5. Replace the lid and re-tighten the 4off cover screws. Recommended torque rating is 2Nm, a T20 security screwdriver is required (see box label for suggested tool part numbers).

Electrical Installation (Optional)

1. DYNAMIC LOAD BALANCING: The Alpha 7 charger can be set to limit output current according to other electrical demand elsewhere in the electrical installation. It has the advantage of allowing a charger installation even when the electrical supply is constrained.

2. Set the main incomer fuse rating DIP switch (DYN) settings (centre DIP-switch) if required
   ( NOTE: this is only active if the dynamic load balancing ACCT is fitted) (fig 2).

3. Fit the mains power dynamic load balancing cable (if required) to the 2way connector, J6, marked “DYN LOAD”. Polarity is not important. Recommended torque rating is 0.5Nm, a small flat-head screwdriver is required. The recommended ACCT is LEM TT 100-SD (RS 198-885), but any 3000:1 ratio ACCT is compatible.

4. NETWORK CURRENT SHARING: A pair of Alpha 7 chargers can be configured to work in conjunction with each other, sharing up to 32A of current. This is achieved without using the dynamic load balancing option. It does not need an ACCT to be fitted and allows the use of a single, standard supply cable.

5. Set the networked current sharing DIP switch (NET) settings (RHS DIP-switch) if required (NOTE: this is only active if the charger is networked with another Gen2 Alpha 7 EV charger) (fig 3).

6. Fit the RJ45 network cable (if required) to the RJ45 connector, J3. Alternatively fit a cable to J5 (polarity is important): this has the advantage of allowing easier cable glanding: RJ45 cables are difficult to fit through glands and subsequently seal. The + and – cable needs to be a twisted pair. The 0V connection is required: the cable shield can be used. Recommended torque rating is 0.5Nm, a small flat-head screwdriver is required. The maximum cable length is 20m.

7. SOLAR INTEGRATION: The Alpha 7 charger has the functionality to respond to a solar inverter output, reducing the charger’s output current according to the amount of electricity being generated by the solar array. This has the advantage of significantly reducing the cost of charging.

8. Fit the mains power Solar Integration cable (if required) to the 2way connector, J5 (Power PCB), marked “SOLAR”. Polarity is not important. Recommended torque rating is 0.5Nm, a small flathead screwdriver is required. The recommended ACCT
   is LEM TT 100-SD (RS 198-885), but any 3000:1 ratio ACCT is compatible.
   NOTE: This function is enabled in the app: the default setting is “Solar disabled”.

Function Check

1. Turn the power on.
2. After a few seconds the LED will light up with a BLUE colour (it may be flashing depending on the random delay or charging time settings).
3. A Fault is indicated by a red, pink, white, or yellow LED colour (see trouble-shooting: section 6).
   NOTE: Do not disconnect or reconnect the ribbon cable whilst the unit is powered.

User Information

LED INDICATOR COLOUR

Start Charging

1. Unlock the car and connect the cable to the car & Alpha7.

2. Pressing the “Now” button starts the charging process.
   NOTE: If the “Now” button is not pressed, charging will commence after a random delay of up to 10 minutes, subject to the charging times stored in the memory (accessible via app: see section 3.4). Default charging times are 10pm – 8am, 11am – 4pm.

3. Charging starts when the LED turns a constant green.

4. For more info & real-time data, install the Fast Amps app.

Stop Charging

1. Unlock the car and disconnect the cable from the car.
2. Disconnect the cable from the Alpha7 charger.
   NOTE: The cable remains locked to the charger until the car has given the unlock instruction.

Maintenance
The Alpha7 is designed for many years of trouble-free use.

1. Cable socket covers stop dirt ingress or foreign objects: this improves life and reliability.
2. Enclosure: use a pH neutral cleaner: wipe down with a non-abrasive sponge.

WARNING: Do not use high-pressure washers to clean the Alpha7 Charger.

Mobile App
Legislation requires Fast Amps to sell chargers that are set up to only charge during off-peak hours (10pm – 8am, 11am – 4pm) and starts with a randomised delay of up to 600 seconds (10 minutes). Pressing the “now” button over-rides these functions and allows the car to charge immediately. Using the Fast Amps app allows a user to make changes to the “charging hours” settings.
Using the Fast Amps App allows you to connect to your charger via BlueTooth®, enabling the following features:

• Add your charger and give it a name.
• See the real-time status of your charger.
• Start or stop the charging process.
• Lock your charger.
• See the charging history over the last week, month, year.
• Export charge history data e.g. to email.
• Set charging times.
• Enable or disable: solar charging, the charge now button, and charge times.
• Change the randomised delay.
• View technical information.
• View the user manual.
• Update your charger firmware.
• The app will also tell you if your charger has been subjected to an unsuccessful cyber or tamper attack.

The Fast Amps app is used for product software updates. You will always be given a choice. Product software updates are supported for at least 3 years following purchase.

Dynamic Load Management (Optional)
NOTE: This option requires extra electrical installation: speak to your installer if you would like this feature enabled.
Dynamic load management helps ensure that the overall electrical installation is never overloaded.
When linked to an external monitoring device (an ACCT: see section 2.4), attached to the property’s electrical supply, the Alpha7 identifies high electrical load use on the premises’ supply and dynamically react to reduce charger output. The additional installation and settings will have been made by your electrical installer.

1. The “DLM” LED will flash when the charger output current has been reduced in this way.
2. For more info & real-time data, install the Fast Amps app.

Twin Load Sharing (Optional)
NOTE: This option requires extra electrical installation: speak to your installer if you would like this feature enabled.
A pair of Alpha 7 chargers can be configured to work together, sharing up to 32A of current. This has the advantage of not requiring an ACCT and can allow the use of a smaller supply cable. The chargers are connected together using an RJ45 cable: this additional installation requirement will have been made by your electrical installer.

• No additional user settings are required.
• The first EV plugged in will charge at up to 32A.
• The second EV plugged in will share current: both EVs will charge at up to 16A.
• When one or other EV has finished charging, the full current will be available to the other EV that is not yet fully charged.
• Solar Charging (Optional)
  NOTE: This option requires extra electrical installation: speak to your installer if you would like this feature enabled. Note that this function is enabled in the app.
  When linked to an external monitoring device (an ACCT: see section 2.4), attached to your solar inverter’s output, the Alpha7 can identify when the solar panels are generating energy and dynamically react to match charger output. The additional installation and settings will have been made by your electrical installer.

1. Press the solar button.
2. The “DLM” LED will show when the solar button has been engaged.
3. For more info and real-time data, install the Fast Amps app.
   NOTE: The minimum charge rate whilst the solar button is active is 6A.

Compliance

UK Declaration Of Conformity

• Alpha7 Gen2 EV Charger
  Fast Amps Limited, Darwin House, 2 The Mount, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 8PU, United Kingdom hereby declares, under sole responsibility as manufacturer, that the products listed above, when used in accordance with the relevant user guides and installation instructions, comply with the following UK harmonised standards:

  • BS EN61851-1:2019 Electric vehicle conductive charging system – Part 1: General requirements (IEC 61851-1:2017)
  • BS EN61851-22:2002 Electric vehicle conductive charging system – Part 22: AC electric vehicle charging station (IEC61851-22:2001)
  • BS EN61439-7:2020 Low-voltage switchgear and control-gear assemblies – Part 7: Assemblies for specific applications such as marinas, camping sites, market squares, electric vehicle charging stations (IEC61439-7:2018)
  • BS EN61439-1:2021 Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies – Part 1: General rules (IEC61439-1:2020)
  • BS EN62196-1:2022 Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets. Conductive charging of electric vehicles – General requirements
  • BS EN62196-2:2022 Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets. Conductive charging of electric vehicles – Dimensional compatibility and interchangeability requirements for a.c. pin and contact-tube accessories
  • EN 301 489-17 V3.2.4 ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio equipment and services; Part 17: Specific conditions for Broadband Data Transmission Systems; Harmonised Standard for ElectroMagnetic Compatibility
  • EN 300 328 V2.2.2 Wideband transmission systems; Data transmission equipment operating in the 2,4 GHz band; Harmonised Standard for access to radio spectrum

Following provision of UK regulations:

• Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (1101)
• Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 (1091)
• Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 (1206)
• The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012 (3032)
• The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 (1467)

Supplementary Note
The UKCA marking and conformity are only valid if the product has been installed in accordance with this user guide.

CE Declaration Of Conformity

• Alpha7 Gen2 EV Charger
  Fast Amps Limited, Darwin House, 2 The Mount, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 8PU, United Kingdom hereby declares, under sole responsibility as manufacturer, that the products listed above, when used in accordance with the relevant user guides and installation instructions, comply with the following European harmonised standards:

  • BS EN61851-1:2019 Electric vehicle conductive charging system – Part 1: General requirements (IEC 61851-1:2017)
  • BS EN61851-22:2002 Electric vehicle conductive charging system – Part 22: AC electric vehicle charging station (IEC61851-22:2001)
  • BS EN61439-7:2020 Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies – Part 7: Assemblies for specific applications such as marinas, camping sites, market squares, electric vehicle charging stations (IEC61439-7:2018)
  • BS EN61439-1:2021 Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies – Part 1: General rules (IEC61439-1:2020)
  • BS EN62196-1:2022 Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets. Conductive charging of electric vehicles – General requirements
  • BS EN62196-2:2022 Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets. Conductive charging of electric vehicles – Dimensional compatibility and interchangeability requirements for a.c. pin and contact-tube accessories
  • EN 301 489-17 V3.2.4 ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio equipment and services; Part 17: Specific conditions for Broadband Data Transmission Systems; Harmonised Standard for ElectroMagnetic Compatibility
  • EN 300 328 V2.2.2 Wideband transmission systems; Data transmission equipment operating in the 2,4 GHz band; Harmonised Standard for access to radio spectrum

Following provision of UK regulations:

• 2014/30/EU (EMC)
• 2014/35/EU (LVD)
• 2014/53/EU (RED)
• 2011/65/EU (RoHS) modified by delegated directive 2015/863

Supplementary Note
The CE marking and conformity are only valid if the product has been installed in accordance with this user guide.

Technical Specifications

• Electrical Rating 7.3kW, 220-240V (+/-10%), 50/60Hz, 32A

• Over-voltage Category Category III (4.8kV impulse)

• Rated Insulation Voltage 0.5kV

• Charging Current 6 to 32A

• Supply Cable L1, N, PE (2.5 – 10mm2)

• Cable Strip Length

  • 10mm (Power Terminals)
  • 5mm (Control Terminals)

• Tightening Torque

  • 1.3Nm (Power Terminals)
  • 0.5Nm (Control Terminals)

• Upstream Breaker

  • 40A Type C MCB for 32A Charging
  • 20 A Type C MCB for 16A Charging

• Earth Leakage Protection
  Integrated 20mA AC, 6mA DC earth fault protection, & broken PEN connection. External 30mA must also be fitted.

• Over-current Protection Internal (Dynamic)

• Under-voltage Protection 207V AC

• Over-voltage Protection 253V AC

• Operating Temperature -30°C to +50°C

• Charging Mode Mode 3

• Socket Type Type 2, EN62196 connector, 32A

• Standby Power Consumption ~2.7 Watts

• LED Indication Integrated LED charging status indicator

• Dimensions (H)270 mm x (W)140 mm x (D)110 mm

• Enclosure Rating IP54, Fire retardant, UV stabilized, impact & corrosion resistant

• Humidity 5 to 95% RH

• Weight 1.1Kg

• Impact Rating IK08

• Mounting

  • Wall, surface mount, Indoor/Outdoor, permanently fixed
  • 900 – 1500mm from ground level.
  • Hole centres 95(w)*215(h) mm

• Ventilation Not Supported

Trouble Shooting

Warranty And Take-Back Policy

Warranty
The Fast Amps Alpha7 is designed for many years of trouble-free operational use. The actual lifetime will depend on many factors but, even in the most challenging environments, should be significantly longer than three years.
In addition to consumer legal statutory rights, Fast Amps voluntarily provides an additional manufacturer’s warranty.
Fast Amps warrants, for three years from the date of sale, that the product is free from defects in materials and workmanship (parts and labour). The warranty can be extended, at Fast Amps’ discretion, to start from the “date of installation” by emailing info@fastamps.com with the following information:

• Serial No
• Date of Installation
• Installer (Name, Address, and Telephone Number)
• Installation Post Code

In the event that service under this warranty is required, consumers should contact info@fastamps.com. Fast Amps will, at its discretion, arrange for free-of-charge: collection and replacement, return and repair, or on-site repair. This will be within a reasonable period of time. The warranty period of repaired or replaced product will be the remainder of the warranty period for the initial product. Proof of purchase is required.

The warranty does not cover:

• Costs related to removal or re-installation.
• Scratches or dents.
• Periodic checks and maintenance.
• Improper installation and/or use.
• Instances where the serial number has been defaced or removed.
• Consequential or indirect losses.

Take-Back
As a responsible manufacturer and retailer of electronic products, Fast Amps offer a free collection and take-back of product. The Fast Amps Alpha7 EV charger is an electronic product, is marked with the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol and so should not be disposed of in the landfill waste stream at the end of its life. Many electrical items can be recycled, saving natural resources, and avoiding landfill soil and water contamination.

Have a question?
We’re here to help:
phone 01743 249 900
info@fastamps.com
Darwin House, 2 The Mount, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 8PU
Company Registered in the UK: 13628447
VAT Registration Number: 390 4022 22

fastamps.com

References

• EV Charger For Home | EV Charger For Business | Fast Amps
• EV Charger For Home | EV Charger For Business | Fast Amps

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