TYPE 2 SCAME WITH SHUTTER: THE FIRST, THE SAFEST.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Patented protection system present on all Scame e-mobility charging stations
SAFETY-OUR-COMMITMENT
Scame Parre was the first manufacturing company able to supply the market with a Type 2 socket for AC (alternate current) electric vehicle charging, that is, equipped with terminals covered by protective shields just like those used in household sockets for many years now. For the European Union, a single standard was defined for connection used to charge electric vehicles Europe-wide, that is, type 2.
The current type 2 standard offers a protection rating of IPXXB for sockets installed on charging stations. Given that this rating is insufficient for the type of application, type 2 must be coupled with an additional device that guarantees complete isolation.
Scame made a significant contribution to this regulatory process thanks to its industry experience and expertise acquired since the ‘90s. By focusing on safety even in the case of domestic charging, connectors specifically designed for car charging would consequently offer a protection rating equal to that required of normal household sockets. Scame joined the international regulatory committees as early as the ‘90s (CEI, CENELEC, IEC), where the primary objective was to identify and regulate the subject, playing an important role in defining the first ever national standard (CEI 69-6) for connectors and charging systems for electric road vehicles.
The solution, developed by Scame and proposed to the regulatory committees, was to use shutter protection similar to those already used in socket standards 3A, 3C and domestic sockets, in such a way as to increase the protection rating to IPXXD, thus guaranteeing protection against direct contact with potentially energized parts of the socket itself
WHAT SHUTTERS ARE?
Shutters are mechanical safety devices installed to protect the metal holes of an electrical socket, the aim of which is to stop people from coming into direct contact with potentially energized parts of the socket itself. The opening of the shutter, and therefore access to the holes, is only possible by inserting a compatible plug, which acts on specific mechanisms like keys or levers. Shutters are also used in common household sockets found in our homes.
In domestic sockets, the shutters open by rotation only if the pressure of the plug is simultaneous and balanced on the phase and neutral shutter.
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In electric vehicle charging sockets, the shutters work differently, that is, they protect four holes (L1-L2-L3-N).
The safety shutters installed on the sockets of our charging stations therefore protect four holes and can only be opened by an approved plug, compliant with the technical specifications defined by the regulations in force.
Protection is guaranteed even when trying to insert a metal wire with a 1 millimetre section.
WHAT SHUTTERS DO?
Safety shutters, also called “child safety shutters”, in addition to ensuring an IPXXD protection rating, are also necessary to protect people and/or children, making it absolutely impossible for them to come into direct contact with the potentially energized metal parts of the socket.
Access to the metal parts (and therefore potentially energized parts) of the electrical socket is only possible using a compatible plug, which, thanks to simultaneous pressure in specific points, allows the safety shutters to open. Our sockets with integrated shutters are compatible with all Type 2 plugs that conform to the indicated standard.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SOCKET WITH SHUTTERS AND A STANDARD SOCKET
Size and geometry.
In terms of size and geometry, the Scame socket with shutters is identical to a standard socket without shutters, therefore there are no aesthetic differences visible to the user between sockets with and sockets without safety shutters.
Our sockets with integrated shutters are compatible with all Type 2 plugs that conform to the indicated standard.
Usability and functionality.
From a functional perspective, a socket with shutters is identical to a standard socket without shutters, therefore the user perceives no differences in terms of usability, but enjoys increased protection in terms of safety. In addition to guaranteeing utmost practicality and complete interchangeability, the protection system with integrated shutters also ensures the highest level of safety is achieved. The advantage of shutters is that by making it impossible to access the holes, any voltage therein due to failure to correctly isolate the power circuit no longer represents a hazard, thus maintaining the same level of protection against direct contact.
About safety.
When it comes to safety the difference is enormous insofar as the presence of shutters increases the protection rating of the socket from IPXXB to IPXXD (meaning not even a metal wire with 1 mm section is able to come into contact with the energized parts), while at the same time satisfying safety requirements set out by international standards without the need for more complicated, costly and/or additional systems.
ARE SHUTTERS MANDATORY?
REGULATORY REFERENCES
Standard IEC 61851-1 Third Edition, requires mobile and fixed sockets used for electric vehicle charging in mode 3 to have an IPXXB protection rating, provided they are directly linked to an upstream mechanical switching device and that one of the following conditions is satisfied:
a) Minimum contact opening distance, in consideration of overvoltage category 3, for example for a voltage of 230/400V the nominal pulse voltage is 4kV and implicates at least 3mm of separation between the contact.
b) Inclusion of a switching contact monitoring system linked to another upstream mechanical switching device that provides the aforementioned isolating function in the event of failure of the same.
c) Presence of shutters in energized holes of fixed and mobile sockets.
Clarifications:
- In some countries the obligation to use sockets with shutters in general is already in force and is governed by national standards/regulations.
- Scame type 2 sockets are equipped with integrated shutters in the contact holes, which increase the protection rating to IPXXD (a metal wire with 1 mm section is unable to touch the energized parts), thus satisfying international safety requirements without the need for more complicated and/or costly systems.
PRODUCTS & CODES
The products section on our web lists Scame shutter sockets.
All our products comply with the international reference standards.
PRODUCTS & CODES
TYPE 2 SOCKET WITH INTEGRATED SHUTTERS AND VANDAL-PROOF FLANGE 200.23267SB
The type 2 socket with integrated shutters and vandal-proof flange offers the advantage of being able to prevent access to the socket to unauthorized users.
TYPE 2 VANDAL-PROOF WITH INTEGRATED LED 200.23267SBL
The T2 vandal-proof socket in the new BE-A and BE-B charging stations is supplied standard in a version with integrated LED to identify the socket or charging status.
In compliance with various national regulations/standards/legislation, the type 2 socket with shutters has an IPXXD protection rating and therefore complies with international standard IEC 618511, 3rd Edition without the need for additional accessories.
Moreover, the special shape of the sliding built-in shutter reduces the possibility of vandals being able to damage the shutter itself.
For the manufacturer of the stations, this translates into additional “simplification” of the control system (the socket is also fitted with micro-switches useful in detecting the block status and shutter closure), to the advantage of cost savings and sturdiness.
ONE HAND SYSTEM
The integrated shutter flap automatically opens when the plug is inserted (of course, only once opening has been authorised) without any special manoeuvres and without the need to use two hands.
Using the special ONE HAND SYSTEM, access to charging becomes even simpler because only one hand is needed to insert the connector in the socket, leaving the other hand free for other operations, for example to access the station with a card or smartphone, or for any other needs whatsoever.
ITALY
EXTRACT from standard: EN/IEC 62196-1:2014
10 Protection against electric shock
10.1 Accessories shall be so designed that live parts of socket-outlets and vehicle connectors, when they are wired as in normal use, and live parts of plugs and vehicle inlets, when they are in partial or complete engagement with the complementary accessories, are not accessible.
NOTE 1 In the following countries, IPXXD shutters are compulsory on live (phase and neutral) contact holes of socket-outlets when these socket-outlets are accessible to uninstructed persons (ordinary persons BA1, handicapped persons BA2 or children BA3): FR, BR, PT, DK, ITALY.
NOTE 5 In the following countries, for installations in dwellings, wiring rules require the use of socket-outlets with shutters: UK, FR, SG, ITALY.
Extract from standard: EN/IEC 61851-1 ed.3
This standard requires that vehicle connectors and EV socket-outlets intended for Mode 3 use, shall fulfil one of the following requirements:
a) Minimum opening of the contacts considering overvoltage category 3, e.g. the value given for 230 V/400 V is 4 kV rated impulse voltage withstand that implies at least 3 mm separation of contacts.
b) Presence of monitoring of the switching contacts associated with a means to operate another mechanical switching device providing isolating function upstream the above in case of fault of operation of the switching device upstream the accessory.
c) Presence of shutters on live entry hole of the socket-outlets or vehicle connectors.
NOTE 2 In ITALY and NL options a and bare only acceptable if both options are used together.
FRANCE
EXTRACT from standard: EN/IEC 62196-1:2014
10 Protection against electric shock
10.1 Accessories shall be so designed that live parts of socket-outlets and vehicle connectors, when they are wired as in normal use, and live parts of plugs and vehicle inlets, when they are in partial or complete engagement with the complementary accessories, are not accessible.
NOTE 1 In the following countries, IPXXD shutters are compulsory on live (phase and neutral) contact holes of socket-outlets when these socket-outlets are accessible to uninstructed persons (ordinary persons BA1, handicapped persons BA2 or children BA3): FRANCE, BR, PT, DK, IT.
NOTE 2 In the following countries, IPXXD shutters are compulsory on live (phase and neutral) contact holes of connectors when these connectors are permanently wired to the fixed installation and are accessible to uninstructed persons (ordinary persons BA1, handicapped persons BA2 or children BA3): FRANCE, PT.
NOTE 5 In the following countries, for installations in dwellings, wiring rules require the use of socket-outlets with shutters: UK, FRANCE, SG, IT.
Extract from standard: EN/IEC 61851-1 ed.3
This standard requires that vehicle connectors and EV socket-outlets intended for Mode 3 use, shall fulfil one of the following requirements:
a) Minimum opening of the contacts considering overvoltage category 3, e.g. the value given for 230 V/400 V is 4 kV rated impulse voltage withstand that implies at least 3 mm separation of contacts.
b) Presence of monitoring of the switching contacts associated with a means to operate another mechanical switching device providing isolating function upstream the above in case of fault of operation of the switching device upstream the accessory.
c) Presence of shutters on live entry hole of the socket-outlets or vehicle connectors.
NOTE 4 In FRANCE and UK socket-outlets are equipped with shutters where they are mandatory in residential and public locations.
Extract from standard: EN 62196-2:2012 + Amendments
Annex ZB (normative) - Special national conditions
10.101 France
Add a 2nd paragraph: When plugs & socket-outlets are used and socket-outlets are accessible to uninstructed persons, they shall be provided with shutters (as presently defined in Type 3).
UK
EXTRACT from standard: EN/IEC 62196-1:2014
10 Protection against electric shock
10.1 Accessories shall be so designed that live parts of socket-outlets and vehicle connectors, when they are wired as in normal use, and live parts of plugs and vehicle inlets, when they are in partial or complete engagement with the complementary accessories, are not accessible.
NOTE 5 In the following countries, for installations in dwellings, wiring rules require the use of socket-outlets with shutters: UK, FR, SG, IT.
Extract from standard: EN/IEC 61851-1 ed.3
This standard requires that vehicle connectors and EV socket-outlets intended for Mode 3 use, shall fulfil one of the following requirements:
a) minimum opening of the contacts considering overvoltage category 3, e.g. the value given for 230 V/400 V is 4 kV rated impulse voltage withstand that implies at least 3 mm separation of contacts.
b) presence of monitoring of the switching contacts associated with a means to operate another mechanical switching device providing isolating function upstream the above in case of fault of operation of the switching device upstream the accessory.
c) presence of shutters on live entry hole of the socket-outlets or vehicle connectors.
NOTE 4 In FR and UK socket-outlets are equipped with shutters where they are mandatory in residential and public locations.
SPAIN
EXTRACT from standard: EN/IEC 62196-1:2014
10 Protection against electric shock
10.1 Accessories shall be so designed that live parts of socket-outlets and vehicle connectors, when they are wired as in normal use, and live parts of plugs and vehicle inlets, when they are in partial or complete engagement with the complementary accessories, are not accessible.
NOTE 4 In the following countries, for installations in dwellings and for 16 A applications, Wiring Rules prescribe. The use of socket-outlets with shutters: SPAIN.
Extract from standard: EN/IEC 61851-1 ed.3
This standard requires that vehicle connectors and EV socket-outlets intended for Mode 3 use, shall fulfil one of the following requirements:
a) Minimum opening of the contacts considering overvoltage category 3, e.g. the value given for 230 V/400 V is 4 kV rated impulse voltage withstand that implies at least 3 mm separation of contacts.
b) presence of monitoring of the switching contacts associated with a means to operate another mechanical switching device providing isolating function upstream the above in case of fault of operation of the switching device upstream the accessory.
c) Presence of shutters on live entry hole of the socket-outlets or vehicle connectors.
NOTE 6 In SPAIN for installations in dwellings and for 16 A applications, Wiring Rules prescribe the use of socket-outlets with shutters.
PORTUGAL
EXTRACT from standard: EN/IEC 62196-1:2014
10 Protection against electric shock
10.1 Accessories shall be so designed that live parts of socket-outlets and vehicle connectors, when they are wired as in normal use, and live parts of plugs and vehicle inlets, when they are in partial or complete engagement with the complementary accessories, are not accessible.
NOTE 1 In the following countries, IPXXD shutters are compulsory on live (phase and neutral) contact holes of socket-outlets when these socket-outlets are accessible to uninstructed persons (ordinary persons BA1, handicapped persons BA2 or children BA3): FR, BR, PORTUGAL, DK, IT.
NOTE 2 In the following countries, IPXXD shutters are compulsory on live (phase and neutral) contact holes of connectors when these connectors are permanently wired to the fixed installation and are accessible to uninstructed persons (ordinary persons BA1, handicapped persons BA2 or children BA3): FRANCE, PORTUGAL.
NOTE 3 In the following countries, in locations with restricted access to skilled persons, socket-outlets and connectors without shutters may be accepted: PORTUGAL.
Extract from standard: EN 62196-2:2012 + Amendments
Annex ZB (normative) - Special national conditions
10.101 Portugal: Shutters are compulsory on live (phase and neutral) contact holes of socketoutlets and connectors not exceeding 16 A when these accessories are accessible to uninstructed persons (ordinary persons BA1, handicapped persons BA2 or children BA3). In locations with restricted access to skilled persons, socket-outlets and connectors without shutters may be accepted.
SWITZERLAND
EXTRACT from standard: EN/IEC 61851-1 ed.3
This standard requires that vehicle connectors and EV socket-outlets intended for Mode 3 use, shall fulfil one of the following requirements:
a) Minimum opening of the contacts considering overvoltage category 3, e.g. the value given for 230 V/400 V is 4 kV rated impulse voltage withstand that implies at least 3 mm separation of contacts.
b) presence of monitoring of the switching contacts associated with a means to operate another mechanical switching device providing isolating function upstream the above in case of fault of operation of the switching device upstream the accessory.
c) Presence of shutters on live entry hole of the socket-outlets or vehicle connectors.
NOTE 3 in BE and SWITZERLAND the option b alone is not allowed.
DENMARK
EXTRACT from standard: EN/IEC 62196-1:2014
10 Protection against electric shock
10.1 Accessories shall be so designed that live parts of socket-outlets and vehicle connectors, when they are wired as in normal use, and live parts of plugs and vehicle inlets, when they are in partial or complete engagement with the complementary accessories, are not accessible.
NOTE 1 In the following countries, IPXXD shutters are compulsory on live (phase and neutral) contact holes of socket-outlets when these socket-outlets are accessible to uninstructed persons (ordinary persons BA1, handicapped persons BA2 or children BA3): FR, BR, PT, DENMARK, IT.
Extract from standard: EN/IEC 61851-1 ed.3
This standard requires that vehicle connectors and EV socket-outlets intended for Mode 3 use, shall fulfil one of the following requirements:
a) Minimum opening of the contacts considering overvoltage category 3, e.g. the value given for 230 V/400 V is 4 kV rated impulse voltage withstand that implies at least 3 mm separation of contacts.
b) presence of monitoring of the switching contacts associated with a means to operate another mechanical switching device providing isolating function upstream the above in case of fault of operation of the switching device upstream the accessory.
c) Presence of shutters on live entry hole of the socket-outlets or vehicle connectors.
NOTE 5 In DENMARK standard socket-outlets are equipped with shutters where they are mandatory in residential and public locations.
BELGIUM
EXTRACT from standard: EN/IEC 61851-1 ed.3
This standard requires that vehicle connectors and EV socket-outlets intended for Mode 3 use shall fulfil one of the following requirements:
a) Minimum opening of the contacts considering overvoltage category 3, e.g. the value given for 230 V/400 V is 4 kV rated impulse voltage withstand that implies at least 3 mm separation of contacts.
b) presence of monitoring of the switching contacts associated with a means to operate another mechanical switching device providing isolating function upstream the above in case of fault of operation of the switching device upstream the accessory.
c) Presence of shutters on live entry hole of the socket-outlets or vehicle connectors.
NOTE 3 in BELGIUM and CH the option b alone is not allowed.
NETHERLANDS
EXCTRACT from standard: EN/IEC 61851-1 ed.3
This standard requires that vehicle connectors and EV socket-outlets intended for Mode 3 use shall fulfil one of the following requirements:
a) Minimum opening of the contacts considering overvoltage category 3, e.g. the value given for 230 V/400 V is 4 kV rated impulse voltage withstand that implies at least 3 mm separation of contacts.
b) presence of monitoring of the switching contacts associated with a means to operate another mechanical switching device providing isolating function upstream the above in case of fault of operation of the switching device upstream the accessory.
c) Presence of shutters on live entry hole of the socket-outlets or vehicle connectors.
NOTE 2 in IT e NETHERLANDS options a and bare only acceptable if both options are used together.
SWEDEN
EXCTRACT from standard: EN/IEC 61851-1 ed.3
This standard requires that vehicle connectors and EV socket-outlets intended for Mode 3 use shall fulfil one of the following requirements:
a) Minimum opening of the contacts considering overvoltage category 3, e.g. the value given for 230 V/400 V is 4 kV rated impulse voltage withstand that implies at least 3 mm separation of contacts.
b) presence of monitoring of the switching contacts associated with a means to operate another mechanical switching device providing isolating function upstream the above in case of fault of operation of the switching device upstream the accessory.
c) Presence of shutters on live entry hole of the socket-outlets or vehicle connectors.
NOTE 7 in SWEDEN national regulations require shutters or equivalent protection methods with equivalent safety levels. For example: installation heights, blocking objects against touch ability, interlocking, locking cover etc.
BRAZIL
EXTRACT from standard: EN/IEC 62196-1:2014
10 Protection against electric shock
10.1 Accessories shall be so designed that live parts of socket-outlets and vehicle connectors, when they are wired as in normal use, and live parts of plugs and vehicle inlets, when they are in partial or complete engagement with the complementary accessories, are not accessible.
NOTE 1 In the following countries, IPXXD shutters are compulsory on live (phase and neutral) contact holes of socket-outlets when these socket-outlets are accessible to uninstructed persons (ordinary persons BA1, handicapped persons BA2 or children BA3): FR, BRAZIL, PT, DK, IT.
SINGAPORE
EXTRACT from standard: EN/IEC 62196-1:2014
10 Protection against electric shock
10.1 Accessories shall be so designed that live parts of socket-outlets and vehicle connectors, when they are wired as in normal use, and live parts of plugs and vehicle inlets, when they are in partial or complete engagement with the complementary accessories, are not accessible.
NOTE 5 In the following countries, for installations in dwellings, wiring rules require the use of socket-outlets with shutters: UK, FR, SINGAPORE, IT.