Frequently Asked Questions

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FAQ

If you order a ChargeArm, it will be installed by a company recognized by ChargeArm. This installer will first make a test hole in the ground to see if there are no cables where the ChargeArm is to be positioned. Then, in most cases, a so-called “screw foundation” is installed. This is a foundation point on which the ChargeArm is directly mounted. If a screw foundation is not suitable a concrete foundation may be created. If you don’t already have a charging box, a power cable is laid to the meter box. After that, the charging box is first mounted to the ChargeArm (or on an existing wall next to the ChargeArm) and connected. The charging cable is then passed through the ChargeArm and connected to the charging box. As a last step, the power cable is connected in the meter box and the installation is complete.

A ChargeArm is generally installed in such a way that there is some cable slack during charging. It may be that a car is sometimes parked in the opposite direction and then it is useful if the cable can also be connected over the car. ChargeArm therefore recommends that you always have some extra cable length available from the ChargeArm so that you can also charge if the car is not exactly parked adjacent to the ChargeArm.

The ChargeArm can reach a distance of approx. 2.3m

The ChargeArm has been developed to be both mechanically and electrically safe. Care has been taken during the design process to ensure there is no risk of entrapment during normal use. When someone pulls on an extended ChargeArm, it will slowly move downwards, and when released it will slowly rise again. To ensure that there is never a risk of an electric shock, all metal parts are earthed. This ensures that if a part of the ChargeArm comes under power, the circuit breaker in the meter box will immediately switches off the power.

When the ChargeArm is in use, it is less interesting for thieves to cut and steal the valuable charge cable as there is only a portion of the cable protruding from the ChargeArm. And when the arm is folded the cable remains securely integrated within the structure of the ChargeArm.

Because the ChargeArm is equipped with a limited force gas lift, the arm will automatically move downwards and partially fold inwards when someone pulls on it. The fun is soon over. When the arm is released, it will automatically return to its extended orientation.

During the development of the ChargeArm, a conscious decision was made to make the arm as elegant as possible so that wind cannot have too much influence on it. The ChargeArm has been extensively tested in the harsh Dutch (coastal) climate and has withstood a number of severe storms without any problems.

The ChargeArm can be easily secured using a cable tie if it is not going to be used for a longer period of time. A dedicated pad lock bracket is also available from ChargeArm if a more permanent solution is desired. In addition, we recommended to switch off the main switch in the meter box if you are not using the ChargeArm for a long period.

The ChargeArm is designed to prevent hand or finger pinching, even for children. In addition, the ChargeArm is thoroughly earthed so that the metal parts of the ChargeArm can never be under power.

The ChargeArm is designed to accept a 3 phase 32 amp cable of at least 7.5 m length. These cables have a cross section of approximately 19mm that can be routed through the arm that folds out of the ChargeArm. Few customers will wish to charge using 32A (22kW) as few cars can now handle this way of charging. Generally, fully electric cars can handle a maximum of 11 kW on an alternating voltage (3-phase). They can often handle much higher powers on direct current (fast charging), but you will not encounter that at home or at work. The reason why a relatively thick and heavy cable fit in the ChargeArm is because they are more robust than the 16A cables and last much longer. Moreover, it is a pleasant thought that if in the future cars can handle this fast charging at home, the ChargeArm is already prepared. Of course, a thinner 16A cable will also fits through the ChargeArm. These cables have a diameter of approx. 14mm. In that case, strain reliefs at the beginning and end of the tube must be fitted with extra rings to fill the space between the cable and the strain relief.

When ordering the ChargeArm, the installer will make a choice together with you for the type of charging box and charging cable. Depending on your specific situation, the best choice is then made for the type and length of the charging cable.

Every ChargeArm may be delivered with a universal mounting plate to accept every conceivable charging box. Holes can be made in this plate through which the cabinet is then mounted. Specific mounting plates are available for some popular charging box’s to make mounting faster and neater.

Yes you can. The ChargeArm is very easy to use. No more coiling or lifting heavy, wet and dirty cables from the ground. Even when it’s not reaching over the pavement the ChargeArm offers considerable convenience and provides for a tidy charging solution.

The ChargeArm has been extensively tested, in the rain and during long periods of frost. Results have shown that the complete product performs well and is completely safe. The design ensures that critical parts remain dry and cannot freeze. All parts are made of corrosion resistant materials and all the metal parts of the ChargeArm are grounded. The ChargeArm complies with the low voltage directive to prevent the risk of shock, especially in rain.

That is certainly possible and it makes installation faster and cheaper. Make an appointment with your installer.

To be able to offer the best weather protection and colour stability for the ChargeArm we have chosen a neutral grey: RAL 7021

The ChargeArm is designed in such a way that multiple cables can be fed internally from the bottom to the top of the upright structure. For example, an outdoor lamp or a camera can be mounted to the top and or rear of the ChargeArm using the rear profile.

The ChargeArm is certainly suitable for the placement of, for example, a letterbox. There is a internal profile on the rear of the ChargeArm’s upright for this, where attachment points can be made for the letterbox using dedicated nuts and bolts. It is also possible to mount the letterbox on the side. The manual of the ChargeArm must be followed for this as holes may not be drilled at all points in the ChargeArm.

The ChargeArm is only made of durable materials such as aluminium and stainless steel, and it is powder coated in the same way lamp posts are. ChargeArm therefore gives a 5 year warranty against corrosion.

Restrictions will depend on an individual’s personal limitations however the ChargeArm offers the great advantage that no cables need to be picked up from the ground.

There is a ChargeArm version for wall mounting. It is therefore also possible to place a ChargeArm directly against a facade. The width of the pavement will then determine if a wall version of the ChargeArm can be installed. We do not recommend using a ChargeArm over a bicycle path.

The ChargeArm is completely produced and assembled in the Netherlands. The unique housing profile is extruded using recycled aluminium and coated in the Netherlands, as are the folding arm and the other stainless steel parts.