Open PEN protection

Also known as Open PEN conductor protection, OPDD

Open PEN protection is EV charging protection that disconnects the chargepoint and vehicle when it detects a dangerous open PEN conductor fault on a PME supply.

Open PEN protection is a protective function used with EV charging equipment on some UK supplies where PEN (protective earth and neutral) functions are combined in the distribution network. If the PEN conductor on that network goes open circuit, metalwork connected to the installation earth, including a vehicle on charge, can rise to a dangerous voltage. Open PEN protection, often provided by an open PEN detection device or built into a chargepoint, is intended to stop charging and isolate the vehicle from the charging equipment when that fault is detected.