Connecting the Alfen Twin 5 to a Grid Without Neutral in Belgium
Overview
In certain regions and cities in Belgium, installers may encounter a so-called grid without a neutral conductor. Proper connection of our charging stations in such cases requires knowledge of the available options and how to implement them correctly.
There are two ways to connect our charging stations to a grid without neutral:
Without modification to the charging station as delivered by Alfen. In this setup, socket 1 can charge using two phases, and socket 2 can charge using one phase—provided the other socket is not in use.
Modified setup on socket 2, allowing both socket 1 and socket 2 to charge using two phases. This is explained in step 4 of the instructions below.
The installer must decide which scenario to apply. In scenario 1, charging with one phase on one socket is possible instead of two. If the customer wants to charge with two phases on both sockets, a modification is required (scenario 2).
This knowledge article outlines the criteria for both scenarios and provides step-by-step instructions for connection and configuration.
In which regions of Belgium might you encounter a grid without Neutral?
Antwerp (city and suburbs)
Ghent
Brussels
Coastal regions
Flanders (sporadically)
Wallonia (limited)
Connecting an Alfen Charging Station Without Modification: Socket 1 Charges with Two Phases, Socket 2 with One Phase
Check the firmware version of the charging station. For proper operation, firmware version 1.3.0 or higher is required. Always verify the installed firmware version first.
Measure each phase to determine which one can serve as the ‘Neutral’. Proceed as follows:
Measure voltage on L1 relative to ground, L2 relative to ground, and L3 relative to ground.
The phase with the lowest voltage will be used as the alternative ‘Neutral’.
If all phases measure 133V, use L3 from the grid as the alternative Neutral.
Connect the Twin 5 charging station to a grid without Neutral as follows:
L1 to L1 of the main differential / load switch
L2 to L2 of the main differential / load switch
L3 (serving as alternative Neutral) to N (Neutral)
From the energy meter output to socket 2 (no modification). Note: This is the default configuration.
L1 output from energy meter → L3 of socket 2 (grey wire)
L2 output from energy meter → L1 of socket 2 (brown wire)
L3 output from energy meter → L2 of socket 2 (black wire)
Configuration setting in ACE Service Installer:
Max allowed phases: 2
Modified Setup on Socket 2 for Two-Phase Charging on Both Sockets
Check the firmware version of the charging station. For proper operation, firmware version 1.3.0 or higher is required. Always verify the installed firmware version first.
Measure each phase to determine which one can serve as the ‘Neutral’. Proceed as follows:
Measure voltage on L1 relative to ground, L2 relative to ground, and L3 relative to ground.
The phase with the lowest voltage will be used as the alternative ‘Neutral’.
If all phases measure 133V, use L3 from the grid as the alternative Neutral.
Connect the Twin 5 charging station to a grid without Neutral as follows:
L1 to L1 of the main differential / load switch
L2 to L2 of the main differential / load switch
L3 (serving as alternative Neutral) to N (Neutral)
Modify the energy meter output to socket 2 to enable two-phase charging on both sockets:
L1 output from energy meter → L2 of socket 2 (black wire)
L2 output from energy meter → L1 of socket 2 (brown wire)
L3 output from energy meter → L3 of socket 2 (grey wire)
Phase mapping tailored to grid without Neutral:
Left connector: L1, L2, L3
Right connector: L2, L1, L3
Configuration setting in ACE Service Installer:
Max allowed phases: 2
Known Limitations
Smart charging Network (SCN) is NOT supported for chargers on a grid without neutral