Installation Guide

This guide covers everything from unboxing your Thorium controller to powering it on for the first time. Installation should be performed by a qualified electrician. The process typically takes 2–3 hours depending on the complexity of your site's wiring.

What's in the Box

• Thorium controller unit — the main enclosure with integrated touchscreen, controller board, and contactor assembly.
• Viva Wallet NFC POS terminal — pre-paired and mounted in the front panel.
• Current sensor clamps (x4) — split-core CT clamps for per-channel energy measurement.
• Mounting bracket and hardware — wall-mount bracket, M6 bolts, wall anchors, and cable glands.
• Ethernet cable (2m, Cat6) — for wired network connection.
• Quick start card — printed reference with QR code linking to this documentation.

Requirements

Charger Compatibility

Thorium works with any AC EV charger (Type 2 or Type 1) that operates in "always-on" or "dumb" mode. The controller manages power delivery by switching contactors upstream of the charger. If your charger requires RFID authentication or app-based activation, those features must be bypassed or disabled so that the charger begins delivering power as soon as mains is applied.

Electrical Requirements

• Single-phase or three-phase supply, 230V / 400V AC, 50Hz.
• Dedicated MCB (miniature circuit breaker) per charger channel — rated according to the charger's maximum current draw.
• Earth leakage protection (Type A or Type B RCD) as required by local electrical codes.
• Minimum 6mm² copper cabling from the distribution board to the Thorium unit for single-phase installations up to 32A per channel.

Network Requirements

• Ethernet (recommended) — wired connection to a router or switch with internet access.
• 4G LTE (optional) — if Ethernet is not available, a 4G USB dongle can be used. Contact us for the list of tested dongles.
• Minimum bandwidth: 1 Mbps up/down. Thorium uses very little data — roughly 50MB per month under normal operation.

Step-by-Step Mounting

1. Choose a mounting location on a flat, vertical surface. The unit should be at eye level (approximately 1.4–1.6m from the floor to the center of the touchscreen) and protected from direct rain.
2. Hold the mounting bracket against the wall and mark the four bolt holes with a pencil.
3. Drill the holes using an 8mm masonry bit (for concrete/brick) or the appropriate bit for your wall type.
4. Insert the wall anchors and secure the bracket with the provided M6 bolts.
5. Hang the Thorium unit on the bracket. It clicks into place. Secure the bottom retention screw.
6. Route all cables through the bottom cable glands before making electrical connections.

Connecting to Power

Each charger channel uses a dedicated contactor inside the Thorium enclosure. Incoming mains from the MCB connects to the contactor's line side, and the load side feeds out to the charger. The controller board switches each contactor independently based on session state.

1. Turn off all upstream MCBs before making any connections.
2. Route the incoming supply cable through the bottom cable gland and connect L, N, and PE to the marked input terminals on the contactor rail.
3. Connect the outgoing cable from the contactor load terminals to the charger's supply input.
4. Clip the current sensor clamp around the live conductor of each channel. Ensure the arrow on the clamp points toward the charger (load direction).
5. Repeat for each channel (up to 4).

Network Setup

Plug the included Ethernet cable into the RJ45 port on the Thorium controller board and connect the other end to your router or network switch. The unit will obtain an IP address via DHCP automatically. If you need to use a static IP or configure a 4G dongle, refer to the on-screen network settings after first power-on.

First Power-On Checklist

1. Verify all wiring connections are tight and correct.
2. Confirm the current sensor clamps are properly oriented and fully closed.
3. Ensure the Ethernet cable is connected (or 4G dongle is inserted).
4. Switch on the upstream MCBs one at a time.
5. The Thorium touchscreen should illuminate within 10 seconds, showing the boot sequence.
6. Wait for the home screen to appear. You should see a green "Online" indicator and all configured channels listed as "Available".
7. Verify the POS terminal powers on and shows a ready state (small green LED).