Can I install an EV charger myself?

Convenient, safe, and fast – home electric vehicle chargers are one of the best ways to charge your EV.

But having browsed various EV chargers online and coming across the high initial cost – you may be wondering whether you can install a charger yourself in the hopes of saving some money, asking the question – can I install an EV charger myself?

The answer is not so simple.

So, can you install your own EV charger?

In short, technically, you can install your own EV charger. But, as an experienced, qualified and specialist electric vehicle charger installation expert, we strongly urge that you do not install an EV charger yourself unless you have the relevant qualifications, experience and knowledge of the rules and regulations to do so safely and compliantly.

We would recommend hiring an experienced professional over trying to install your EV charger yourself every time.

Keep reading to find out the ins and outs of why you should never self-install your own EV charger unless you are a qualified professional.

Why shouldn’t I self-install an EV charger?

1. Self-installation is likely to be more expensive

Believe it or not, self-installing an electric vehicle charger can be more expensive in the long run.

To illustrate our point, if you install the charger incorrectly, you will have to pay a professional to re-install it correctly – likely at a higher cost than originally quoted for a standard installation. And that’s not mentioning the additional work and cost of the installer fixing any errors or damage that may have occurred during failed attempts at installing the charger (think widespread circuit shorting) – if they even can.

One of the worst-case scenarios is that your EV charger sustains significant damage during your attempts at installation. If this happens, you will either have to purchase a brand-new home charger and be drastically out of pocket or sustain the loss, have no home charger and miss out on substantial home charging savings.

Additionally, if you try to install the EV charger yourself, you will not qualify for the £350 EV chargepoint grant. Why? Because in order to claim the government grant, the charge point needs to be installed by an OZEV-approved professional installer.

Of course, you need to qualify in the first place, and since the previous scheme for homeowners ended in March 2022 eligibility is now only for flat-owner occupiers and people living in rented properties or people with on-street parking.

2. Self-installation leads to a loss of warranty

On top of the expense, if you choose to install your own home electric car charger, you will void the three-year manufacturer warranty that comes as standard with your home EV charger.

So, if your charging point has any issues in the future, you will no longer be entitled to repairs or a new EV charger.

3. High risk of damage or injury

When taking the DIY EV charger installation route, there is a high chance of serious harm to yourself or others. Electrical shocks, or even accidental electrical fires, are some of the dangers of installing your own EV charger.

Ultimately, dealing with an electrical installation is dangerous and complex, and it’s not worth the risk. That’s why it’s best practice to choose installers with experience and the correct qualifications and training to undertake the job to ensure peace of mind.

4. Regulations and permissions

Electricians are also aware of all the relevant safety regulations and permissions, which means they can ensure that your EV charger is installed in accordance with all the necessary safety guidelines and rules, offering you peace of mind knowing your charger is compliant.

For example, regulations state that an EV charger should be on a dedicated circuit so as not to interfere with or overload other circuits in the home. As such, installing a charger would fall under Notifiable Work under Part P of the Building Regulations. This means that the work must be legally signed off and certified by an electrician who is registered with a Part P Scheme Provider, such as NICEIC, and is authorised to sign off notifiable work. 

It is a criminal offence as a homeowner or landlord not to ensure that all work carried out in a home complies with Part P of the Building Regulations. As such, trying to install an EV charger yourself could lead to fines and penalties from your local government if you are unaware of the rules and regulations.

Additionally, it’s a requirement to notify your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) of an EV charger installation. Many people are unaware of this requirement and are confused about how to do so. A professional, experienced EV charger installation company will notify the DNO on your behalf.

What is an expert specialist for EV chargers?

In simple terms, an expert specialist for EV chargers is a qualified electrician who has completed a training course for installing EV charger equipment and is registered with a competent person scheme such as NAPIT. The installer should also be approved by OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) and have plenty of EV charger installations under their belt.

Choosing an installer with the necessary qualifications and experience will ensure that the EV charger installation is completed safely and to a high standard the first time. 

At We Power Your Car, we are certified by the following bodies: OZEV, NAPIT, TrustMark and NICEIC. Additionally, we hold accreditations in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and Alcumus SafeContractor.

What are the additional benefits of having an expert specialist install your home EV charger instead of installing your EV charger yourself?

1. Technical support and advice throughout the installation process

A key reason to use an expert specialist instead of attempting a self-install is that they can guide you throughout the process of getting an EV charger, from pre-installation to post-installation. 

First, they can advise you on the best type of charger for your needs. EV charging experts are familiar with all the different types of chargers available, so they can advise you on which one will be best for you based on your vehicle, the type of electricity supply you have and the amount of power you require. You can also get into detail about any special features you may be interested in. A specialist can then advise the best location for the EV charger installation (some locations may require more work than others, such as detached garages), and discuss the necessary cable routing to ensure the work is neat and discrete. 

During the installation, the electrician can demonstrate how to use the charger and guide you through the accompanying smartphone app.  Furthermore, in the event of any problems or issues arising after the installation has taken place, they can provide the necessary support to ensure the issues are resolved as soon as possible, and you don’t have to go a day without your charger.

2. Efficiency

An expert specialist can carry out the EV charger installation quickly and efficiently. In fact, qualified and competent electricians are highly skilled and experienced, so they can install the charger quickly and without any problems. This will save you a lot of time and effort and ensure that your car charging point is up and running as soon as possible so you can start taking advantage of the benefits from the get-go.

Find out how long it takes to install an EV charger in our blog.

How do I get an EV charger installed at home by a professional?

If you are thinking about having an EV charging point installed at home, you should use an experienced, skilled, and certified installer.

Using a trained professional will ensure your charger is installed safely and correctly the first time.  Likewise, you can qualify for the government grant (if applicable), your home charger will keep its warranty, and there won’t be any preventable accidents.

We’d recommend finding a qualified EV charger professional on the OZEV-approved installer list to ensure they are a trusted entity with the correct qualifications (you’ll find We Power Your Car listed there).

Summary:

• Technically, you can install your own electric vehicle charger. But if you’re wondering – Should I install an EV charger myself? The answer is no. It’s strongly recommended that you don’t install an EV charger yourself unless you are a qualified and experienced professional, as there are rules and regulations that need to be followed to ensure a compliant, safe installation. Attempting to install your own EV charger can result in risk of damage, loss of EV charger warranty and non-compliance with regulations and permissions that can lead to fines.
• As a customer, there are key benefits to choosing a professional electric car charger installation company. You receive technical support and advice, in addition to an efficient, safe installation by having an expert specialist install your home EV charger.
• To get an EV charger installed at home by a professional, find a qualified EV charger professional on the OZEV-approved installer list to ensure they have the necessary qualifications.

Why choose We Power Your Car for your electric vehicle charger installation?

As approved expert specialist EV charger installers, we handle the entire EV charger solution on your behalf. From enquiry to post-installation, taking the hassle of your electric car charger installation – including DNO paperwork. With experienced, expert EV charger installers across the UK, we can install your EV charger nationwide, ensuring simple, quick home charger installation.

If you are looking to get an EV charger installed at your home, click below to get your free quote, or contact us for more information or any queries you may have.

For more information and our latest updates, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.