EV charger installation requirements in the UK
Unfortunately, installing a home EV charger in the UK isn’t as straightforward as plugging in a new appliance. In truth, EV charger installation involves navigating important requirements and permissions to ensure the setup is safe, efficient, and compliant with regulations.
Don’t worry, though. Today, we clarify the EV charger installation process. In our go-to, comprehensive guide, we detail how to get an EV charger, what is required to install an electric car charger, and answer your frequently asked questions.
Let’s deep dive into electric car charger installation now.
Can I have an EV charger installed at home?
If you have an electric car, you can have an EV charger installed at home. Whether you have on-street or off-street parking, EV charger installation is possible. However, they might be slightly different. On-street EV charger installation, for example, will require additional infrastructure.
The typical EV charger installed at home is 7kW. That said, 3kW, 11kW, and 22kW electric car chargers are also available for installation.
But the higher the kW, the more expensive the installation is. Why? Because unfortunately, additional work is required.
EV charger installation requirements breakdown:
Property ownership or landlord permission
To install an EV charge point at home, you must either own your property or gain permission from your landlord if you are renting. Landlord permission must be obtained before the installation commences – not during.
Off-street parking or adequate on-street parking
Getting an electric car charger installed at home is easy if you have off-street parking, as you don’t require council permissions.
On the other hand, while getting an EV home charger without off-street parking is possible, the process is much more difficult. First, local planning and highway authorities must deem your on-street parking adequate. You must also install a cross-pavement charging solution before installation and ensure you have permission from your local planning and highway authorities to do so. Coveted solutions include Kerbo Charge and ChargeArm.
A cross-pavement charging solution can raise the cost of installing a home EV charger. But, the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for Households with On-Street Parking is now available. With the grant, you can get 75% off the cost to buy and install a home charger, up to a maximum of £350. If you cannot get approval from your council, you may have to rely on public charging points.
However, it’s not all bad news. While EV drivers with on-street parking after a home EV charger still need to apply for planning permission, the rules have changed in your favour. Now, you can install an EV charger within two meters of public highway – something that was not allowed previously.
Wi-Fi or 4G connection
You must have an adequate Wi-Fi or mobile connection at the location where the electric car charger is installed. A Wi-Fi or mobile connection ensures that your charger can access smart features and complies with The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021.
Smart features keep a chargepoint safe from cyber-attacks. What’s more, they let electric vehicles charge when demand on the grid is low. Or when clean electricity is available.
Approved EV Charger Installers
When getting an EV charger installed at home, you should ensure you use a trusted and fully qualified electrician. Choosing an OZEV-approved installer is a safe choice. This ensures they follow all the required safety regulations, and they will also be able to claim the grant on your behalf if you are eligible for one.
On top of this, make sure your installer is registered with a competent person’s scheme.
One thing is for certain – do not attempt to install an EV charger yourself.
Suitable electricity supply for EV charger installation
A typical home EV charger is rated at 7kW, and you must have a power supply that is large enough for the EV to operate at its rated capacity.
As part of the installation process, your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) must grant you approval to install a charger. As part of the approval process, the DNO will assess whether your power supply is sufficient for an EV charger. If it is insufficient, they may need to come to your property and upgrade your supply before the installation.
The DNO will also check whether your electricity supply is looped before they approve. A looped supply is when your electricity supply comes in via your neighbour’s home. Although this is safe, a looped supply may struggle to handle the demands of fast electric charging. As such, the DNO may need to unloop the supply before the installation can commence.
Upgrading or unlooping your supply may, unfortunately, add delays to your charger installation, as this usually has to be done before the installation can commence.
If you want an 11kW or 22kW charger installed at your home, you must upgrade your electricity supply from single phase to three-phase. Your DNO would undertake this upgrade, which can cost thousands and take many months.
Choosing a suitable location for your home charge point
Carefully consider where you want your home EV charger installed. In the right place, the installation will work out cheaper in the long run. Why? Because you should have no accessibility issues after installation.
First, your electric car charger should be installed as close to your electric meter as possible. Secondly, the EV charger needs to be connected to your main electrical fuse, which is located in your meter box. Why do you need to do this? If your EV charger is installed near your electric meter, the cable run is shorter, and, in turn, makes the EV charger installation more cost-effective and efficient.
Although we include up to 10m of cabling in our standard electric car charger installation, keeping the cable run as short as possible is best. For one, a shorter cable makes the installation look more aesthetically pleasing, as you won’t have lots of visible cabling clipped to your property.
When hunting for the perfect spot for your EV charger, keep the following in mind:
- Ensure you position your charger in an area with good WIFI or mobile connectivity.
- Consider where you park your vehicle and ensure the charger is as close to that location as possible. This makes it easy to plug in without needing a long charging cable, which could lead to a tripping hazard.
- Decide whether to mount your charger on a wall or a post. Installation of a post will come at an extra cost, but may be required if there is no suitable wall near where you park your vehicle. Note, you shouldn’t mount your charger on a fence or temporary structure, as this can be dangerous.
As mentioned earlier, previously, EV chargers couldn’t be within two metres of the highway. These rules have been relaxed now to help boost EV charging infrastructure.
EV charger height restrictions in the UK
Certain legal requirements regarding the positioning of your home charger, especially EV charger height, need to be followed, too:
- The EV charger must be securely fixed at a height between 0.75 and 1.2 metres from the ground to ensure it can’t be hit by a vehicle.
- Charge points cannot be installed within 2.5 metres of a SIM touch. A “SIM touch” refers to a metal object connected to a power supply, such as an outdoor light in a metal case.
An EV charging station that complies with new regulations
The home charger you are getting installed must comply with The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021. Additionally, the electric car charging port must also have an RCD built into the unit and meet the applicable minimum IP ratings set out in BS EN 61851-1:2019 and BS 7671:2018.
Moreover, the exterior casing of the charger cannot be larger than 0.2 cubic metres.
Our market-leading chargers comply with all home electric car charger installation regulations, giving you complete peace of mind.
Building regulations & electrical safety standards
Several safety standards are set out by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). Your EV charger installer must comply with these standards.
Here are the current EV charger installation requirements:
- BS EN 61851
- The current edition of the IET Wiring Regulations – currently BS 7671
- The recommendations of the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installations (as amended)
- The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002
- The installation should consider the requirements of BS 8300 and the requirements of disabled people.
Summary of home EV charger installation requirements:
Installing a home EV charging point requires careful thought, unlike other typical household appliances and phone chargers. You must consider several key requirements and ensure your EV charging setup is safe, efficient, and follows important regulations.
Here’s a quick overview of the core electric car charger installation requirements:
- Property ownership or landlord permission: You must own the property or have permission from your landlord before proceeding with the car charger installation.
- Parking: The EV charger installation process is straightforward for homeowners with off-street parking. But, for those without (EV drivers who park on-street) must navigate additional steps, including local authority permissions and installing a cross-pavement charging solution.
- Connectivity: A stable Wi-Fi or 4G connection at the charger installation site is essential to enable smart charging features.
- Approved EV charger installers: Use a qualified EV charger installer, preferably one approved by OZEV, such as ourselves, to ensure safety standards are met and to access any available grants.
- Electricity supply: Your home’s power supply must support the electric car charger’s capacity, which may require a potential upgrade by your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). A three-phase electricity supply may be necessary for higher-capacity electric vehicle chargers. Ensure you have your MPAN number to hand when purchasing an EV charger unless the installer is SIP accredited, such as ourselves.
- EV charger installation location: The charger should be installed near your electric meter for cost-effectiveness and accessibility.
Following these guidelines will help make the EV charger installation process smooth, safe, and efficient. Trust an accredited, experienced EV charger installer, and they will guarantee that everything is correctly and safety installed.
In need of an EV charger and EV charger installation?
Choosing an OZEV-approved installer such as We Power Your Car is essential to ensure you have peace of mind that your installation meets all the home EV charger installation requirements – ensuring a safe, straightforward installation. Our DBS-checked, experienced and accredited expert EV charger installers are far and wide, spanning nationwide. Plus, with close ties to leading EV charger manufacturers, we offer a wide range of EV chargers to find your best fit. Trust us for your electric car charger installation, and have the process managed entirely on your behalf. That includes charger choice, DNO application, any grant paperwork and installation.
Get your EV charger installation booked today. If you are looking to get an EV charger and electric car charger installation at your home, click below to get your free quote, or contact us for more information or any queries you may have.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here we answer your frequently asked questions about EV charger installation.
Are all EV chargers the same?
No, not only do EV chargers come in different shapes and sizes, but they also differ in smart functionality, power output, and connector type. In short, there’s no one-size-fits-all EV charger – the decision is based on your individual needs and requirements.
If I move house, can I take the charger with me?
Yes, you can bring your original EV charger with you when you move house, but it may be cheaper to purchase a new one.
Grants, permissions, DNO approval, charger warranty, installer willingness, and other factors need to be considered before making the decision.
At We Power Your Car, our engineers are happy to relocate your old EV charger or install a new one.
What's the difference between a tethered and untethered EV charger?
A tethered EV charger has the charging cable permanently attached, whereas you use your own cable with an untethered or socketed. Every time you want to charge, you have to connect and disconnect the charging cable.
One type of EV charger is not better than the other. It’s a personal choice as to which you choose. Untethered EV chargers offer more flexibility, while tethered chargers offer more convenience.
What's the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 EV chargers?
Type 1 and Type 2 EV chargers differ in their pin design, regional use, and charging speed.
Type 1 chargers have five pins and are typically used in North America and Asia. They are suitable only for single-phase electricity and can’t lock. On the other hand, Type 2 chargers, which are the most common in the UK and Europe, have a seven-pin design, support single and three-phase electricity for faster charging, and feature a locking mechanism.
Do EV chargers need surge protection?
EV chargers do need a surge protection device according to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. However, customers can opt out of the additional cost of a surge protection device. If this route is chosen, the customer must sign a waiver.
Are EV chargers AC or DC?
Electric cars always store DC energy; however, EV chargers can be either Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC).
Home EV chargers will always use AC, whereas public chargers can be either AC or DC.
Learn more about the difference between AC and DC EV charging.
Can I install my own EV charging point?
Only qualified, experienced professional engineers should install EV charging points. Professional installation ensures compliance with rules and regulations, preserves the charger’s warranty, and promises a safe and efficient installation.
For quality and safety assurance, it is recommended that you use a certified installer from the OZEV-approved list, such as We Power Your Car.
Learn more about why you should not attempt to install an EV charger yourself.
What is a DNO, and how can DNO approval affect my installation?
A Distribution Network Operator (DNO) manages the electricity distribution from the national grid to homes and businesses.
DNO approval is a requirement for every EV charger installation in the UK to ensure your local network can handle the demand of an EV charger. Gaining approval can take weeks and, in unfortunate cases, months. Potential delays can also occur if additional work is needed on your property before we can install your charger. For example, if you need a fuse upgrade or your supply needs unlooping.
We have no control over the DNO approval process or how long additional work can take, and unfortunately, we cannot influence DNO-related delays. We can only offer an installation date once we have received the go-ahead from the DNO.
Please be aware that while most DNO work won’t incur any charges, in some cases, you may be responsible for any DNO costs.
What is included in a standard installation package?
- Fitting of a single phase 7kW home EV charger to a brick or plaster wall or other suitable permanent structure
- Up to 10 metres of cable, run and neatly clipped to the wall between the electricity supply meter/distribution board and the charge point.
- Routing of the cable through a drilled hole in a wall up to 500mm (20 inches) thick if this is needed.
- The fitting and testing of electrical connections and protections required for the charge point.
- An additional three-way consumer unit, if required
- Installation of a Type A RCBO in an RCBO enclosure
- Up to 3 metres of plastic trunking to conceal interior wiring.
- An O-pen earth protection device if the charge point requires it. (This is NOT an earth rod)
- Up to 4 hours of labour from your installer to complete the work.
- Electrical testing of the whole installation.
- Handover and set-up of the charge point and any app that may be needed.
- Three-year manufacturer warranty and one-year workmanship warranty
- Dedicated UK-based customer support seven days a week (pre and post-installation)
- VAT
- Remote survey and guidance through the EV charging process
- All paperwork, including any applicable grants and DNO liaison, completed and managed on your behalf
- Electrical certificate and certificate of compliance
