Can Any Electrician Install an Electric Vehicle Charger?
As the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to increase, owners understandably want the convenience of at-home charging.
Similarly, businesses may wish to install a private on-site EV charger for staff and visitors. In this article, we look at the requirements of private EV chargers and explore whether electricians need specific qualifications to carry out the installation.
The basics of EV chargers
As of August 2024, there were nearly 1.2 million EVs on UK roads and around 68,000 public charging points. However, overall, there were nearly one million chargers. This means that the overwhelming majority of EV chargers are installed at private addresses.
Private EV chargers (sometimes called wallbox chargers) are fitted on the exterior wall of a property or inside a garage. These chargers are typically what’s called Level 2, as opposed to DC Fast chargers, which are usually the type used for public chargers.
Level 2 models offer around 10 to 60 miles of range per hour of charging.
The requirements of an EV charger
If you want a charger installed at your home or business premises, you can buy one from a reputable brand and retailer. You then need to have the charger professionally installed.
For home chargers, your vehicle dealership should advise on the requirements. Generally, any charger should be compatible with each EV make and model. However, there are exceptions, such as if you own a Tesla Supercharger.
Charger cables also have different fittings. In Europe, a Type 2 fitting is standard on newer model EVs. Adaptors are available but it is important to seek advice on this to make sure you can use one safely with your vehicle.
Home chargers generally use about 7 kW to 12 kWh per day, depending on usage and driving range, and attach to a 240 V outlet. It takes approximately three to 10 hours to fully charge an EV.
From 30th June 2022, all new home chargers need to be “smart” chargers (i.e. connected to Wi-Fi) to comply with the requirements of the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021. The rules were introduced to mitigate the effect of EV chargers on overall electricity demand.
The cost of an EV charger for a home or business is in the region of £1,000 to £1,500, including the equipment and installation.
What to know about home EV charger installation
To have an EV charger installed, the property needs to have dedicated off-street parking. If the property is rented, permission is needed from the landlord. Local authority planning permission is not normally required (though there are exceptions).
Due to the extra demand the charger will create on the power grid, a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) notification will be required. The DNO will usually approve the request within 10 days.
Once approved, the installation itself will involve:
Mounting the charger: It should be fitted close to where the EV is usually parked at an appropriate height off the ground, typically between 0.75 and 1.2 metres (2.5 to 4 feet)
Running the cable: The next stage is to run the cable from the charger unit to the property’s electricity meter.
Connecting the charger: After turning off the electricity supply, the charger will be connected to the mains. It may be necessary to install a separate consumer unit (or fusebox).
Wi-Fi connection: The smart charger will be connected to the property’s Wi-Fi and registered with the app.
The work will take around two to three hours, depending on the individual property and the specific requirements of the installation.
This brings us to the question of whether anyone – or any electrician – can or should install a private EV charger at domestic or commercial premises.
Are qualifications required for EV charger installation?
The work should be carried out by a qualified electrician with specific qualifications in EV charger installation. It is a complex and potentially dangerous job. So, it is important to ensure that the installation is carried out by an experienced and trained professional.
In addition to the possible hazards, there are rules and requirements governing EV chargers. These cover things like:
- IET Wiring Regulations
- Smart functionality
- Electricity supplier interoperability
- Planning permission (in certain cases)
- DNO notification
What qualifications should an electrician have?
There are specific qualifications which cover the installation of a private EV charger. They include the City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Domestic, Commercial & Industrial Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation.
This is a comprehensive course which covers the main elements of the latest edition of the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation. It includes:
- Installation best practice
- Risk assessment
- Earthing systems
- Protective devices
- Maintenance
- Certification and documentation
Employing an electrician with a City & Guilds Level 3 qualification in EV charger installation can provide peace of mind that the work will be carried out professionally and to a high standard.
The dangers of installing an EV charger
While it may be tempting to employ an electrician unqualified in EV installation or even try to do it yourself, this is not advisable.
The potential risks associated with incorrect EV charger installation include damaging the equipment to the point it becomes unusable or unsafe. This could lead to additional costs to replace the charger or to employ a qualified professional to rectify the damage.
At the more extreme end, a faulty installation could even lead to electric shock or fire. Remember that the charger needs to be connected to the mains electricity, meaning it is highly dangerous work.
As well as the safety and competency aspects, equipment manufacturers may require the issue of an Electric Installation Certificate from a professional electrician in order to validate the equipment warranty.
So, before you arrange for an electrician to install your business or at-home EV charger, the best advice is to ask if they have the right training, experience and qualifications to safely undertake the work.
Speak to SparkPro
If you need an EV charger installed at your property or simply want some advice from an experienced and NAPIT-accredited electrician, contact SparkPro Electrical today. We serve customers across West London, whether it’s a single charger at a home in Hammersmith or multiple charging points on a commercial site in Hounslow!
