What This Requirement Covers
Installing a home EV charge point requires a dedicated electrical circuit from the consumer unit to the charge point location. The work is notifiable under Part P and must comply with BS 7671 and the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation.
Key Requirements
Electrical Requirements
- A dedicated circuit from the consumer unit, protected by a Type A RCBO (or Type A RCD + MCB) rated at 32 amps for a 7 kW single-phase charge point
- Cable sizing depends on the run length: typically 6 mm² or 10 mm² twin-and-earth for short runs, or SWA for external or underground runs
- The circuit must have RCD protection (30 mA, Type A minimum) to detect both AC and pulsating DC fault currents
- An isolation switch must be provided adjacent to the charge point
- The existing electrical supply must have sufficient spare capacity; a typical 7 kW charge point draws 32 amps, which may require a supply upgrade from the DNO (Distribution Network Operator)
Smart Charging Requirements
- Under the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021, all domestic charge points must be smart (capable of sending and receiving data)
- Smart charge points can delay charging to off-peak hours, reducing energy costs and grid load
- The charge point must comply with the regulations before it can be connected
Installation Standards
- Installation must comply with BS 7671 and the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation (4th Edition)
- The installer should be registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, OZEV-approved)
Practical Compliance Tips
- Check the existing electrical supply capacity before ordering a charge point; a 100 amp main fuse may not have sufficient headroom for 32 amps additional load
- If the supply is insufficient, apply to the DNO for an upgrade (this can take 8-12 weeks and cost GBP 500-2,000)
- Specify a Type A RCD/RCBO; standard Type AC RCDs may not detect DC fault currents from some EV chargers
- Consider a tethered charge point (with a permanently attached cable) for convenience, or an untethered unit (with a socket) for flexibility
- Apply for the OZEV grant (up to GBP 350 off the installation cost for qualifying installations)
- Position the charge point for easy cable reach to the vehicle; 1-2 metres from the parking space is ideal
- Keep the installation certificate and charge point documentation for Building Control and the EPC