The survey matters most
A good installation is decided before anyone arrives with tools. The survey looks at four things: the size of your main fuse and the load already on the house, the earthing arrangement, the space in your consumer unit, and the route the cable will take from the board to the charger. Photos of your consumer unit, the meter and where you park are often enough for an accurate quote.
Supply and load management
Most UK homes have a 60, 80 or 100 amp main fuse. A 7kW charger draws about 32 amps, which is a lot to add to a house that already has an electric shower and an oven running. Most modern chargers include load management: a sensor measures the house's total demand and reduces the charge rate when the house is busy, so the supply is not overloaded. It makes a supply upgrade unnecessary for most homes.
Earthing and outdoor safety
Many homes have a PME earthing arrangement. For outdoor charge points, the wiring regulations require protection against a rare but serious fault on the supply network. Most current chargers have this protection built in; older or cheaper units may need an earth rod or additional equipment. This is one reason the charger choice and the installation should be considered together.
On the day
Most installations take half a day to a day. The power is off for a short period while the new circuit is connected. External cable runs should be straight, fixed securely and protected, whether in conduit, trunking or armoured cable.
The installer notifies the network operator, which is Northern Powergrid across the North East, and issues an Electrical Installation Certificate for the new circuit.
Setting up smart charging
Chargers sold in Great Britain must have smart functionality. In practice that means you can schedule charging for cheaper overnight hours from an app. Ask the installer to set it up with you before they leave, and to show you how to start a charge manually if the app or your Wi-Fi is unavailable.
Grants and schemes
Government support for home chargers has changed several times, and eligibility depends on the type of property and whether you own or rent. Check what is available at the time of your quote rather than relying on older articles.
General information, not advice for your property. Electrical work should be carried out by a qualified electrician.
