Guide Contents
- EV Charger Requirements: Do You Need Permission?
- Electrical Requirements for EV Charger Installation
- The EV Charging Highway Code (UK): Safety First
- Smart Charger Requirements
- EV Charger Placement and Cable Management
- Certification and Documentation
- DRW & Installing Your Home EV Charger
As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular across the UK, homeowners are seeking practical and compliant ways to charge at home. Installing a domestic EV charger isn’t just a convenience, it’s a smart long-term investment. But before you take the plunge, it’s essential to understand the EV charger requirements in the UK to ensure your system is safe, legal, and optimised for performance.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from installation regulations to electrical safety and finding a trusted EV installer.
Do You Need Permission to Install a Home EV Charger?
Before you even consider installation, you must first check your permissions. It’s extremely important in the EV charger requirements ‘checklist’. In most UK residential properties, you do not need planning permission to install a domestic EV charger – as long as certain criteria are met:
- The EV charger must be less than 0.2 cubic metres in size.
- It must not face onto a highway if installed on a wall.
- Your electric vehicle charge point must be installed in a non-listed building or outside a conservation area.
- It must comply with building regulations and electrical safety standards.
If your property is listed or in a protected area, it’s best to check with your local council before installation.
Electrical Requirements for EV Charger Installation
A home EV charger must be connected to your existing electrical infrastructure in a way that meets strict UK regulations.
Here’s what’s typically required:
- A dedicated circuit: Your charger needs its own supply to prevent overload and keep the rest of your home’s system stable.
- RCD protection: Residual Current Devices are mandatory to prevent electric shocks or fires.
- Load management technology: This is used to avoid overwhelming your electricity supply – especially helpful if you’re using other high-demand appliances.
- Compliance with the IET Code of Practice: Installers must follow the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s best practices for EV installation.
In order to follow these domestic electrical requirements, it is important to contract a qualified electrician or certified EV installer.
The EV Charging Highway Code (UK): Safety First
In 2022, new updates to the EV charging highway code UK brought in rules to improve charger safety and accessibility.
These include:
- Cables must be laid out to avoid creating trip hazards.
- EV drivers are expected to remove charging cables once the vehicle is charged.
- Public charging point etiquette encourages moving vehicles once charging is complete.
While most of these rules apply to public chargers, installing home units in a way that’s mindful of walkways and shared spaces is key, especially in flats or shared driveways.
Smart Charger Requirements
According to UK EV charger requirements, since July 2022, all new domestic EV charger installations in the UK must be “smart.”
This means:
- The EV home chargers can delay charging to off-peak hours, saving you money.
- It must feature security to prevent tampering.
- The EV charge point must be capable of remotely receiving updates and settings changes.
A good EV installer will make sure your system is a compliant smart charge point by default.
The Role of Smart Meters and Tariffs
In line with EV charger requirements, you don’t need a smart meter to install a home EV charger, but it can help. Smart meters let energy suppliers offer EV-specific tariffs, where you pay less for charging overnight.
Popular tariffs include Octopus Go and EDF GoElectric, both designed to complement EV charging solar setups and off-peak home charging. Make sure to ask your EV installer if your chosen unit is compatible with these tariffs.
EV Charger Placement and Cable Management
Where your charger goes matters.
Here’s what to consider:
- Wall-mounted vs. pedestal: Wall units are more common, but freestanding options are available.
- Cable length: Make sure the charger is close enough to your vehicle’s charging port.
- Weatherproofing: Your charger must be IP65 rated or above to withstand UK rain and snow.
Proper cable management is also vital for safety and aesthetics. Most EV installers offer solutions like tethered cables, cable reels, or wall hooks. Each of these options are viable under UK EV charger requirements.
Certification and Documentation
After your EV charger installation (UK) is complete, your EV installer should provide:
- An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC).
- Building Regulations notification, they’ll inform your local authority as part of Part P compliance.
- A warranty: Typically 2–3 years for parts and workmanship.
If they don’t give you this documentation, push back. It’s both one of the legal EV charger requirements, and should be part of standard installation.
Trust DRW with Your Home EV Charger Installation
At DRW Electrical, we know the EV charger requirements like the back of our hands. We understand that installing a domestic EV charger is more than just plugging in a box – it’s about future-proofing your home and investing in safer, greener living. As trusted local experts based in Carlisle, our certified team of EV installers can help guide you through every requirement, from choosing the right unit to post-installation support.
We’re proud to follow all UK EV charging requirements to the letter, ensuring your system is smart, safe, and built to last. Whether you’re searching for “installing home EV charger” guidance or just wondering where to start, we’re here to help.
