EV Car Chargers- things to consider!
With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), more and more people are opting for home charging stations to ensure their vehicles are ready to go whenever they need them. Installing a car charger at your home is not just about convenience, it’s also about ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. At Manchester EICR Limited, we’re here to guide you through the key considerations when installing an EV charger at your property.
Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner looking to offer EV charging to customers or employees, here are the essential factors to keep in mind.
1. Choosing the Right Type of EV Charger
When considering installing a car charger, the first thing you’ll need to decide is which type of charger to install. There are generally three options:
Type 1: Standard 3-pin Socket
This is the simplest option and the one that most people have available at home. It uses a standard 240V outlet, but it can be slow, taking anywhere from 8 to 20 hours to charge a vehicle fully. While it’s cheaper, it’s not the most efficient solution for regular EV users.
Type 2: Fast Charging (Wallbox)
A Type 2 wall-mounted charger is one of the most popular choices for home charging. This charger can provide faster charging times—typically within 4-6 hours, depending on the vehicle. A wallbox charger is safer, more efficient, and comes with various features like Wi-Fi connectivity and remote control through an app. At Manchester EICR Limited, we highly recommend installing a Type 2 charger for most EV owners.
Ultra-Fast Charging (DC Fast Charger)
If you need faster charging times, you might consider a DC fast charger. These chargers are often found in public charging stations, and they can charge an EV to 80% in just 30 minutes. However, they are typically not suited for home installations due to their high cost and power requirements.
2. Assessing Your Electrical Capacity
Before proceeding with any installation, it’s essential to assess your home’s existing electrical setup to determine if it can handle the additional load of an EV charger. Most domestic installations are designed to handle household appliances, but EV chargers can draw significant amounts of power, especially the higher-capacity ones.
Consumer unit upgrade
If your fuse board (consumer unit) is outdated or doesn’t have enough capacity to safely accommodate the charger, you may need to upgrade it. A licensed electrician from Manchester EICR Limited can assess whether your current panel is sufficient, or if an upgrade to your fuse board is necessary to ensure safe operation of your EV charger.
Dedicated Circuit
To avoid overloading your electrical system, an EV charger should be connected to its own dedicated circuit. This will help protect both your car charger and your home’s electrical system, ensuring that both are safe and functioning optimally.
3. Location, Location, Location
Choosing the right spot for your car charger is crucial for both safety and convenience. Here are a few things to consider when selecting the location:
- Proximity to Your Car: Install the charger near where your car will be parked to ensure the cable reaches without being too stretched.
- Weather Protection: If you’re installing a charger outdoors, make sure it’s weatherproof and can withstand the elements. Many chargers are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, but it’s important to ensure that your installation complies with local regulations.
- Avoiding Interference with Other Appliances: To prevent your charger from interfering with other electrical appliances, ensure that it’s located in a spot where it won’t cause disruptions, especially in areas with a high electrical load, like kitchens or offices.
4. Compliance with Regulations and Legislation
Ensuring your car charger installation complies with all relevant electrical regulations is essential for both safety and legal reasons. At Manchester EICR Limited, we ensure that every installation is fully compliant with the following:
BS 7671 Wiring Regulations
The British Standard 7671 (also known as the IET Wiring Regulations) sets out the legal framework for electrical installations in the UK. These regulations cover everything from the installation of EV chargers to ensuring that the electrical wiring is safe, efficient, and compliant.
The Building Regulations Part P
These regulations govern electrical work in homes and ensure the safety of electrical installations. Part P specifies that electrical work, including the installation of EV chargers, must be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCP) Regulations
Specific standards for electric vehicle chargers are in place to ensure the installation is safe. The IEC 61851-1 standard outlines how the EV charging station should interact with your car, while IEC 60364 governs the electrical installations. Your installer should always be up to date with the latest standards to guarantee a safe installation.
OLEV Grant
If you’re eligible for the government’s Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (OLEV grant), it’s crucial that your installer is accredited to claim the grant for you. The OLEV grant offers up to £350 towards the cost of installing an EV charger at your home.
5. RCD Protection: Why It’s Crucial
RCDs (Residual Current Devices) are essential safety features that detect electrical faults and disconnect power in the event of a fault, reducing the risk of electrocution. When installing a car charger, RCD protection is mandatory.
At Manchester EICR Limited, we recommend:
- RCD Main Switch: This acts as the first line of defense, cutting off the power supply in case of an electrical fault. It ensures that any fault in the circuit will result in an automatic disconnection from the power source.
- Dual RCD Protection: This setup offers redundancy by using two RCDs to protect different circuits. This can be useful for larger installations or homes with multiple electrical devices.
- RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent Protection): This combines an RCD and a circuit breaker, offering protection against both overload and earth leakage. It is a more advanced solution that can provide additional safety and reliability.
Each of these options comes with its own pros and cons. For example:
- RCD Main Switch: Simple, cost-effective, but may not offer as much protection for individual circuits.
- Dual RCD Protection: Offers redundancy and better protection, but at a slightly higher cost.
- RCBO: Offers comprehensive protection, reducing the risk of damage, but can be more expensive to install.
At Manchester EICR Limited, we help you decide the most suitable protection for your needs, ensuring both safety and compliance with all regulations.
6. Cost Considerations
The cost of installing an EV charger will vary depending on the type of charger, the complexity of the installation, and the electrical upgrades needed. Here’s a breakdown of some factors that will influence cost:
- Type of Charger: A basic 3-pin socket will cost significantly less than a Type 2 fast charger or a DC fast charger.
- Electrical Upgrades: If your home requires an upgrade to the consumer unit or the installation of a dedicated circuit, this will add to the overall cost.
- Labour Costs: The cost of hiring a certified and experienced electrician will also factor into the price. While it may be tempting to go for a cheaper, unqualified installer, cutting corners could end up being more expensive in the long run due to safety issues or non-compliance with regulations.
7. Future-Proofing Your Installation
As EVs become more widespread, the demand for home charging stations is expected to increase. When installing your EV charger, it’s a good idea to consider future-proofing the system. This could mean opting for a charger with higher power capacity or ensuring that your home’s electrical setup can accommodate future upgrades without needing a complete overhaul.
Conclusion: Why Choose Manchester EICR Limited for Your EV Charger Installation
At Manchester EICR Limited, we specialize in the installation, maintenance, and safety of electric vehicle chargers for both homes and businesses. Whether you’re looking to install a fast charging point at home or equip your business with multiple EV charging stations, our experienced team can provide expert advice and carry out the installation with the highest standards of safety and compliance.
We take the hassle out of EV charger installation by ensuring everything is handled, from selecting the right charger to meeting all legal requirements and providing ongoing support.
Ready to install your EV charger? Contact Manchester EICR Limited today to discuss your needs and schedule an installation. Let us help you power the future of transportation!
