Start by Checking Your Existing Electrical Supply

Before you buy a charger, take a close look at your consumer unit – the modern name for a fuse box. How old is it? Does it have spare ways, which are unused slots for new circuit breakers? What is the rating of your main fuse? Many UK homes have a 60A, 80A or 100A supply. A 7kW charger draws around 32A, so if your home already uses a lot of power, you may need a load management device or a supply upgrade. Check the earthing arrangement too: your electrician will need to know if it is TN-S, TN-C-S (PME) or TT. Older properties with rewirable fuses or no RCD protection will almost certainly need work. A quick photo of your meter cupboard sent to an electrician can give you a rough idea before a site visit. Don’t guess – this is a job for a qualified professional.

Decide Where the Charger Goes and How the Cable Will Run

Think about where you park every day. The charger should be within reach of the charge port without stretching the cable across a path. A wall-mounted unit at waist height is easy to use and keeps cables off the ground. If your parking spot is far from the house, the cable run could be 20 metres or more. Longer runs mean thicker cables to avoid voltage drop, which adds cost. You may need to lift paving, dig a trench, or clip cable along a wall. Detached garages often need a separate supply or a new sub-main. Consider weather protection – an IP65-rated unit is fine outdoors. Also think about cable management: a holster or hook keeps things tidy and safe.

Understand Wiring, Earthing and Safety Requirements

Modern EV chargers need more than a simple socket circuit. They require a dedicated circuit from your consumer unit, usually with a Type A or Type B RCD, or an RCBO, plus surge protection. If your earthing is PME (TN-C-S), the charger must have PEN fault detection or an earth rod, because a broken neutral can make the car’s body live. That is a serious safety point. Load management is another useful feature: it monitors your home’s total demand and reduces charging speed if you are close to your main fuse limit. This can avoid an expensive supply upgrade. Smart chargers also let you schedule charging for off-peak tariffs. A 7kW single-phase unit suits most homes; 22kW three-phase is only useful if your car supports it and you have a three-phase supply. Your electrician should follow the latest wiring regulations (BS 7671) and issue an Electrical Installation Certificate.

Sort Permissions and Paperwork Before You Book

For most houses, an EV charger is permitted development – you do not need planning permission. But there are exceptions: flats, listed buildings, conservation areas, and homes in Article 4 direction areas may need approval. If you rent, get written consent from your landlord. If you leasehold, check your lease and ask the freeholder. You will also need to notify your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) if the charger is over a certain rating, or if your supply needs an upgrade. Your electrician will usually handle this notification, but ask. Building regulations approval (Part P in England and Wales) is also required – a registered electrician can self-certify. Keep copies of all certificates for insurance and future sales. Grant funding may be available for some installations, so check before you commit.

Get Quotes, Then Schedule the Work Early

Contact at least three registered electricians who have experience with EV charge points. Ask for a fixed quote that includes the charger, cable, protective devices, labour, testing, and certification. Check they are part of a competent person scheme. Ask about lead times – some chargers are in short supply, and DNO approvals can take weeks. Book the work before your car arrives so you are not relying on public charging. If you plan to add solar panels or a home battery later, mention it now; the electrician can future-proof the wiring. Finally, think about ongoing costs: a charger uses a little standby power, and you may want a maintenance check every few years. A well-planned installation is safe, tidy, and ready for years of driving.