EV Charging Point Installation: Requirements for Domestic Properties

Why Install an EV Charging Point?

With the UK ban on new petrol and diesel car sales from 2035 (and the ZEV mandate pushing earlier adoption), electric vehicle ownership is growing rapidly. Installing a dedicated EV charging point at your property adds value, attracts quality tenants, and future-proofs your investment.

This guide covers everything landlords and homeowners need to know about domestic EV charging point installation, including electrical requirements, regulations, grant schemes, and costs.

Electrical Capacity Assessment

Before installing an EV charger, the property's electrical capacity must be assessed. Most standard UK homes have a 60–100A supply, and a 7kW charger draws approximately 32A — a significant portion of total capacity.

• Check the main fuse rating (typically 60A, 80A, or 100A)
• Calculate existing load from heating, cooking, lighting, and appliances
• Assess whether the existing consumer unit has spare ways for a new circuit
• Determine if a supply upgrade from the DNO is required (rare for 7kW, more common for 22kW)
• Consider load management devices that reduce charge rate when household demand is high

BS 7671 and Installation Requirements

EV charging point installation is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations and must comply with BS 7671, specifically Section 722 (Electric Vehicle Charging). Key requirements include:

• Dedicated circuit from the consumer unit to the charge point with appropriate protective device
• Type A RCD protection (or Type B where DC residual currents are present)
• Earth electrode or TT earthing system where PME ( Protective Multiple Earthing) supplies require special consideration
• Surge protection device (SPD) recommended for protection against voltage transients
• Cable sizing must account for voltage drop over the route length
• Charge point must be positioned to allow safe vehicle access and cable routing

Choosing the Right Charge Point

Charge points vary in power rating, smart features, and installation complexity. For domestic rental properties, 7kW (single-phase) is usually the optimal choice.

• 3.6kW (16A): Slowest option, suitable for overnight charging only. Rarely recommended.
• 7kW (32A): Most popular domestic option. Charges a typical EV from 20% to 80% in 6–8 hours.
• 22kW (three-phase): Fastest domestic option but requires three-phase supply (rare in UK homes).
• Tethered vs untethered: Tethered includes a fixed cable. Untethered requires the driver to use their own cable.
• Smart features: App control, scheduled charging, energy monitoring, and solar integration add to the unit cost.

Typical Installation Costs

Installation costs vary based on cable run length, consumer unit condition, and whether groundwork is required.

• Basic 7kW installation (short cable run, modern consumer unit): contact us for a quote
• Standard installation with some cable routing: contact us for a quote
• Complex installation (long cable run, consumer unit upgrade, groundwork): contact us for a quote
• EVHS grant reduces cost by £350 if eligibility criteria are met
• OLEV workplace charging scheme available for commercial properties

Ongoing Maintenance and Safety

Once installed, the charge point requires minimal maintenance but should be inspected periodically as part of the property's electrical safety regime.

• Include the charge point circuit in the property's 5-year EICR schedule
• Visually inspect the unit and cable annually for damage or wear
• Ensure the RCD test button is functional (test quarterly)
• Keep the unit firmware updated if it has smart features
• Inform tenants of safe usage practices (do not use damaged cables, report faults immediately)