EV Charging at Home

EV charging at home makes EV ownership simple. You can simply plug in your car when you’re at home and it’s fully charged and ready to go when you are. No need for trips out to recharge and no time wasted waiting around at the service station. If you would like to know more about EV charging at home, Quality Electrician Birkenshaw are here to help.  

Who can Install an EV Charger at my Home?

A registered, qualified electrician should always be chosen to carry out any new electrical installation works in your home. As most EV chargers are located outside and exposed to all weathers, a trained electrician used to dealing with these challenges is the safest option. Installing an EV charger at your Birkenshaw home will require it be connected to your home’s electrical circuits via your fuse board. This must be completed by a competent and skilled electrician to ensure you and your home are not left at risk of electrical fire. Many EV charger manufacturers require an Electric Installation Certificate provided by a registered electrician for a valid warranty. Quality Electrician are proud to be NICEIC registered electricians. A NICEIC registered electrician undergoes rigorous assessment of their competency and compliance. They work to the highest standards and can provide all necessary certification.

Installing an EV Charger at Home

To install an EV charger at your home in Birkenshaw you will usually need an off-street parking area such as a garage or driveway. Your EV charger installer will also need to make sure your chosen site is safe and suitable. They will inspect the area to ensure there are no metal objects such as lampposts or lights that are too close to allow the safe installation of your EV charger. It is important to ensure that you consult a qualified electrician so that you receive the correct advice.  To install an EV charger at your home you will also need sufficient capacity on your fuse board or consumer unit. If your current consumer unit is not suitable then a reputable and experienced electrician will be able to advise you of the best options. They may recommend that you install a small consumer unit, complete with surge protection devices alongside your existing fuse board. This would be installed at the same time as the EV charger and would be housed separately. It can be tempting to put this inside your meter cupboard but this is not permitted and can cause problems later on.  

Which EV Charger should I choose?

There are many options for EV charging at home. Each manufacturer and product will have its own specific features and benefits. As qualified and experienced EV charger installers, we will discuss the various technologies with you and help you make an informed decision.  

Some of the points to consider include:

• Power:  7 kW is the most common choice for home EV chargers and can charge your car in around 6-8 hours. A 3kW charger is also available which will take 12-13 hours.  
• Cable style:  Would you prefer a tethered charger (with a cable) or an untethered one (without a cable)? An untethered EV charger can be connected to almost any car – handy if you plan to use your EV charger for more than one car. The cable for this will need to be stored in the car itself.  
• Style and Design: With so many options you can choose design that suits your home and personal style.
• Other features: EV chargers can have a wide range of additional features, such as solar panel compatibility or smart functionality, and it is worth exploring these with your installer. Some EV chargers may also be recommended based on your energy tariff. Ohme chargers for example are recommended and supported by Octopus for their Intelligent tariff.  

What happens when my EV charger is installed?

When we arrive at your Birkenshaw home to install your EV charger we will need easy access to the installation site. We will also need to get to your electric meter and fuse box or consumer unit. The power will need to be switched off for a short period to allow safe installation. This is usually around 2-3 hours, so it is best to be prepared for this. After installing your EV charger, we will reinstate your power and test the EV charger to ensure it is working correctly. Your installer will show you how to use your EV charger and will answer any questions you have.  

If you are based in Birkenshaw, Bradford or the surrounding area and would like to know more about installing an EV charger at your home, contact Quality Electrician today. Our experienced, fully qualified electricians are always happy to help. Call us today and discover how easy EV charging at home can be.