Electric vehicle ownership in the UK continues to grow rapidly — and with it, demand for home and workplace EV charger installations. For electricians across North Yorkshire, Durham, and the wider region, EV charging represents one of the most consistent and well-paid add-on services available right now.
But EV installs aren’t just about fitting a socket. They come with their own regulations, technical requirements, and best practice that every qualified electrician needs to understand before they start offering this service.
The Regulations You Need to Know
EV charging installations are governed by Section 722 of BS 7671 (18th Edition) and the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation (4th Edition). Before any install, familiarise yourself with:
- The requirement for a dedicated circuit — no shared loads
- RCD protection — Type A as a minimum for most domestic chargers, Type B for chargers with DC output components
- PEN fault detection and earth fault monitoring for PME supplies (TN-C-S systems)
- Surge protection requirements — SPDs are now standard on EV circuits
- Load management considerations — especially critical where maximum demand is already high
Understanding Charger Types
- Mode 2 (Portable, 3-pin plug) — only suitable for occasional use. Not appropriate for permanent domestic installation.
- Mode 3 (Wall-mounted / hard-wired) — the most common for domestic and small business use. Connects directly to the consumer unit. This is the bread and butter of most electricians doing EV work.
- Mode 4 (DC Rapid) — high-power commercial chargers for fleet or public charging. Specialist equipment.
Load Management — Don’t Skip This Step
Always assess maximum demand before installing, and consider a dynamic load management system if the property is already heavily loaded. If the property’s supply needs upgrading, the client’s Distribution Network Operator (DNO) needs to be notified. This can add lead time, so plan for it early.
OZEV Approval and Government Grants
If you want to help residential clients claim the EV Chargepoint Grant (available for renters and flat owners), the installation must be carried out by an OZEV-registered installer using an approved charger. The grant is worth up to £350 — a useful selling point when quoting.
Testing and Certification
Every EV charger installation requires a full Electrical Installation Certificate. Your test documentation should include insulation resistance testing, RCD trip time and current testing, earth fault loop impedance, and functional testing of the charger unit.
The Right Products for the Job
At Upex, we stock the protection devices, cable, glands, and accessories you need for EV installations — including Type A and Type B RCBOs, SPDs, SWA cable for outdoor runs, weatherproof enclosures, and IP-rated glands. Our trade counter staff can help you spec the right products for each job.
Dan’s Final Thoughts EV charging is here to stay, and the electricians who get comfortable with it now will be the ones winning the most work in the next five years. Get your regulations knowledge up to date, invest in the right stock, and offer this service with confidence.