What Happens During a Home EV Charger Installation? Step-by-Step Explained
There's a bit more that goes into installing a home EV charger than simply plugging in a device. If you're planning to get an EV charger installed on your property, you probably want to know exactly what the installation process will look like.
Here, we've broken down every stage of EV home charger installation, so you know what to expect before you commit.
Step 1: Planning and Agreements Before Installation
The very first step of the EV charger installation process involves your own planning and decision-making. Your biggest task is picking the home charger model you want, as well as the charging cable length and type. You'll also need to choose a spot on your property where the unit will sit.
If you don't know what type of electric car charger you want, start by doing a bit of research. We've shared the common types of EV chargers and their capacities in this guide, which should help you get a better idea of your options.
Yes, you can go blindly to your installer and ask them for their personal preference, but just keep in mind that you'll probably be offered the more expensive option, which isn't always best for every situation.
You'll also want to consider your budget and make sure you can afford the installation before you book it in. The good news is that you might be eligible for a grant, like the UK’s EV Chargepoint Grant, which is designed for flat owners and people living in rented accommodation. If you’re eligible, you'll want to apply with plenty of time in advance of your installation.
Step 2: The Pre-Installation Survey
Before they fit your chosen home charger, your installer* will visit your home or carry out a virtual survey. This usually includes checking and making note of your main fuse rating, consumer unit (fuse box), earthing system, and cable routes. The installer will also look at the location you want for the charger and check whether they'll need to do any drilling, cabling, or other work on the installation day.
Once your installer has finished the survey, they'll give you a quote that covers labour, materials, the charger unit, and any extras that you might need (for example, cable tidies or guards to protect wiring). Quotes are typically offered for free, but some installers might charge for the quote and add it to your final bill.
*We won't linger too long on the process of finding an EV charger installer, as this deserves an entire article in itself. But our recommendation is to look for an OZEV-approved installer to guarantee a professional and reliable installation.
Step 3: Prepare for the Installation Day
Fast-forward to the morning of the EV charger installation, and you'll need to get the space ready before your installer arrives.
This involves clearing the area where the home charger will sit and moving anything that could block access. You'll also want to clear your driveway or walls where the charging lead will be laid, so your installer can get the job done faster without damaging your belongings.
Step 4: Switching Off Your Power Supply
Once the electrician arrives, you won't typically have to do anything else yourself. These next few stages of the installation process will be handled by your installer.
Before they get started with the install, the electrician will switch off your main power supply. That means you won't have electricity for an hour or two, which is usually how long it takes to connect an EV charger to your consumer unit.
Keep this in mind if you're going to be at home—you might want to boil the kettle in advance!
Step 5: Fitting the EV Charger Unit
With the power off, your installer will drill into your chosen wall or fix the unit to a ground mount (depending on what you agreed on in advance).
This process involves running a cable from your consumer unit to the charger, usually along an outside wall. Your installer will clip or cover the cable with trunking, so it looks neat and is properly protected from the weather. If it has to cross a path or driveway, your installer might create a trench to prevent the cable from jutting out, or install protective covers surrounding it.
Your home might need an earth rod for the charger to work safely. In this case, your installer will drive this into the ground near the charger and connect it with a cable.
Step 6: Connecting to Your Fuse Box
Once they're done outside, your installer will need access to your home, so they can connect the charger to a spare circuit breaker in your fuse box. If the box is already full, they'll need to install a small extra unit next to it. Your EV charger should ideally run on its own circuit, so it doesn’t overload any other systems.
Your chosen home charger might have built-in load balancing, which stops it from drawing too much power when you need electricity to run other appliances. This will create a small extra job for your installer: they'll set it up as part of the wiring.
Step 7: Testing and Commissioning
With your new EV charger fitted and wired, your installer will go ahead and test the system. They’ll check that everything works properly before they leave it to you, including that the unit powers up correctly and the earth connection works, with no faults showing on the display. They’ll also plug your EV into the charger to confirm that it delivers the correct current and give you a quick demonstration of how to charge your EV at home.
If you've bought an electric car charger that connects to an app, the installer will help you download it and link the charger to your phone or tablet. They'll also show you how to use the app to do things like setting charging times and checking the speed of charging and energy usage.
Step 8: Cleaning Up After the Job
The very last step is the cleanup process. Your installer will tidy up and do any last jobs, like filling and sealing cable holes. They might also be willing to paint over the sealed areas to match your wall, but this could be a job you end up doing yourself.
Before your installer leaves, they should give you a handover pack that includes an electrical certificate, as well as things like your charger manual and warranty details. You'll also receive the relevant grant paperwork if you got help with the cost.
What to Expect After An EV Home Charger Installation
Once the charger is working, you're ready to plug your electric vehicle in and start charging.
If you've had your home charging setup professionally installed, you shouldn't notice any issues. But in the unlikely event of a fault, you'll need to contact the installer or the charger manufacturer. The good news is that most units come with at least a three-year warranty, with the more expensive smart charger models (connected to your smart meter) typically having the longest warranties.
Takeaway
The home EV charger installation process is pretty straightforward, but only if you hire a qualified electrician for the job.
It's particularly important that you choose a reliable expert to install your home charging point if you'll require a more difficult setup—for instance, if you need to route your charger from your home to your own off-street parking spot.
If you're still looking for an expert to install an EV charger for your home, we recommend working with us at Plugin Stations. Our team of engineers specialises in the install of electric chargepoints, and we're more than happy to answer your questions before you commit.
More on Home Electric Vehicle Charger Installation: FAQ
If you still have questions about the EV home charger installation process, there's a good chance that you'll find the answers in this FAQ section.
What does EV charger installation involve?
To install an EV charger, your chosen installer will first turn off your power supply, then fit the charger unit, connect it to your fuse box, and tidy the install area. Finally, they'll plug in your electric car and give you a quick demonstration of the EV charging process, checking the Wi-Fi connection and talking you through your charger's smart features (if relevant).
How long does it take to install an EV charger at home?
On average, it takes two to four hours for a competent electrician to install an EV charging unit at home. The exact time for a standard installation depends on what's involved in the job, based on your own specific situation. For instance, if your installer has to dig a trench or run cables underground, the install will take longer to complete.
How much does it cost to have a car charger installed at home?
Most EV drivers will pay around £800 to £1,500 to get a dedicated home charger installed. You may be eligible for a grant to cover some of the installation costs, but only in certain situations. As with install times, pricing depends on exactly what is involved in the job, as well as the type of charger you get (whether it uses DC or AC power, etc). You can learn more about EV installation grants here.
Can any electrician install a home EV charger?
No, any electrician can't install an EV home charger. They'll need to hold a relevant qualification for chargepoint installation (e.g., 2921) and be registered with a government-approved competent person scheme like NAPIT.
