7 Things to Check Before Your Home EV Charger Installation

1. Confirm Your Parking Situation

First and foremost, you'll need off-street parking, such as a driveway, garage, or dedicated parking space. A home EV charger needs to be securely mounted and the charging cable must reach your car without creating a trip hazard across public footpaths or roads. Most local councils discourage cables crossing public areas due to safety regulations.

‍

2. Check Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength

Modern EV chargers are "smart chargers," meaning they connect to your home Wi-Fi to enable features like scheduling, energy monitoring, and over-the-air updates. A strong and stable Wi-Fi signal at the proposed charger location is crucial for optimal performance. You can easily test this with your phone – if you have at least two bars of signal, you should be good to go. If not, consider a Wi-Fi extender. Our waEV-charge units, for example, rely on a strong Wi-Fi connection.

‍

3. Locate Your Fuse Box and Electricity Meter

Your installer will need easy and safe access to your home's main electricity meter and fuse box (consumer unit). This is where the new circuit for your EV charger will be connected. Clear the area around these points of any obstructions before the installation day. Knowing their location beforehand can save time and streamline the process.

‍

4. Consider Cable Routing and Charger Placement

Think about the ideal location for your charger relative to where you usually park your car. Minimising the distance between the charger and your electricity meter/fuse box can help reduce installation costs. Also, consider the aesthetics and practicality of the cable route – our installers aim for neat and discreet cabling, often clipping it flush to a wall or using conduit.

‍

5. Verify Your Electrical Supply Capacity

A 7kW home EV charger (the most common type in the UK) requires a dedicated 32A circuit. While most modern homes have sufficient capacity, older properties or those with high electricity demand might need a main fuse upgrade. Your installer will notify your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) of the installation, and they will advise if any upgrades are necessary to ensure your home can handle the additional load.

‍

6. Understand Property Ownership and Permissions

If you are the homeowner with off-street parking, you generally won't need planning permission for a wall-mounted EV charger. However, if you live in a listed building, a conservation area, or a flat/rental property, you'll likely need to seek permission from your landlord, property management, or local council before installation. It's always best to clarify this upfront.

‍

7. Think About Future-Proofing (Solar, Tariffs)

While not strictly a "check" for installation day, it's worth considering your long-term plans. Are you thinking of adding solar panels in the future? Do you want to take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs? Many smart chargers, like those from waEV-charge, are designed to integrate seamlessly with solar systems and smart tariffs, allowing you to charge your EV using the cheapest and greenest energy available. Discussing these aspirations with your installer can help you choose the right charger for your needs.

‍

A Hassle-Free Experience with waEV-charge

At waEV-charge, we understand that planning an EV charger installation can seem daunting. That's why our process is designed to be as simple as possible. When you request a quote, we often use a streamlined online survey process that gathers all the necessary information, often negating the need for an in-person visit. Our certified installers are experts in UK electrical regulations and will handle all technical requirements, ensuring your installation is safe, compliant, and tailored to your home.

‍

By using this checklist, you'll be well-prepared for your home EV charger installation, ready to enjoy the convenience and savings of electric driving. Get your instant quote today and let waEV-charge power your electric journey!