As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular across the UK, many homeowners are considering installing EV chargers at their properties. However, a common question arises: do you need building regulations approval for an EV charger installation? At RCD Electrical, we’re here to clarify the requirements, ensuring your installation is safe, compliant, and hassle-free.
Understanding Building Regulations for EV Chargers
In the UK, installing an EV charger is subject to specific building regulations, primarily under Part P (Electrical Safety in Dwellings) and Part S (Infrastructure for Charging Electric Vehicles) of the Building Regulations 2010. These regulations ensure that electrical installations are safe and that new buildings or major renovations support the UK’s transition to net-zero emissions by providing adequate EV charging infrastructure.
When Are Building Regulations Required?
Building regulations apply to all EV charger installations in domestic settings, whether you’re installing a wall-mounted charger or an upstand unit. The key points are:
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Part P Compliance: All electrical work, including EV charger installations, must comply with Part P, which mandates that installations are carried out by a competent person, such as a registered electrician. This ensures the work meets the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), covering aspects like circuit protection, earthing, and safe wiring.
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Part S Requirements: Introduced in June 2022, Part S mandates that new homes with associated parking must have an EV charge point. For residential buildings undergoing major renovations with more than 10 parking spaces, at least one charge point per dwelling is required, along with cable routes for spaces without chargers. Non-residential buildings with over 10 parking spaces must have at least one charge point and cable routes for one in five spaces.
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Notification: Electrical work for an EV charger is notifiable to a Building Control Body (BCB) unless performed by a competent person registered with a scheme like NICEIC or NAPIT. Upon completion, you should receive a compliance certificate to confirm the work meets regulations.
Exceptions and Exemptions
There are a few scenarios where building regulations may have exemptions or special considerations:
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Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas: If your property is a listed building or in a conservation area, you may need additional permissions, and Part S requirements might be relaxed to preserve the building’s heritage.
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Cost Thresholds: For new builds or major renovations, if the cost of installing a charge point exceeds £3,600 per connection or 7% of the total renovation cost, the requirement may be waived.
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Covered Car Parks: Part S does not mandate charge points in covered car parks, but cable routes must be provided due to fire safety concerns.
Planning Permission vs. Building Regulations
It’s worth noting that building regulations are distinct from planning permission. If you have off-street parking and the charger meets permitted development criteria (e.g., the casing is under 0.2 cubic metres and not within 2 metres of a highway), planning permission is typically not required. However, building regulations always apply to ensure electrical safety and compliance with Part S.
Technical Specifications for Compliance
To meet building regulations, EV chargers must adhere to specific standards:
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Smart Functionality: Under The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021, all chargers installed after 30 June 2022 must have smart features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, to manage grid demand and enable off-peak charging.
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Height and Positioning: The charger’s socket outlet should be installed between 750mm and 1200mm above ground level, as per the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation.
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Safety Standards: Chargers must comply with BS EN 61851-1 for weather protection and have Residual Current Device (RCD) protection. A dedicated circuit is also required to prevent overloading.
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Earthing Arrangements: Installations often use a TT earthing system to avoid risks associated with Protective Multiple Earthing (PME) systems, as outlined in BS 7671 Regulation 722.411.4.1.
Why Choose a Professional Installer?
Attempting a DIY EV charger installation is strongly discouraged due to the complexity of high-voltage systems and the need for compliance. A qualified electrician, like those at RCD Electrical, ensures:
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Safety: Proper wiring, circuit protection, and earthing to prevent electrocution or fire hazards.
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Compliance: Adherence to Part P, Part S, and smart charger regulations, with necessary certifications.
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Efficiency: Optimal placement near your electric meter to minimise cable runs and costs.
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Grants: Assistance with schemes like the OZEV EV Chargepoint Grant, which can cover up to £350 of installation costs for eligible homeowners.
Practical Considerations for Homeowners
Before installing an EV charger, consider:
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Location: Place the charger close to where you park your vehicle and ensure good Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity for smart features.
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Electrical Supply: Check if your property’s electrical system can support the charger’s load (typically 7kW for home chargers). Three-phase supplies can enable faster charging but are less common in homes.
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Future-Proofing: Installing cable routes for additional chargers can save costs if you plan to expand later.
How RCD Electrical Can Help
At RCD Electrical, we specialise in EV charger installations across North London. Our team of certified electricians is registered with competent person schemes, ensuring compliance with all building regulations. We handle everything from site assessments to DNO (Distribution Network Operator) notifications and provide compliance certificates for peace of mind. Whether you’re a homeowner or a developer, we tailor our services to meet your needs, ensuring a seamless and safe installation.
Conclusion
Installing an EV charger requires adherence to building regulations, primarily under Parts P and S, to ensure safety and support the UK’s net-zero goals. By working with a professional installer like RCD Electrical, you can navigate these requirements effortlessly, benefit from grants, and enjoy convenient, safe charging. If you’re considering an EV charger, contact us today for expert advice and a free quote.
Call now for a free consultation: 02034882928