Safety and Compliance Aspects of Installing EV Chargers in the UK

Installing EV chargers without proper registration, safety devices, and adherence to the British Standard BS 7671 and the Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation 4th Edition, (the updated 5th edition is due in Spetember 2023) along with mandatory registration and approval by the Distribution Network Operator (DNO), can lead to a range of dangers and complications specifically in the context of the UK.

The dangers:

1. Electrical Hazards: Failure to adhere to the safety regulations outlined in BS 7671 and the Code of Practice can result in improper electrical connections, inadequate grounding, and other electrical hazards. These can lead to electrical shocks, fires, and even explosions, posing significant risks to people, property, and the environment.
2. Fire and Overloading Risks: Without following proper installation guidelines, EV chargers might draw more power than the wiring and electrical systems can handle. This can lead to overloading circuits, overheating of wires and components, and ultimately result in electrical fires. The Code of Practice ensures that the electrical systems are properly designed and configured to handle the increased load of EV charging.
3. Inefficient Charging and Energy Waste: Incorrectly installed chargers might not provide efficient charging or could lead to energy wastage. This not only increases charging times but also contributes to unnecessary energy consumption, leading to higher electricity bills and a negative impact on the environment.
4. Vehicle Damage: EV chargers that are not installed according to proper standards might damage the vehicle’s charging system or onboard electronics. This could lead to costly repairs and potential safety hazards while charging or driving the vehicle.
5. Safety of Users and Technicians: The Code of Practice emphasizes safety protocols that protect users and technicians during installation and maintenance. Failure to follow these protocols can result in electrical hazards, electric shock, and other safety risks to those using or working on the charging equipment.
6. Non-Compliance and Legal Consequences: Non-compliance with BS 7671, the Code of Practice, and the requirement for DNO registration and approval can have legal ramifications. Authorities can impose fines, penalties, or even criminal charges for installations that do not meet these standards.
7. Insurance and Liability Issues: Improperly installed chargers can lead to accidents or damage, and insurance might not cover such incidents if the installation does not adhere to safety standards. Property owners and installers could face financial liabilities in case of accidents or damages.
8. Unreliable Charging Infrastructure: Inadequate installations can result in frequent breakdowns, disruptions in charging services, and a lack of trust in the charging infrastructure. This can hinder the adoption of electric vehicles and the growth of the EV market.
9. Negative Environmental Impact: Inefficient charging due to improper installations can lead to increased energy consumption from non-renewable sources, contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.

I am seeing more and more EV chargers DANGEROUSLY installed without the proper safety devices or approval and electricians saying it’s up to the property owners to get all of this done and not the Electrician, please stop using Cowboys and putting your home and your lives at risk just to save money.

I understand that in the present economic climate, people don’t want to pay to have it done properly, but risking your lives and those of anybody coming into contact with your homes, along with the major increases in fires due to badly installed systems is not a risk you should be willing to take, your lives depend on it and an insurance company will not pay out if they find out this type of system has not been installed properly period.

To mitigate these dangers, it’s crucial to engage certified professionals who are well-versed in BS 7671, the Code of Practice, and local regulations for EV charger installation. Along with the proper registration and approval by the DNO to ensure that the grid can handle the added load, enhancing safety and reliability. Adhering to these standards not only guarantees the safety of users and property but also contributes to the growth of a sustainable and efficient EV charging infrastructure in the UK.

For more information on Safety and Compliance Aspects of Installing EV Chargers in the UK talk to Safe Electric Nationwide Ltd