How to Choose a Qualified EV Charger Installer UK 2025

How to Choose a Qualified EV Charger Installer UK 2025

Selecting the right electrician to install your home EV charger is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your electric vehicle ownership journey. A qualified, experienced installer ensures safety, compliance, and optimal performance, whilst a poorly chosen installer can result in dangerous installations, failed inspections, and costly remedial work. This comprehensive guide explains exactly what credentials to check, questions to ask, and red flags to avoid when choosing your EV charger installer.

Why Installer Quality Matters: The High Stakes

EV charger installation isn't simply "adding another socket". A 7kW home charger draws 32 amps continuously"”as much as an electric shower or cooker. Poor installation can result in:

Safety hazards:

• Overheating cables causing fire risk
• Inadequate earthing leading to electric shock danger
• Improper RCD protection failing to disconnect during faults
• Undersized cables creating voltage drop and potential hazards

Financial consequences:

• Failed Building Regulations compliance (affecting property sale)
• Voided home insurance due to uncertified electrical work
• OZEV grant rejection (for flat owners claiming the £350 grant)
• Expensive remedial work to correct substandard installations

Performance issues:

• Slow charging due to voltage drop from incorrect cable sizing
• Intermittent faults from poor connections
• Premature charger failure from electrical supply problems

Real-world example: A Hertfordshire homeowner paid £650 for charger installation by an unqualified "handyman". The installation used undersized 4mm² cable for a 15-metre run, causing 18V voltage drop. Charging was limited to 4.5kW instead of 7kW. Remedial work by a qualified electrician cost £480 to replace with proper 10mm² cable"”total waste of £650 plus remedial costs.

The lesson: Always use properly qualified, registered electricians. The small premium for quality installation (typically £100-£200 more) is worthwhile insurance.

Essential Qualifications and Certifications

1. Competent Person Scheme Registration (Non-Negotiable)

Your installer MUST be registered with one of these government-approved Competent Person Schemes:

NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting)

• The largest and most recognised scheme
• Over 28,000 registered contractors UK-wide
• Rigorous assessment of technical competency
• Regular inspections of completed work
• Verify registration at: niceic.com/find-a-contractor

NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers)

• Second-largest scheme with 12,000+ registered contractors
• Strong technical standards and ongoing monitoring
• Comprehensive insurance-backed warranty scheme
• Verify registration at: napit.org.uk/consumer/find-an-installer

ELECSA

• Part of the Electrical Safety Council
• High standards for domestic electrical work
• Regular competency assessments
• Verify registration at: elecsa.co.uk/find-an-installer

Stroma Certification

• Well-regarded scheme with strong compliance focus
• Comprehensive vetting process
• Verify registration at: stroma.com/certification

Why this matters: Only registered electricians can self-certify electrical work and notify Building Control. Unregistered electricians cannot legally issue the required Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) and Building Regulations Compliance Certificate that you MUST have for EV charger installations.

Red flag: Any electrician who says "we don't need Building Control notification for EV chargers" is either ignorant or dishonest. EV chargers are notifiable work under Part P Building Regulations. Walk away immediately.

2. Electrical Qualifications

Your installer should hold relevant electrical qualifications demonstrating technical competency:

City & Guilds 2365 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Levels 2 and 3)

• The standard qualification for UK electricians
• Comprehensive training in electrical theory and practice
• Levels 2 and 3 demonstrate progression to qualified electrician status

NVQ Level 3 in Electrotechnical Services

• Work-based qualification demonstrating practical competency
• Required for registration with Competent Person Schemes
• Shows real-world installation experience

18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671)

• Current UK wiring regulations
• MUST be up to date (18th Edition, 2022 Amendment 2)
• Mandatory for all practising electricians
• Verify they have recent certification (within past 3 years)

EV Charging Infrastructure Training

• Specialist courses in EV charger installation
• Covers DNO notifications, smart charger regulations, load balancing
• Not legally required but highly desirable
• Manufacturers like Ohme, Zappi, Pod Point offer specific training

Ask to see: Copies of qualification certificates. Legitimate electricians will happily provide these. Reluctance or excuses ("they're at the office") is a red flag.

3. OZEV Authorization (If Claiming Grant)

If you're a flat owner claiming the £350 EV Chargepoint Grant, your installer MUST be OZEV-authorized.

Check authorization at: gov.uk - search "OZEV authorized installer list"

What OZEV authorization means:

• Installer has passed OZEV technical assessment
• Proven track record of compliant installations
• Authorized to submit grant claims on your behalf
• Subject to OZEV audit and quality checks

Important: Even if you're NOT claiming a grant (homeowners are no longer eligible), OZEV-authorized installers have demonstrated higher standards. It's a useful quality indicator.

4. Insurance and Liability Cover

Your installer must carry appropriate insurance protecting you against installation errors:

Public Liability Insurance

• Minimum £2 million cover (£5 million preferable)
• Covers damage to your property during installation
• Protects against injury to occupants or visitors

Professional Indemnity Insurance

• Covers financial losses from installation errors
• Important if installation causes consequential damage
• £1-£2 million cover is standard

Employer's Liability Insurance

• Required if installer employs others
• £5 million minimum cover (legally required)

Ask for: Copy of current insurance certificate. Verify expiry date is well into the future. Check the policy covers electrical installation work specifically.

5. Manufacturer Accreditation

Many charger manufacturers operate accreditation schemes for installers:

Ohme Approved Installer

• Specific training on Ohme charger installation
• Knowledge of smart tariff integration setup
• Access to manufacturer technical support

Zappi Certified Installer

• Training on Zappi solar integration and CT clamp setup
• Expertise in myenergi Hub configuration
• Priority manufacturer support

Pod Point Accredited Installer

• Pod Point installation best practices
• Familiarity with Pod Point app setup

Wallbox Certified Installer

• Expertise in Wallbox Pulsar Plus installations

Value of manufacturer accreditation:

• Demonstrates commitment to staying current
• Access to technical support during complex installations
• Often extended warranties (3 years vs standard 2 years)
• Priority replacement parts if issues arise

Not essential, but a valuable quality indicator, especially if you've already chosen a specific charger brand.

Vetting Process: Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Initial Contact Questions

1. "Are you registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or Stroma?"

• Correct answer: "Yes" plus specific scheme name and registration number
• Red flag: Vague answers like "we're fully qualified" without specifics

2. "What's your registration number and how can I verify it?"

• Correct answer: Provides number and directs you to verification website
• Red flag: Reluctance to provide verifiable registration details

3. "Will you provide an Electrical Installation Certificate and Building Regulations Compliance Certificate?"

• Correct answer: "Yes, absolutely. You'll receive both within 48 hours of completion."
• Red flag: "That's not necessary" or "We don't do those for chargers"

4. "How many EV chargers have you installed in the past 12 months?"

• Good answer: 20+ installations demonstrates solid experience
• Acceptable: 10-20 if otherwise well-qualified
• Concerning: Fewer than 10 suggests limited EV-specific experience

5. "Can you provide references from recent EV charger installations?"

• Good installer: Provides 2-3 verifiable references willingly
• Red flag: Cannot or will not provide any references

Site Survey Questions

6. "What size cable will you use for my installation?"

• For 7kW charger, typical answers:
  • Runs under 10 metres: 6mm² cable
  • Runs 10-20 metres: 10mm² cable
  • Runs over 20 metres: 10mm² or 16mm² cable
• They should measure the actual run before committing to cable size
• Red flag: "6mm² is fine for any run" (demonstrates lack of understanding of voltage drop)

7. "Will you notify my Distribution Network Operator (DNO)?"

• Correct answer: "Yes, we handle all DNO notifications as part of the service"
• Red flag: "DNO notifications aren't needed" (they are, for installations over 3.68kW)

8. "What circuit protection will you install?"

• Correct answer should mention:
  • 32A MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) or RCBO
  • Type A RCD protection minimum (Type B RCD preferable for some installations)
  • Surge protection device (SPD) may be recommended
• Red flag: Vague answer or "just the standard breaker"

9. "What happens if my consumer unit needs upgrading?"

• Good answer: Clear explanation of cost, timeline, and necessity
• Red flag: "Your consumer unit will be fine" without actually inspecting it

10. "What is your call-out charge if there's a problem after installation?"

• Reasonable: No call-out charge within warranty period (typically 12 months)
• Acceptable: Reasonable call-out fee (£50-£100) after warranty
• Red flag: High call-out charges or vague answers

Quote Comparison: What Should Be Included

Comprehensive Quote Components

A professional quote should itemize:

Equipment:

• Specific charger make and model (e.g., "Ohme Home Pro tethered 7.5m cable")
• Charger unit cost separately listed
• Any additional components (hub, cable management, mounting hardware)

Labour:

• Installation time estimate
• Hourly rate or fixed fee
• Testing and commissioning time

Materials:

• Cable type and length (e.g., "12 metres 10mm² 3-core SWA cable")
• Consumer unit components (MCB, RCBO, etc.)
• Trunking, conduit, or other cable management
• Wall fixings and mounting hardware

Compliance and Certification:

• DNO notification (should be included, not extra)
• Electrical Installation Certificate
• Building Regulations Compliance Certificate

Warranty:

• Installation workmanship warranty (minimum 12 months)
• Charger manufacturer warranty (2-3 years typically)
• What's covered and excluded

Total Price:

• Clear total including VAT (if applicable)
• No hidden extras
• Payment terms clearly stated

Typical Price Ranges UK 2025

Standard installations (straightforward, cable run under 10 metres):

• Entry-level smart chargers (Wallbox Pulsar Plus): £750-£900
• Mid-range smart chargers (Ohme Home Pro): £850-£950
• Premium smart chargers (Zappi v2): £900-£1,100

Complex installations (additional factors):

• Consumer unit upgrade: Add £300-£800
• Long cable runs (over 15 metres): Add £25-£50 per additional metre
• Difficult cable routing (internal walls, multiple penetrations): Add £150-£400
• Load balancing equipment (Ohme ePOD): Add £200
• Detached garage with underground cable: Add £300-£600

Red flags in quotes:

• Significantly cheaper than market rate (under £600 total) - likely unqualified installer
• Vague descriptions ("supply and fit charger") without specifics
• Lack of itemization (just a single total price)
• Extras not mentioned until after work starts

Comparing Multiple Quotes

Always obtain at least three quotes from different installers. Compare:

Price: But remember cheapest is rarely best. Expect competent installers within £100-£150 of each other.

Scope of work: Ensure quotes cover identical scope (same charger, similar specifications).

Timeline: How quickly can they schedule installation? But beware installers who can "come today" (may be desperate for work).

Warranty: Longer warranties indicate confidence in workmanship.

Communication: Responsiveness, clarity, professionalism during quoting process predicts service quality.

Technical competence: Installer who asks intelligent questions and spots potential issues during survey demonstrates expertise.

Red Flags: When to Walk Away

Qualification Red Flags

❌ Cannot provide Competent Person Scheme registration number

• Likely unqualified or unregistered
• Cannot legally certify the work
• Walk away immediately

❌ Claims Building Control notification isn't required

• Demonstrates ignorance of regulations
• Installation will not be compliant
• Absolute deal-breaker

❌ Won't provide copies of qualifications

• May not hold claimed qualifications
• Evasiveness suggests dishonesty

Price Red Flags

❌ Significantly cheaper than competitors (£600 or less total)

• Likely cutting corners on materials, time, or compliance
• May be unqualified trying to undercut qualified installers
• You'll pay more in remedial work later

❌ Demands large upfront payment (over 50%)

• Risk of paying for work not completed
• Professional installers typically ask 10-25% deposit

❌ Cash-only payments with discount offered

• Tax evasion likely
• No recourse if work is substandard
• Probably uninsured

Professionalism Red Flags

❌ Arrives without proper identification or uniform

• Could be anyone, not the qualified electrician you hired
• Professional firms have clear branding

❌ No written quote or contract

• Verbal agreements are unenforceable
• Opens door to disputes

❌ Pressure tactics: "Special offer expires today"

• Legitimate installers don't use high-pressure sales
• Taking time to decide is your right

❌ Poor communication: Unreturned calls, missed appointments

• If they're unreliable before you've paid, imagine after
• Professional attitude matters

❌ No van signage or professional branding

• Established businesses invest in branding
• "White van man" may lack insurance or qualifications

Technical Red Flags

❌ Doesn't measure cable run before quoting

• Cannot accurately spec required cable size
• Guessing rather than properly surveying

❌ Doesn't inspect consumer unit during survey

• May miss necessary upgrades
• Can't provide accurate quote without assessing existing installation

❌ Proposes cable route across public pavement

• Illegal under Highways Act 1980
• Demonstrates ignorance of regulations

❌ Suggests "you don't need a smart charger" when one is legally required

• All chargers installed since June 2022 must be smart (Electric Vehicles Smart Charge Points Regulations 2021)
• Shows lack of current knowledge

The Installation Day: What to Expect

Pre-Installation (30 minutes)

Professional installer will:

• Arrive on time with proper identification
• Conduct final safety check and measurements
• Confirm cable route and charger location with you
• Explain timeline and what will happen
• Lay dust sheets to protect floors
• Turn off power at consumer unit for safety

During Installation (3-5 hours typical)

Hour 1-2: Electrical work

• Consumer unit work: Installing dedicated circuit
• Cable installation from consumer unit to charger location
• Regular safety checks throughout

Hour 2-3: Charger mounting and connection

• Wall drilling and mounting plate installation
• Charger mounting and securing
• Cable connections and terminations
• Trunking or conduit fitting for cable protection

Hour 3-4: Testing and commissioning

• Comprehensive electrical testing (insulation, earth loop, polarity)
• Load testing with your vehicle
• Smart charging setup (WiFi connection, app configuration)
• Tariff integration if applicable (Octopus Intelligent, etc.)

Hour 4: Handover and documentation

• Full demonstration of charger operation
• App setup assistance
• Emergency procedures explanation
• Certificate handover (or emailed within 48 hours)
• Site cleanup and waste removal

Post-Installation

Within 48 hours:

• Receive Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) via email
• Receive Building Regulations Compliance Certificate

Within 30 days:

• Installer notifies Building Control (you receive confirmation)
• DNO notification confirmed (typically handled during installation week)

Keep these documents safe:

• Future property sales require Building Regulations compliance proof
• Insurance claims may need EIC
• Manufacturer warranty claims require installation certificates

After Installation: Ongoing Relationship

Warranty Period (Typically 12 Months)

During the installation warranty period:

You should expect:

• Free call-outs for installation-related faults
• No charge for correcting installer errors
• Prompt response to issues (within 48 hours)

Installer responsibility:

• Connection issues, loose terminals
• Incorrect consumer unit work
• Poor cable routing causing problems
• Charger mounting failures

Not installer responsibility:

• Charger unit faults (manufacturer warranty)
• Vehicle compatibility issues
• Grid supply problems (DNO responsibility)
• User error (wrong settings, etc.)

Building an Ongoing Relationship

A good installer is a valuable long-term contact:

Future needs:

• Second charger installation (if you buy another EV)
• Load balancing equipment addition
• Solar PV integration (if you add panels later)
• General electrical work (rewires, consumer unit upgrades)

Maintaining the relationship:

• Leave honest review on Checkatrade, Trustpilot, or Google
• Refer friends and family (good installers appreciate word-of-mouth)
• Keep their contact details for future electrical needs

Special Scenarios

Rural Properties

Additional considerations:

• Longer cable runs likely (factor in higher costs)
• TT earthing systems common (may require earth rod - add £150-£350)
• DNO capacity assessment more likely needed (rural transformers have lower capacity)
• Fewer installers available (widen search area)

Questions to ask rural-experienced installers:

• "Have you worked with TT earthing systems?"
• "Will we need an earth rod, and is that included?"
• "What's typical DNO response time in this area?"

Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas

Additional requirements:

• May need Listed Building Consent or Conservation Area approval
• Charger placement must be sensitive (often rear/side walls)
• Cable routing may need careful planning
• Expect longer timelines (8-12 weeks vs standard 4-6 weeks)

Questions to ask:

• "Have you installed chargers in listed/conservation properties before?"
• "Do you handle planning applications, or do we need a separate consultant?"
• "What charger mounting options minimize visual impact?"

Flats and Leasehold Properties

Additional complexities:

• Freeholder permission required (can take 4-8 weeks)
• Electrical capacity may be shared/limited
• Parking space ownership must be clear
• OZEV grant available (£350) if eligible

Questions to ask:

• "Have you completed flat installations before?"
• "Will you help with freeholder permission documentation?"
• "Can you assess whether building electrical capacity is adequate?"
• "Are you OZEV-authorized to submit grant claims?"

Finding Qualified Installers: Where to Search

Official Directories

NICEIC Find a Contractor: niceic.com/find-a-contractor

• Search by postcode
• Filter for EV charger specialists
• View qualifications and specialisms

NAPIT Find an Installer: napit.org.uk/consumer/find-an-installer

• Postcode search
• Member profiles with qualifications listed

ELECSA Approved Contractors: elecsa.co.uk/find-an-installer

OZEV Authorized Installer List: gov.uk (search "OZEV installer")

• Essential if claiming grant
• Quality benchmark even if not claiming

Charger Manufacturer Installer Networks

Ohme Approved Installers: ohme.com/installers

• Vetted Ohme specialists
• Trained in smart tariff integration

myenergi Zappi Installers: myenergi.com/installers

• Solar integration experts
• Zappi-specific training

Pod Point Installer Partners: pod-point.com/installer

• Pod Point accredited

Wallbox Certified Installers: wallbox.com/installers

Review Platforms

Checkatrade: checkatrade.com

• Verified reviews from real customers
• Ratings for reliability, tidiness, workmanship
• Filter for EV charger installers in your area

Trustpilot: trustpilot.com

• Company-level reviews
• Look for installers with 50+ reviews and 4+ star rating

Google Reviews:

• Search "EV charger installer near me"
• Read recent reviews (past 6 months)
• Pattern of consistent positive reviews indicates reliability

Nextdoor: Local neighborhood app

• Ask neighbors for recommendations
• Real local experiences
• Often unvarnished honest feedback

Personal Recommendations

Ask fellow EV owners:

• Check local EV owner Facebook groups
• Speak to EV owners in your area (at public chargers)
• Work colleagues with EVs

EV dealerships:

• Some dealerships maintain lists of recommended installers
• Ask your EV purchase advisor

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Choosing a qualified EV charger installer is a decision that impacts safety, compliance, and long-term satisfaction. The key principles:

1. Verify qualifications rigorously

• Competent Person Scheme registration (NICEIC, NAPIT, etc.)
• 18th Edition Wiring Regulations certification
• Appropriate insurance coverage

2. Don't choose on price alone

• Cheapest option almost always involves compromises
• £100-£200 premium for quality installer is worthwhile insurance
• Consider total lifetime value, not just upfront cost

3. Get everything in writing

• Detailed quotes with itemization
• Clear scope of work
• Warranty terms and conditions

4. Trust your instincts

• Professional demeanor and communication matter
• If something feels wrong, it probably is
• Walk away from high-pressure tactics or vague answers

5. Check, verify, and confirm

• Registration numbers on official websites
• References from previous customers
• Insurance certificates with current dates

The right installer:

• Holds all required qualifications and registrations
• Communicates clearly and professionally
• Provides detailed, transparent quotes
• Asks intelligent questions during survey
• Handles all compliance and certification
• Offers reasonable warranty on workmanship
• Has verifiable positive reviews

The investment in finding the right installer pays dividends:

• Safe, compliant installation
• Optimal charger performance
• Valid Building Regulations certification
• Peace of mind for years to come

Take your time, do your due diligence, and don't rush the decision. A good installer relationship often lasts years and extends beyond your initial charger installation to future electrical needs. The extra effort in vetting installers thoroughly is time well invested in your home's safety and your EV charging satisfaction.