Does an EV charger need a dedicated circuit?

We explain the wiring requirements for an EV charger including whether you can have two EV chargers on one circuit, the role of circuit breakers for EV chargers, and key safety features, such as RCDs.

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For electric vehicle owners, having an EV charger installed at home makes perfect sense. It's often quicker, cheaper, and more convenient than using a public charger.

Here, we look at the wiring requirements for an electric car charger and how to be sure of a safe and compliant installation at your property.

Does an EV charger need a dedicated circuit?

If you're installing an electric car charger at home, it's important to note that an EV charger requires its own circuit.

Charging an electric vehicle (EV) pulls a substantial amount of power for a sustained period - a separate circuit must be installed to avoid overloading your home electrics.

This means that your EV can charge safely and efficiently without disrupting or damaging your home's other electrical appliances, the EV charger, or your vehicle.

Why does an EV charger need a dedicated circuit?

An EV charger pulls a significant amount of power - far more than most household appliances - and, therefore, needs its own circuit. There are three main reasons for this:

Safety

If your EV charger shares its supply with other electrical devices in your home, it could overload the circuit, cause the breaker to trip frequently, or cause damage to the electrical wiring or components due to sustained heavy loads. You also risk causing serious damage to your EV, the charger, and your home.

Efficiency

You may also find that your EV charges inconsistently, as the other appliances compete for power. Or, that your other home appliances are disrupted and unreliable when your EV is charging.

Compliance

UK Wiring Regulations BS 7671 require a dedicated circuit for each EV chargepoint. Installing an EV charger is 'Notifiable Work' under Part P of Building Regulations, therefore it must be signed off and certified by a registered electrician. Without this, you may face problems with insurance, remortgaging, or selling your home.

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Wiring requirements for an electric car charger

There are wiring requirements for electric car chargers that must be met when they're installed. These reasons include safety, efficiency, and compliance.

1. Dedicated circuit

An EV charger must have its own circuit with the right amperage. As a guide, most Level 2 charges operate at 230V and require a dedicated circuit with at least 40 amps, but this depends on the specific charger you choose.

2. Cable size

The size of the cable used to connect the charger to the fuse box must be adequate for the amount of power it will draw. For a 7kW charger, a 6mm² cable is often used.

3. Circuit breaker for an EV charger

A circuit breaker helps to protect the system from short circuits. Essentially, if the circuit is overloaded and exceeds safe levels, the circuit breaker will cut off the power.

This prevents overheating and possible electrical fires. The breaker must be appropriately rated for your particular EV charger.

4. RCD protection

An RCD (Residual Current Device) protects against earth faults and leakage. If an imbalance in the circuit is detected, the RCD cuts off the power to prevent electric shocks.

A qualified electrician will be able to advise whether your EV charger requires a Type A, Type B, or Type F RCD.

5. Earthing arrangements

Finally, earthing arrangements are needed for the safe and compliant installation of EV chargers. This prevents electric shock and/or damage to equipment in the event of a fault.

The expertise of a qualified electrician is needed to assess the earthing system used in your home and whether any additional protection is needed, for example, through an earth rod.

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How much will this cost?

The average cost of hiring a qualified electrician to install your EV charger in the UK is around £45–£60 per hour. As a day rate, you're looking at around £400 per day.

However, there could be some additional costs to factor into your budget, including:

• Replacing or upgrading your fuse boxto take into account the additional electricity usage: £350+

• A new isolator switch, which is often required:£100–£200

• Rapid charging cables, such as a CHAdeMO or a European CSS cable: £150–£500 (depending on the type and length of cable)

For a more detailed breakdown, take a look at our EV charger installation cost guide.

Request a quote

Once you're ready to start contacting EV charger installers, we recommend getting a selection of quotes and comparing them like-for-like.

Find a certified EV charger installer near you

The majority of domestic electric car chargers will require an Electric Installation Certificate (EIC) from a competent electrician to validate their warranty.

With that in mind, check that your electric car charger installer is registered with the NICEIC and/or the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV).

Search your postcode to find certified EV charger installers in your area.

FAQs

Can you install two EV chargers on one circuit?

Installing two EV chargers on one circuit is generally not recommended. Sharing a circuit could overload the system, causing inefficiency with charging and tripping the circuit breaker.

Can an EV charger share a circuit?

No, an EV charger should have its own circuit to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with UK electrical regulations. Without a separate circuit, you could overload the circuit and cause significant damage to your EV charger, EV, and home.

Does an EV charger need its own RCD?

An RCD protects against faults or leakages that could cause an electric shock or fire. For example, if the circuit is overloaded, the wiring is damaged, or there's a fault with the charger itself. It is a safety requirement in the UK for EV chargers to have their own RCD.

What circuit does an EV charger need?

An EV charger needs its own dedicated circuit, and the required amp rating depends on the power of the charging unit. Most Level 2 chargers operate at 230V, and require a dedicated circuit with at least 40 amps.

Do I need to rewire my house for an EV charger?

In most cases, it's not necessary to rewire your home for an EV charger to be installed, but a dedicated circuit is needed. A qualified EV installer will assess your current setup and make any required adjustments.

Do you need a certificate to install an EV charger?

Yes, to install an EV charger, you must be a qualified and competent electrician, working in line with Part P of Building Regulations. The electrician will notify the DNO when your charge point is installed and provide you with a compliance certificate.