EV Charger Installation: What Electricians Need to Know
- March 20, 2026
- | News
Get Ready for Growth — Why EV Charging Skills Matter Today
EV charger installation training UK helps you fit charge points to the latest rules and smart setup. The UK has a clear plan for more chargers (EV infrastructure strategy). Wiring rules sit in BS 7671 from the IET wiring regulations. New smart features are covered by smart charge point regulations and the Workplace Charging Scheme guidance.
- More EVs on UK roads mean more home and work charge points.
- Rules change over time, so up-to-date training saves rework.
- Smart charging helps the grid and household bills.
- Clear handover and testing reduce call-backs.
| Install Type | Power | Earthing | Smart Features | Common Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | 3.6–7.4 kW | PME checks | Schedule, demand response | Load management |
| Workplace | 7.4–22 kW | Multiple circuits | User access, reporting | WCS grant options |
| Public | 22 kW to rapid | Dedicated supply | Back-office links | Bay markings |
Think Like a Good Installer — Plan First, Wire Once
Start like you would with a consumer unit upgrade. Check the main fuse, tails, bonding, and spare ways. Look for cable runs that keep risk low. Plan clear user instructions.
Treat smart features like a timer on a boiler. Set it up, test it, and show the user how to change it.
- Survey supply limits and likely load.
- Check PME rules and fault protection.
- Plan RCD type and test method.
- Confirm DNO notification needs.
- Survey and design.
- Install and label.
- Test and record.
- Handover and show how to use.
Always work to current BS 7671 and the IET EV guidance. Keep records neat and easy to read.
Where the Jobs Are — The EV Charge Point Boom
The UK tracks a fast rise in public charge points and sets targets to go further (DfT charging device statistics; infrastructure strategy). Smart charging rules shape how units work and report (smart charge point regulations). Energy system plans expect flexible charging to help balance demand (Ofgem on EVs and the energy system).
- Homes add convenience; workplaces add scale.
- Retail parks and gyms use charging to bring people in.
- Fleets swap diesel vans for EVs and need depot charging.
- Smart off-peak charging cuts costs for drivers and sites.
| Site | Buyer | Quick Win | Longer Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | Owner | 7 kW smart charger | Load management |
| Workplace | FM or HR | Staff bays | Back-office reports |
| Fleet depot | Ops manager | Staggered charging | Power upgrade plan |
Spot Local Demand — Simple Ways to Find Work
Walk your patch like a meter reader. Look for blocks of flats with car parks, small depots, and offices with busy car parks. Ask about staff EV take-up and parking rules.
Think about commuter routes, rail parking, and retail sites. Note bay layouts and safe cable runs.
- Talk to site managers on quiet days.
- Offer a short survey and sketch.
- Share a basic load plan.
- Give a clear, fixed-scope quote.
- Pick three target sites.
- Do quick surveys.
- Price a starter pack.
- Book install dates.
Use public stats to guide choices. Plan simple, then grow as demand builds.
Know the Rules, Stay Safe — Skills You Need to Install
You need safe isolation, design, and testing skills, plus EV-specific rules. BS 7671 has a section for EV charging (IET wiring regulations) and the IET guide helps with design and earthing choices (IET EV charging code of practice). Keep safe working habits with HSE electrical safety guidance and follow DNO connection steps using the ENA EV connections guide.
- Section 722 covers EV points in BS 7671.
- RCD type and ADS choices depend on design.
- PME earthing needs extra care.
- DNO notice may be needed after install.
| Topic | What to Know | Common Check |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Load, cable, protection | Max demand calc |
| Earthing | PME and faults | Voltage rise risk |
| Testing | ZI, RCD, function | Record and label |
| Smart | Comms and setup | App and schedule |
Make Testing a Habit — Like Checking a Smoke Alarm
Do the same checks every time. It keeps you safe and saves time later. Treat it like pressing the test button on a smoke alarm.
Write results as you go. Snap photos of labels and terminations. File them with the certificate.
- Prove dead before you touch.
- Test Zs at the point.
- RCD trip and function checks.
- Smart features set and shown to the user.
- Plan.
- Install.
- Test.
- Handover.
If in doubt, check the IET code of practice and your DNO guidance before you fit.
Simple Path to Competence — From Class to Site
Pick a course that maps to recognised UK awards. EAL and LCL Awards set clear outcomes (EAL qualifications; LCL Awards qualifications). Your learning should tie back to the IET rules and EV code (IET BS 7671; IET EV code of practice).
- Small classes help you practise with tools.
- Mock boards make testing feel real.
- Free resits remove pressure.
- One-to-one support fills gaps fast.
| Learner | Start Point | Focus | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| New entrant | Basic electrics | Safety and rules | Ready for supervised work |
| Experienced upskiller | Time-served | EV design and testing | Confident installs |
| Employer | Team mix | Consistent method | Fewer call-backs |
Use a Clear Route — Learn, Practise, Apply
Treat training like wiring a ring. Each step links to the next. Miss one link and the loop is weak.
Take the class, practise on rigs, then apply on live jobs with support. Keep notes and photos as your go-to guide.
- Book your course dates early.
- Revise BS 7671 basics.
- Bring past test sheets.
- Plan your first three installs.
- Learn the rules.
- Practise the tests.
- Shadow a live job.
- Install, record, and review.
Want next steps? See our EV course page for dates and entry needs.
Start Strong in Small Groups — Learn Fast with Bespoke Electrical Training
Train in short, focused sessions and take skills to site the same week. Our approach lines up with UK wiring rules and EV best practice (IET BS 7671 overview; IET EV code). Demand keeps growing across the UK, so upskilling now brings steady work (DfT charging device statistics; Energy Saving Trust on charging).
- Maximum eight learners for hands-on time.
- One-to-one tutor help on tricky parts.
- Free resits reduce stress.
- EAL and LCL Awards pathways for clear progress.
| Option | Time | Practice | Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-study | Flexible | Low | None |
| Large class | Fast | Shared | Limited |
| Small class | Focused | High | Direct |
Move From Course to Job — Simple Next Steps
Pick a real site, like a home driveway or small office. Plan the run, pick the RCD, and check main fuse size. Use your training notes as a checklist.
For your first install, keep it simple. One unit, short run, clear handover. Grow from there.
- Choose a pilot job.
- Confirm supply and earthing.
- Fit, test, label.
- Collect feedback and photos.
- Book your training in Lichfield.
- Prepare your tools and PPE.
- Revise BS 7671 parts for EV.
- Schedule your pilot install.
Ready to get going? Small steps, done well, build trust and steady work.
Keep the Charge Flowing
Think of your skills like a tidy consumer unit. Each clear step keeps power flowing and people safe. With the right training, you can take on EV work with calm and care.