Installing an electric vehicle charger at home isn't always just a case of choosing a spot on the wall and connecting the power.
Before a new charger can be installed, the property's existing electrical setup needs to be considered. In some cases, the work may also involve upgrading the consumer unit to accommodate the new installation and provide appropriate circuit protection.
That was an important part of this project at Cemetery Road in Houghton Regis, where the scope of work included supplying and installing a Sync EV charger alongside electrical protection upgrades and consumer unit replacement.
A Sync EV Charger for Home Charging
A home EV charger gives drivers a convenient way to charge their vehicle at their own property, without relying entirely on public charging points.
For this installation, the selected equipment was a Sync EV electric vehicle charger.
Having a dedicated home charging point can make day-to-day vehicle charging easier to manage. Rather than making a separate trip to a public charger, the homeowner can charge at home when convenient, subject to their vehicle, tariff and charger settings.
However, the charger itself is only one part of the installation. The electrical supply and protective equipment also need to be suitable for the new circuit.
Why the Consumer Unit Was Part of the Job
The scope included the replacement of the existing consumer unit.
The consumer unit is the central point where the property's electrical circuits are supplied and protected. When adding new electrical equipment, its condition and configuration are important considerations.
An EV charger introduces an additional electrical load, so the existing installation needs to be assessed before the new equipment is connected.
Replacing the consumer unit as part of this project meant that the electrical upgrade could be considered alongside the new charger installation, rather than treating the two as completely separate jobs.
The precise requirements depend on the individual property and the existing installation, which is why assessing the electrical setup is an important part of planning this type of work.
Adding Surge Protection and a Dedicated RCBO
The specified work also included installing a BG surge protection device (SPD) kit and a 40A BG bi-directional RCBO.
These components serve different purposes within the electrical installation.
Surge protection device (SPD)
An SPD is designed to protect against transient overvoltages, helping reduce the risk of damage from electrical surges.
40A bi-directional RCBO
An RCBO combines residual-current protection with overcurrent protection. A bi-directional device is designed to accommodate current flow in either direction, where required by the application.
Selecting suitable protective equipment is an important part of integrating EV charging into a property's electrical system. The final arrangement must be appropriate for the charger, the supply and the installation as a whole.
Looking Beyond the Charger on the Wall
It's easy to judge an EV installation by the charger itself. After all, that's the part the homeowner sees and uses.
But the less visible work is just as important.
The consumer unit, circuit protection and suitability of the electrical supply all contribute to the overall installation. A charger may be the reason for the project, but the surrounding electrical infrastructure deserves the same attention.
At this Houghton Regis property, the scope brought together three key elements:
- Supply and installation of a Sync EV charger.
- Replacement of the existing consumer unit.
- Installation of a BG SPD kit and a 40A BG bi-directional RCBO.
Together, these formed the electrical work planned for the home's EV charging setup.
Planning an EV Charger Installation in Houghton Regis?
If you're considering a home EV charger, it's worth looking at the existing electrical installation before deciding what work will be needed.
The condition of the consumer unit, available capacity, existing protective devices and requirements of the proposed charger can all influence the scope of work.
An initial review can help identify what needs to be considered before installation is arranged.
At NRG Electrical Installation Services Ltd, we work with homeowners to plan EV charging installations around the requirements of their property, including any necessary electrical upgrades.
Considering a Sync EV charger or consumer unit replacement in Houghton Regis or Dunstable?
Get in touch to discuss your installation.
NRG Electrical Installation Services Ltd.
📞 Call us: 01234 964905
🌐 Visit: NRG Electrical
NICEIC and Which? Trusted Trader accredited electrical contractors serving Bedfordshire and surrounding areas.
