When a homeowner in Wootton, MK43 contacted us about installing a Tesla EV Charger, the charger itself wasn’t the only thing we needed to consider.
The proposed charging location was very close to the property’s electricity meter, which initially looked like a straightforward installation. But after reviewing videos of the existing electrical setup, we decided there was a better way to arrange the supply.
This is a good example of why an EV charger installation isn’t simply about putting a charger on the wall and connecting a cable.
The Customer Specifically Wanted a Tesla Wall Connector
The enquiry was specifically for a Tesla EV Wall Connector.
This homeowner had already identified where they wanted the charger to be installed, and from the information provided, the proposed location was only a short distance from the electricity meter.
Before arranging a site visit, we asked the customer to send us a couple of videos so we could get a better understanding of the existing installation:
- The consumer unit and meter cabinet with the lid opened; and
- The proposed cable route from the electrical supply to the charger location.
The customer sent the videos along with a photo showing where they wanted the Tesla charger positioned.
That gave us enough information to look more closely at how the installation could be approached.
Sometimes the Existing Consumer Unit Isn’t the Best Starting Point
From the information provided, it became clear that connecting the EV charger directly through the existing distribution board wasn’t necessarily the best solution.
The current distribution board would have needed additional devices added, and it appeared that the board was probably no longer readily available.
Rather than trying to work around an older setup, we proposed a cleaner solution.
Take the supply from the meter cabinet and install a new external IP65 Garo consumer unit near the meter.
This would provide the dedicated equipment required for the EV charger installation without relying on adding further devices to the existing distribution board.
A New IP65 Garo Consumer Unit
The proposed arrangement includes a new IP65 Garo consumer unit, incorporating the required PME protection device and 40A RCBO for the Tesla EV charger supply.
Because the new consumer unit is positioned externally, using suitable equipment for the environment is an important part of the installation.
The new board also gives the EV charger its own dedicated point of protection rather than trying to incorporate everything into an existing distribution board that may already be dated.
For this particular property, it was a practical way of dealing with the existing installation while keeping the new EV charging supply organised.
Keeping the Cable Run Short
Another advantage of the proposed arrangement is the short distance between the meter cabinet and the charger.
The planned NYY-J cable run is approximately 5 metres maximum.
The customer had already confirmed that the meter and proposed charger location were more or less next to each other, so there was no need for a long cable route around the property.
Keeping the route short also helped make the proposed installation relatively straightforward from a physical routing point of view.
Why We Ask for Photos and Videos Before Quoting
This job is also a good example of why we often ask customers for photos or video before arranging an EV charger installation.
A charger might appear to be going on a wall just a few metres from the meter, but the existing electrical equipment still needs to be considered.
We want to see things such as:
- The existing consumer unit;
- The electricity meter and meter cabinet;
- Available space for additional equipment;
- The proposed charger position; and
- The likely cable route.
Having this information beforehand allows us to understand the installation more accurately and, where possible, identify a better approach before attending site.
If the information isn’t sufficient to assess the installation remotely, we can arrange a site visit instead.
The Tesla Charger Is Only One Part of the Installation
For the homeowner, the Tesla Wall Connector is naturally the main feature they see.
But behind that charger is the electrical infrastructure that allows it to operate safely and reliably.
For this Wootton installation, that means looking at the supply arrangement, the new Garo consumer unit, PME protection, the 40A RCBO and the cable route — not just the charger itself.
That's why every EV charger installation needs to be considered around the property it's being installed at rather than treating every installation as the same.
Tesla EV Charger Installation in Wootton
This installation at Elmsdale Road, Wootton, MK43 9JN shows how reviewing the existing electrical setup can lead to a more suitable solution.
The homeowner knew they wanted a Tesla charger, and because the proposed location was close to the meter cabinet, the physical installation looked relatively simple. However, reviewing the existing distribution board led us to recommend a new external IP65 Garo consumer unit instead.
It's a relatively short cable run, but the important part was getting the electrical arrangement right from the beginning.
If you're considering a Tesla EV charger installation in Wootton, Bedford or the surrounding area, we can review photos or videos of your existing electrical setup and proposed charger location to help determine the best way forward.
NRG Electrical Installation Services Ltd.
📞 Call us: 01234 964905
🌐 Visit: NRG Electrical
NICEIC and Which? Trusted Trader accredited electrical contractors serving Wootton, Bedford and surrounding areas.
