The rapid rise of electric vehicles across the UK has created huge demand for reliable home and workplace charging points. Many homeowners and landlords ask the same question when planning an installation: can any electrician install an EV charger? On the surface it might seem like a straightforward electrical task, but the reality is that installing an EV charger is a specialist job that comes with strict safety and regulatory requirements. Understanding who is allowed to carry out the work and what qualifications are necessary is essential before you begin.

Why EV Charger Installation is Different

Installing an EV charger is not the same as fitting a standard socket or upgrading a light fitting. A charger is a high load device that places significant demand on your electrical installation. A typical home unit is rated at 7kW and will often run for many hours at a time. For this reason, chargers must be connected to a dedicated circuit, protected by suitable devices, and installed in line with the latest edition of the BS7671 wiring regulations.

An electrician who carries out general domestic work may not automatically have the training or experience needed to install a charger safely. The work involves knowledge of earthing arrangements, residual current protection, load balancing, and sometimes integration with smart controls or renewable energy systems. Incorrect installation could not only damage your electrical system but also put users at risk of electric shock or fire.

The Legal and Regulatory Framework

In the UK, EV charger installation is classed as notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. This means that any installation must be carried out by a registered electrician who can self-certify the work or it must be signed off by building control. Attempting to have the work done by someone unqualified or uncertified could result in the installation being non-compliant, which in turn could affect insurance and property sale in the future.

Registered electricians are listed under competent person schemes such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or other government approved bodies. These schemes ensure that the electrician has the right training, qualifications, and ongoing assessments to carry out electrical work safely and in compliance with current regulations.

The Importance of Specialist Training

Even within these schemes, EV charger installation requires additional knowledge. Many competent person scheme providers now offer specialist training courses for EV charging equipment. These courses cover areas such as selecting the right charger, ensuring correct earthing arrangements for different supply types, and dealing with load management when multiple chargers or high demand appliances are present.

When choosing an installer, it is wise to check that they have completed recognised EV charging courses and that they are experienced in fitting the type of charger you want. Some units also have smart features, app connectivity, or require connection to solar or battery storage systems. A trained installer will understand how to integrate these features safely.

Safety and Compliance

The safety of an EV charger installation depends on more than simply connecting wires. The electrician must test the existing consumer unit to check if it can accommodate the additional load. In many cases, an upgrade or the addition of a dedicated circuit will be required. Residual current devices with specific ratings for EV charging may also need to be installed.

An installer will also assess whether an earth rod is required, particularly in homes with certain types of supply. Without correct earthing, dangerous voltages could appear on the car bodywork during a fault. A specialist will also understand how to install protective devices such as overvoltage protection where required.

These considerations make it clear why the work should not be attempted by an electrician without the right background. While a general domestic electrician may be highly competent in everyday tasks, EV chargers bring a unique set of technical requirements that demand specialist training and compliance checks.

The Role of the Distribution Network Operator

Another key factor is that EV charger installations must be reported to the local Distribution Network Operator. The DNO is responsible for ensuring that the local electricity network can cope with the increased demand. In some cases, they may need to upgrade the supply to a property before a charger can be fitted. A qualified installer will handle this process on your behalf and ensure the correct notifications are made.

If an unqualified person were to fit a charger without notifying the DNO, not only would this breach regulations, but it could also put strain on the local network and potentially cause dangerous supply issues.

Choosing the Right Installer

For homeowners, landlords, and businesses, the safest route is always to choose an electrician who is both registered with a competent person scheme and trained in EV charger installation. Many manufacturers of chargers also have approved installer networks, and using one of these can ensure the work is completed to a high standard and that your warranty remains valid.

It is also worth asking your installer to provide full certification once the work is complete. This should include an Electrical Installation Certificate, proof of Part P notification, and any documentation required for the charger warranty or government grant schemes if applicable.

Final Thoughts

To answer the question directly, not every electrician can install an EV charger. The installation requires specialist training, compliance with Part P and BS7671, notification to the Distribution Network Operator, and knowledge of protective measures that are not typically involved in day to day domestic electrical work. Choosing a qualified, registered, and trained installer is the only way to ensure that your charger is fitted safely, legally, and to the highest standards.