Can an Electrician Install a Vehicle Charger?

Can an Electrician Install a Vehicle Charger?



Can an Electrician Install a Vehicle Charger?

 

With more and more people shifting towards a sustainable-focused lifestyle, there is no surprise that the demand and popularity of environmentally friendly living solutions have increased. More people are buying into and investing in green alternatives in their day-to-day lives, particularly the vehicles that they drive. With more and more electric vehicles on the market, a new skills gap has opened up. People are looking for trained electricians who are capable of installing vehicle chargers outside their homes and workplaces.

Who can install an electric vehicle charger?

Despite both pure electric and hybrid electric vehicles, commonly referred to as EV’s, only accounting for a small share of the new car market in the UK, figures have steadily grown in the past few years. However, one of the primary concerns amongst the public is the lack of charging infrastructure available. This presents an opportunity for individuals who are skilled and qualified in installing electric charging points to accommodate homes and businesses that may require the needed infrastructure.

But who can install a vehicle charger? Any qualified, experienced electrician can, as long as they've had the necessary training. Adding this skill to your arsenal can be a lucrative opportunity for experienced electricians. As more people turn to electric vehicles, more people will need charging points installed, thus creating increased demand for work!

Learn how to install electric vehicle chargers

Here at Access Training Academies, we now offer a fantastic 2-day electrical vehicle charging point installation course, designed for experienced electrical installers who are looking to add this niche skill to their range of electrical abilities. Completion of this course will allow electricians to achieve the Level 3 Award in the Requirements for the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Points and enable them to register on the Rolec-approved installer scheme, which can lead to a number of rob referrals and grants of up to £500 per installation through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).

Our Electric Vehicle Charging Point Course >

What are the course requirements

Before applying for our electrical vehicle charging point installation course, electricians are required to meet the following criteria:

  • Aged 18+
  • Experience in installing PVC/PVC cable and SWA cable
  • Ability to provide initial verification on electrical installations (including paperwork)
  • Up-to-date knowledge of 18th Edition Wiring Regulations

As well as possessing a qualification to install electric vehicle chargers, the main thing that is required from electricians looking to install vehicle charges is competence. Electric vehicle charging points can be very dangerous if they're installed incorrectly because there can be very high charging currents when the charger is in use. 

Electricians need to understand earthing and bonding requirements relating to EV charging points, as well as the general requirements of the installation such as selecting the correct RCDs, having dedicated circuits, and isolation in place. Installing an electric vehicle charger isn’t the same as installing a standard 13A socket.

There are specific regulations, such as BS7671:2018 Section 722 and the Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation – 3rd Edition, that outline all of the necessary information associated with EV charger installation. It's important that you understand all of the legislation around electric vehicle chargers before you attempt to install them, and the team here at Access Training can help equip you with the knowledge and skills you need!

Find Out More >

Benefits of learning to install EV chargers

If you feel that you have the required level of competence, then completing our course can be a very attractive option for any experienced electrician. Once approved by OLEV, you will need to provide monthly reports to the scheme. After every installation, you will need to provide specific documentation in order to claim back the government grant. If you work in an efficient manner and manage overheads properly, the returns on installing EV chargers can be huge!

If you’re getting an EV charge point installed at your home or business, then you will need to ensure that your installer has sat a necessary course and has achieved the required qualifications. If they haven’t, then these electricians are at risk of breaching the Electricity At Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR 1989) which is a statutory requirement. They could potentially be installed charge points that do not meet BS7671 or EAWR 1989, which puts you at risk.

If you are thinking about adding EV charge point installation to your skillset and would like to learn more about how Access Training can help, then click below to learn more about our course.

Our Electric Vehicle Charging Point Installation Course >

To learn more about our course, the requirements, and what happens on completion, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team today.

 

Get in touch to learn more about our training courses!

First Name *
Surname *
Telephone Number *
E-mail address *
Ask A Question *
 
Security Character Security Character Security Character Security Character Security Character Security Character
Enter Letters (No Spaces) *