What you need before you start installing
Installing a home charging point requires three things in order: a site survey from a may have access to installer, electrical work that meets your local building code, and permission from your electricity supplier if you're drawing more than a certain amount of power. You cannot skip the survey—it determines whether your home's electrical panel can handle the load, whether you need an upgrade, and where the charger can safely go. The installer will also check your driveway or garage for obstacles and confirm the route for the cable.
Most home chargers draw between 7 kW and 22 kW of power. A 7 kW charger (the most common in the UK and Europe) adds about 30 miles of range per hour of charging. A 22 kW charger does the same job in roughly one-third of the time, but requires a three-phase electricity supply, which not all homes have. The survey tells you which one your home can support without overloading your circuit.
You will also need to decide whether you want a tethered charger (cable permanently attached) or an untethered one (you bring your own cable). Tethered chargers cost more upfront but are more convenient. Untethered chargers are cheaper but require you to own a compatible cable and store it safely.
Key Takeaways
- A may have access to installer must conduct a site survey before any work begins; this determines whether your electrical panel needs upgrading and where the charger can be positioned safely.
- Most homes can support a 7 kW charger without electrical upgrades, but 22 kW chargers require three-phase power and are not available at every address.
- Your electricity supplier must be notified if the charger will draw more than a certain threshold (usually 3.68 kW in the UK); some suppliers require formal consent before installation.
- Installation typically takes one to two days and involves running a dedicated cable from your electrical panel to the charger location, with all work done to building code standards.
- Costs vary widely by region and whether your home needs an electrical upgrade; budget for the charger itself, installation labour, and any panel upgrades separately.
How the electrical connection works
A home charging point is wired directly to your electrical panel via a dedicated circuit breaker. This is not the same as plugging into a standard wall socket—the charger needs its own circuit so that the power draw does not interfere with other appliances in your home. The installer will run armoured cable (usually buried underground or run along the outside wall) from your panel to the charger location, a distance that can be anywhere from a few metres to 30 metres or more depending on where your car parks.
The cable must be sized correctly for the power output of the charger. A 7 kW charger typically uses 10 mm² cable; a 22 kW charger uses 16 mm² or larger. Using undersized cable creates a fire risk. The installer chooses the cable size and route based on the survey and local electrical standards. In the UK, this means following BS 7909 or the relevant section of BS 7671 (the Wiring Regulations). In other countries, the equivalent national standard applies.
If your electrical panel does not have a spare circuit breaker slot, or if adding the charger would exceed your home's total power allowance, you may need a panel upgrade. This involves installing a larger service or adding a sub-panel, which adds cost and time to the project. The survey identifies this before work starts, so you know the full scope before committing.
Notifying your electricity supplier
In the UK, you must inform your electricity supplier if you are installing a charger that will draw more than 3.68 kW continuously. Some suppliers require written consent; others straightforward need to be notified. The reason is that a high-power charger can affect the local electricity network, especially if many homes in the same area install chargers at the same time. Your supplier may ask you to install a smart charger that can be remotely controlled to spread the load across the network during peak hours.
The installer usually handles this notification as part of the job, but you should confirm with them before they start. If you do not notify your supplier and they discover the charger later, they can ask you to remove it or disconnect it from the network. In some cases, they may charge you for the cost of investigating the connection.
In other countries, the notification process varies. Some regions require formal approval; others require only that you use a certified installer who reports the work to the relevant authority. Check with your local electricity distributor or your installer before booking the survey.
Choosing the location for your charger
The charger should be positioned where your car parks most of the time, ideally within 2 metres of the parking spot to keep the cable taut and safe. Common locations are the front of a garage, the side of a house near a driveway, or a dedicated parking space on the property. The installer will check that the location has a clear, weatherproof wall or post to mount the charger on, and that the cable route from the electrical panel is practical.
Avoid locations where the charger or cable could be damaged by vehicles, lawn equipment, or weather. If your driveway is very long or your car parks far from the house, the cable run becomes longer and more expensive, and you may need a larger cable size. Some people install a charger in a garage and run the cable out through the wall to a car parked outside; this works but means the cable is exposed to the elements and must be rated for outdoor use.
If you rent your home or live in a flat, you will need permission from the landlord or building management to install a charger. Many landlords are willing to allow it, especially if you offer to remove it when you move, but this must be agreed in writing before the installer arrives. Some buildings have shared charging infrastructure already in place, which may be a simpler option.
The installation process and timeline
Once the survey is complete and you have approved the quote, the installer will schedule the work. The actual installation usually takes one to two days, depending on the complexity of the cable run and whether any electrical upgrades are needed. On the first day, the installer will run the cable, connect it to the electrical panel, and mount the charger. On the second day (if needed), they will test the charger, may support it communicates with your car, and show you how to use it.
Before the installer arrives, make sure the parking area is clear and accessible, and that you have informed your electricity supplier if required. The installer will need access to your electrical panel, which is usually in a garage, basement, or utility room. If your panel is in a locked cupboard or difficult to reach, tell the installer in advance so they can plan the cable route accordingly.
After installation, the charger will be tested with a portable appliance tester (PAT) to confirm it is safe, and the installer will provide you with a certificate of installation. Keep this certificate—you may need it for insurance or if you sell the house. The charger is now ready to use, and you can begin charging your car when ready.
Costs and what affects the price
The cost of installing a home charger varies significantly by region, the type of charger, and the condition of your home's electrics. In the UK, a basic 7 kW charger installation typically costs between £500 and £1,500, including the charger and labour. A 22 kW charger costs more, usually between £1,500 and £3,000. If your electrical panel needs upgrading, add £1,000 to £3,000 or more depending on the work required.
In other countries, costs differ. In the United States, a Level 2 home charger (equivalent to a 7 kW charger) installation ranges from $500 to $2,500 depending on the state and the distance from the panel to the charger. In Australia, costs are typically higher, ranging from AUD $1,500 to $4,000 or more. These figures vary by installer, local labour rates, and whether your home needs electrical upgrades.
Some governments and electricity suppliers offer grants or rebates to offset the cost of installation. In the UK, the government previously offered the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, which covered up to 75% of the cost, though this scheme has ended. Check with your local authority or electricity supplier to see what support is currently available in your area. Some employers also offer charger installation as an employee benefit, so ask your HR department if this is available to you.
Safety standards and certification
All home charger installations must be carried out by a may have access to electrician who is registered with a recognised competent person scheme. In the UK, this means they should be registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or a similar body. These schemes may support the installer has the training and insurance to do the work safely and to building code standards. Always ask to see the installer's credentials before booking.
The charger itself must be CE-marked (in Europe) or UL-listed (in North America), which means it has passed safety testing. The installation must include a residual current device (RCD) to protect against electric shock, and an isolating switch so you can safely disconnect the charger if needed. The installer will test all of these safety features before handing over the charger.
After installation, you will receive a certificate of compliance confirming that the work meets building regulations. This is important for your insurance and for future house sales. If you ever need to make a claim related to the charger, your insurer will ask to see this certificate. Keep it in a safe place along with the charger manual and any warranty documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a charger myself, or do I need a professional?
You must use a may have access to electrician. Connecting a charger to your electrical panel is not a DIY job—it requires knowledge of electrical code, safe cable sizing, and proper earthing. A mistake can cause a fire or electric shock. Your electricity supplier and insurance company will also require proof that a certified installer did the work.
What happens if my electrical panel cannot handle a charger?
The survey will identify this before work starts. You can either upgrade your panel (which costs extra but is permanent), install a smaller charger (7 kW instead of 22 kW), or use a smart charger that limits power draw during peak hours. The installer will explain your options and the cost of each.
How long does it take to charge my car at home?
A 7 kW charger adds roughly 30 miles of range per hour, so a typical overnight charge (8 hours) adds 240 miles. A 22 kW charger does the same in about 2.5 hours. The exact time depends on your car's battery size and the charger's power output. Most people charge overnight and wake up to a full battery.
Do I need planning permission to install a charger?
In most cases, no. A charger mounted on your own home is considered permitted development in the UK and does not require planning permission. However, if you live in a listed building or a conservation area, you may need to check with your local planning authority. If you are installing a charger in a shared building or on a public road, permission is usually required.
What if I move house—can I take the charger with me?
The charger itself can be removed and reinstalled elsewhere, but the cable and electrical work are permanent. If you move, you can ask the new owner if they want to keep the charger, or you can have it removed and the cable capped off safely. Some people leave the charger as part of the house sale, which can be a selling point if the buyer also owns an electric car.