If you’re wondering whether you need a fuseboard upgrade for EV Charger installation, it all depends on the condition and capacity of your current fuseboard.
In order to install an EV charger without the need for a new fuseboard, your current fuseboard would need to have the additional capacity via a spare way for a new circuit to be installed and under the 18th Edition wiring regulations this must have RCD (residual current device) protection - this is a feature that could be potentially life saving as it cuts power within mere milli-seconds should a fault be detected. The spare way on the fuseboard must also have the relevant MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) rating needed for your preferred choice of EV Charger.
What condition does my fuseboard need to be in for EV Charger Installation York?
We know this information is a lot to comprehend and many people may not know if their fuseboard has the requirements described as above, that’s why we will always visually assess your fuseboard if you’re unsure and advise whether a fuseboard upgrade is needed. However, there are some visual checks you can carry out on your end that are usually helpful in deciphering the condition and age of a fuseboard.
If your existing fuseboard has rewirable fuses as opposed to MCBs, this is usually a sign that the fuseboard is an older fuseboard and not suitable for EV Charger Installation. Rewireable fuses stopped being installed in newer homes around the beginning years of the 1980’s as they didn’t match the new safety standards.
The same applies to fuseboards without RCD protection, they are usually much older and would break safety regulations should an EV Charger be installed whilst the fuseboard lacks RCD Protection. RCD protection is there to protect you and prevent electric shock or fires due to how quickly they detect faults and cut power. On the fuseboard an RCD looks like a circuit breaker switch that is much wider than rest - often they are labeled ‘RCD’ and/or have a test button on them.
If you’ve had a previous EICR of your York home and the fuseboard has been flagged on the report, this means your fuseboard wouldn’t be in safe condition for EV Charger Installation and would need to be upgraded. The same applies if your fuseboard is in generally bad condition with burn/melted marks, loose wires, a missing or broken cover,a burning smell or a humming or buzzing sound coming from the unit - you need an upgrade.
A recent fuse board upgrade for EV Charger Installation, York
We recently attended a customer's property at The Crossway, this was a Semi detached 4 bed 1930's house and the family consisted of a couple with older teens. Mum is getting a new company car - an EV and wanted to add a charger to make life easier and more cost effective. A colleague of hers who recently had an EV charger fitted advised that she would have to get a new fuseboard too. We took a look for the customer and in this case, yes a new fuseboard was needed as the current one was an older Wylex model which had no RCD protection.
DP Electrical Specialists Ltd - Your local electrician for EV Charger Installation in York
If you’re looking for EV Charger Installation York - DP Electrical Specialists Ltd are your reliable and trustworthy electrician and renewables energy expert in Leeds. Fill in our contact form or give us a call today, we would love to hear from you.
