What a home charger installation involves
A home charger is a fixed piece of electrical equipment, connected back to your consumer unit with its own protected circuit. The installer confirms that the supply and earthing arrangements are suitable, plans a cable route that is safe and tidy, mounts the charger where it works for the way you park, then tests, certifies and demonstrates the finished installation.
Most of the difference between a good installation and an awkward one is decided before anyone picks up a drill. That is why we ask a few questions early rather than turning up and improvising.
What we need to know before quoting
The vehicle, the parking position, where the consumer unit sits, roughly how far apart those two points are, and whether there is anything in between — a path, a drive, a detached garage, an extension. If you have solar panels or a home battery, tell us at this stage as it can affect the charger recommendation.
Standard and non-standard installations
A standard installation usually means off-street parking, a suitable consumer unit and a sensible cable run of modest length on an accessible wall. Non-standard covers longer runs, cables crossing a driveway, detached garages, mounting posts, older boards needing work, or properties where the cable route has to be planned carefully to stay out of sight.
Consumer unit and electrical supply checks
The installer checks the condition and capacity of the consumer unit, the incoming supply and the earthing arrangement. Depending on what is found, additional protective equipment or board work may be required, and in some cases the distribution network operator needs to be notified. Please do not remove covers or investigate the board yourself — a photo of the closed unit is all we need to start.
Cable routing and charger position
The tidiest routes follow what the building already gives you: mortar lines, downpipes, existing service runs and internal voids where accessible. Where a cable has to cross open ground, that normally means trenching or ducting, which is quoted separately. We will explain what will be visible before the work starts, rather than after.
Smart-charging setup
Most modern chargers can be scheduled to run during cheaper off-peak periods through their app. We will help you get the charger connected, paired to your account and scheduled sensibly. See our solar and smart charging guidance if you already generate your own electricity.
Testing, certification and handover
On completion the circuit is tested and appropriate electrical certification for the work carried out is issued by the installer. We then walk you through starting a charge, scheduling, and what to do if the unit ever behaves unexpectedly.
How long installation normally takes
A straightforward installation is commonly completed within a working day. Longer cable runs, groundwork or consumer-unit work can extend that, and you will be told in advance if we expect the job to take longer.
What is included in the quote
- Supply and installation of the agreed charger
- Cabling within the agreed scope
- Required protective equipment where applicable
- Testing and electrical certification
- Basic charger and app setup, plus handover
Replacement and upgrade installations
Replacing an old or unreliable charger — or taking on one inherited with a new house — is a common job. The existing circuit, mounting position and protective arrangements are all checked before a replacement unit is fitted, because the previous installation may predate current requirements.
When additional work may be required
Groundworks, decorative making-good, complex cable concealment, major consumer-unit work, network-operator requirements, additional distribution equipment or non-standard mounting structures are quoted separately. See the full EV charger installation cost guide.
Areas we cover
Exeter and nearby communities including Topsham, Cranbrook, Exmouth, Crediton, Cullompton and Tiverton. Coverage depends on the installation location and contractor availability — send your postcode and we will confirm. Start with our Exeter EV charger installation page.