Section 722
EV charger regulations
A domestic 7 kW EV charge point is not a plug-in appliance. It's a new 32 A circuit sitting outdoors, on a PME supply, run for hours at a time. Paul installs to BS 7671 Section 722 and the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021.
BS 7671 Section 722 — the technical rules
- Dedicated final circuit with its own overcurrent and residual current protection.
- 30 mA RCD protection; Type A + DC-fault detection or Type B RCD (many chargers include DC-fault detection internally — check the datasheet).
- On a PME supply, the earthing of the vehicle chassis is not permitted unless a compliant open-PEN detection device is used, or a separate earth electrode (TT island) is installed.
- Load-management may be required where the existing service cannot support the additional demand — the DNO's maximum demand assessment cannot simply be ignored.
Smart Charge Point Regulations 2021
From 30 June 2022 (with additional requirements from 30 December 2022), every new domestic and workplace charge point sold or installed in Great Britain must:
- Have smart functionality — internet connectivity and default off-peak charging windows.
- Include a randomised delay function (up to 10 minutes) to avoid demand spikes.
- Comply with cyber-security requirements including tamper detection.
- Continue to charge safely if network connectivity is lost.
Paul only installs chargers from manufacturers that meet these requirements — Ohme, Zappi, Wallbox, Andersen, EO and similar.
DNO notification & grants
- DNO notification: single-phase EV chargers up to 32 A may be installed under Engineering Recommendation G100 with post-installation notification to UK Power Networks. Above 60 A single-phase, or for most three-phase installs, prior approval is required.
- OZEV EV chargepoint grant: currently open to renters and flat owner-occupiers, and to landlords for residential and commercial properties. Paul is an OZEV-authorised installer.
- Workplace Charging Scheme: vouchers of up to £350 per socket, capped at 40 sockets across all sites, for eligible businesses.