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I’ve seen a few posts regarding people having problems having an EV charger fitted as their “meter” or equipment is insufficient to allow an EV charger to be fitted without extra work. This work is usually free if by the DNO (local grid electricity supplier different to your electricity supplier), electricity suppliers vary. This can be a slow process so it needs looking at early. If you thinking of getting an EV charger here is what I have found out whilst researching this topic.
1) Everying up to the main fuse (just above the red circle) is the responsibility of the DNO. The fuse needs to be at least 80amp (likely to be 40 or 60 amp traditionally) and you don’t have a looped supply. A looped supply is where two or more properties are connected to the main cable in the street via one cable, very common on older properties (especially semi-detached). If you look in the red circle you will see 2 cables coming out of the main fuse. One is the supply, the other goes to my neighbour. Before an EV charger can be fitted the supply must be unlooped by the DNO. The DNO doesn’t charge for this.
2) The “tails” (green circle) – cables from the fuse to the meter and from the meter to the isolator switch (blue circle) must be 25mm square cross-section this has a diameter of approximately 11-12mm if yours are less than 10mm you probably have 16mm square cross-section which need upgrading. This should be done if you get a smart meter fitted.
3) An isolator switch (blue circle) is often a prerequisite for having an EV charger fitted. This allows the supply to be isolated without removing the main fuse with is against what most DNO’s allow. If you are lucky this will be fitted when your smart meter is fitted and done for free. If not done with the smart meter install, its down to whoever you pay your bill to and can be costly.
Hope this helps. I’m writing this in September 2021, not getting an EV till June 2022. Yet my EV charger fitter has strongly suggested applying to the DNO now as it can take months for this all to happen.
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