If you’re thinking about installing an EV charger at home in the UK, one of the first questions that usually comes up is:
“Do I need a dedicated circuit for my electric vehicle charger?”
The short answer?
Yes.
And here’s why it matters — not just for safety, but for compliance, performance, and peace of mind.
What Is a Dedicated Circuit?
A dedicated circuit means the charger has its own connection back to your consumer unit (fuse board), without sharing power with anything else — no kitchen sockets, lights, or garden offices.
EV chargers draw a lot of power, especially modern 7kW or 22kW units. Putting that load on a shared circuit is a big no-no.
Why You Can’t Share with Other Circuits
We’ve seen a few creative (and frankly dangerous) setups over recent years. Here’s what happens when EV chargers aren’t on a dedicated circuit:
Tripping breakers
Overheating cables
Voltage drops
Increased fire risk
Insurance invalidation
Non-compliance with wiring regs (BS 7671)
And yes — we’ve been called out to jobs in Exeter where people tried to “just spur off the garage sockets.” It doesn’t end well.
UK Regulations Are Clear
As of 2025, all domestic EV charger installations must follow the IET Wiring Regulations and be installed by a qualified electrician under Part P of the Building Regs.
That includes:
Dedicated circuit
Type A or B RCD protection
Proper earthing arrangements (especially for PME systems)
Load management if needed
You also need to notify your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) — something a good installer (like us) will handle for you.
Can I Still Have One If My Fuse Board’s Full?
Yes — but we may need to:
Upgrade your consumer unit
Install a secondary distribution board
Perform a load assessment to see what your system can handle
We’ll walk you through all of that before estimating — no jargon, no pressure.
Will This Affect the Rest of My House?
Not if it’s installed properly. In fact, we design EV charger installs to ensure your charger doesn’t interfere with the rest of your home’s electrics — and many units now include load-balancing tech to keep things smooth.
Bottom Line from EPM
Yes — you absolutely need a dedicated circuit for your EV charger.
No shortcuts, no spurs, no guesswork.
It’s not just a recommendation — it’s a requirement for safe, reliable charging and compliance with UK regulations. And when done right, you won’t even notice it’s there (until your car is fully charged, of course).
Thinking of installing a home EV charger in Exeter, Mid or East Devon?
We’ll help you choose the right model, install it properly, and make sure you’re future-ready — no fuss.
Fill in an online form or give us a ring to get started.
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