Consumer unit (fuse board) upgrades
Your charger needs its own circuit with the right protection. If your consumer unit has no spare way, uses old rewireable fuses, or lacks suitable RCD protection, it needs upgrading first. Plenty of Basingstoke houses built from the 1960s to the 1990s still have their original board.
A new consumer unit typically costs £450 to £750 fitted. It brings the whole house up to current regulations, not just the charger circuit.
Earthing and PEN-fault protection
Most UK homes get their earth from the electricity network. In rare cases, a broken neutral in the street (a "PEN fault") can make the metal parts of a car connected to a charger dangerous to touch. The wiring regulations require protection against this.
Most modern chargers have PEN-fault detection built in, so no earth rod is needed. Where a charger doesn't, or where your supply is a TT system, we fit an earth rod or a separate protection device. You'll know which applies at the survey.
Why it's done on the same visit
Doing the board and the charger together means one visit, one power-off window, one certificate, and usually a lower combined price than two separate jobs.
Common questions
How do I know if I need a new consumer unit?
Send us a photo of your fuse board. Rewireable fuses, a missing RCD or no spare space usually mean an upgrade.
Is an earth rod always needed?
No. Most current chargers have built-in PEN-fault protection, so they don't need one. It depends on the charger and your supply type.