What is a looped supply?
Some older homes share an incoming cable with a neighbour, with one supply "looped" from one house to the next. Network operators often won't allow a 7kW charger on a looped supply without splitting it first, because two chargers on one cable could overload it.
You can sometimes spot a looped supply as two cables entering your main fuse, with one heading next door. We confirm it on survey.
What about the main fuse?
Your main (cut-out) fuse is the network operator's fuse before your meter, usually 60A, 80A or 100A. A 7kW charger draws 32A. On a 60A fuse, with an electric shower and an oven running, things get tight. Many chargers include load management that turns charging down when the house is busy. If that isn't enough, SSEN can upgrade the fuse.
How we handle it
- We identify the issue at survey and explain your options
- We apply to SSEN on your behalf with the details they need
- SSEN carries out the unlooping or fuse upgrade. This is usually free to the homeowner, but there can be a wait of a few weeks.
- We install the charger as soon as SSEN has finished
In some cases a charger can go in first with load limiting set, then be turned up once SSEN has upgraded the supply. It depends on the application, so we'll tell you at survey.
Common questions
Does SSEN charge to unloop my supply?
Network operators usually don't charge homeowners for unlooping a domestic supply to add an EV charger. We'll confirm with SSEN when we apply.
How long does it take?
Usually a few weeks from application, depending on SSEN's workload and whether the street needs digging.