Getting a home EV charger fitted is usually straightforward — but knowing the steps helps you prepare and spot a good installer from a rushed one. Here’s the process from first enquiry to charging your car.

Step 1: The site survey

A good installer assesses your property before quoting — often with photos or a visit. They’re checking:

• Where your consumer unit and incoming supply are, and their capacity
• Where you park and the best charger position
• The cable route from board to charger, and its length
• Whether your fuse board has a spare way and adequate main fuse
• Earthing arrangements (modern chargers handle this, but it’s checked)

This survey is what lets them give an accurate price — be wary of a fixed quote with no survey.

Step 2: The quote and charger choice

You’ll choose a charger (tethered vs untethered, 7kW being standard for homes — see our 7kW vs 22kW guide) and get a quote covering the unit, the dedicated circuit, the cable run, and any board work. If you qualify for the grant (renters/flat owners/landlords), the installer applies and deducts it — see our OZEV grant guide.

Step 3: DNO notification

Home chargers must be notified to your DNO (the network operator). For a standard 7kW install this is usually a straightforward post-installation notification the installer handles. Larger installs (22kW) may need DNO approval first, which can add lead time. Either way, a proper installer manages this — you don’t have to.

Step 4: Installation day

A typical 7kW home install takes half a day to a day. The installer will:

1. Run a dedicated circuit from your consumer unit
2. Fit any necessary board protection (or upgrade the board if needed)
3. Mount the charge point and route the cable tidily
4. Test the installation and commission the charger
5. Show you how to use it and any app

What can affect the timeline or cost

• Cable run length — a charger far from the board means more cable and labour
• Board capacity — a full or outdated board may need upgrading first
• Groundworks — trenching across a driveway adds time
• Supply upgrades — occasionally the main fuse or supply needs the DNO involved
• Property type — flats and no-driveway homes need more assessment

Step 5: Certification

You should receive certification for the electrical work (it’s a new circuit, so it’s notifiable under Part P). Keep it — it matters for warranties, insurance, and selling the home.

What good looks like

• A proper site survey before quoting
• A dedicated, correctly protected circuit to BS 7671
• DNO notification handled for you
• A tidy, well-positioned charge point
• Certification provided
• The grant applied if you’re eligible

How to prepare

• Decide where you’d like the charger (near where you park, ideally close to the board)
• Clear access to your consumer unit
• Have your vehicle details handy (for grant eligibility and charger choice)
• Mention any plans for future loads (heat pump, battery) so capacity is considered

Get your EV charger fitted

For a properly surveyed, certified EV charger installation across East London, GFL Electrical are your local NICEIC installers. See our EV charger installation service and cost guide, or call 020 3774 5604.