What Is An EV Charger Installation Certificate?
When having an EV charger installed, it’s imperative you hire someone who is qualified.
Without the correct documentation and certificates, you might as well do it yourself!
In this article, we look at what is an EV charger installation certificate, who needs one and the process of obtaining such documentation.
Let’s begin…
Who Needs An EV Charger Installation Certificate?
Homeowners
If you are living in a residential property you may have to get one to show that the EV charger was installed by a qualified electrician and complies with all the local building codes or regulations.
Businesses
This could be on premises such as offices, parking areas, retail spaces and supermarkets. Companies may require one to prove that the chargers have been installed correctly, as well as meet the necessary safety standards.
Installers
When going to a job, installers may have to provide proof to their clients that they have all the qualifications to complete the job and that they comply with industry standards.
Local Councils
For councils who are pushing EV’s in their area, they may be installing charging units at government buildings, parks, residential streets and shopping centres. In order to do this, they may need a certificate that proves they have demonstrated compliance with the relevant safety regulations.
Process Of Obtaining An EV Charger Installation Certificate
Below is an outline of what you can expect to do:
- Check Local Requirements – Research all the building codes, electrical regulations, and permitting requirements for your area to find out what is needed to obtain an installation certificate.
- Electrician – Find a licensed electrician or company to come out and install your charging unit.
- Permits – Apply for the necessary permits is they are needed for your local area. These could include electrical work, building modifications, or zoning compliance.
- Installation – Your installer will now complete the installation making sure they comply with all the electrical standards.
- Testing – Once the charger is up and running, they will test it to ensure everything is working smoothly. This may involve checking the circuit breakers, wiring and overall system performance.
- Obtain Certificate – Now everything is complete and finished, either your EV charger installer or the local authority will issue you with an installation certificate.
- Submit Certificate – This is only done if it’s needed, you might have to submit your installation certificate to the local council, insurance provider or your utility company.
The whole purpose of the certificate is to verify that the charging unit was installed safely, correctly and tin accordance with all applicable safety standards and regulations. There isn’y usually an expiry date on the certificate but if you have any major modifications to the unit in the future, you may have to reconsider having it checked.
Importance of Installation Certificates
- Firstly, it ensures the safety of the installation and that the charging unit can be used without the risk of electrocution, electrical fires or other dangerous hazards that could arse from a faulty installation.
- It is also vital in complying with safety regulations and standards. By having one, you can avoid legal ramifications and potential fines or penalties. You may also need it to secure permits, insurance coverage and other approvals regarding your EV charging installation.
- Hopefully you never encounter this, but if there were to be any accidents or incidents involving the charging point, the certificate can offer a form of protection against liability. If you can prove that it was installed by a qualified electrician, you automatically reduce your chances of being held responsible for any issues that may occur. This is very important for businesses, property managers, and landlords.
Conclusion
As you can see from the guide, it can be very important to get an installation certificate for your EV charger to prove that it was installed by a qualified electrician and complied with all the safety regulations.
They can be obtained by homeowners, businesses, installers and local councils but are easy to get when you go through the correct channels. By having one, you can protect yourself from certain liabilities and have peace of mind knowing that the unit was installed properly and is safe to use when charging your EV.
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