Getting a home EV charger: five things to sort before you buy
What to check about your supply, your fuse board and the SEAI grant before you choose a charger.
· 5 min read · Yeates Electrical Service
Most of the questions that hold up a charger installation can be answered with three photos: your fuse board, your electricity meter, and the spot where you want the charger. Here is what an installer is looking for.
1. Apply for the grant first
SEAI offers a grant towards the cost of a home charger. The condition that catches people out is timing: your application has to be approved before any work starts. Apply on seai.ie, wait for the letter of offer, then book the install. Check the current amount and conditions on SEAI's site, as they change.
2. Check the charger is eligible
For the grant, the charger has to be a smart charger on SEAI's register. Your installer can confirm this for the model you have in mind.
3. Know your supply
Nearly all Irish homes have a single-phase supply, which suits a charger of around 7 kW. If you also have an electric shower, a heat pump or an induction hob, the installer may fit a load management device. It turns the charger down when the house is drawing a lot of power, so nothing overloads.
4. Look at your fuse board
The charger needs its own circuit with its own protection. If your board is full or very old, it may need upgrading first. This is the most common reason a quote comes in higher than expected, so it is worth knowing early.
5. Pick the position
Closest to where the car's charging port ends up when you park is best. A shorter cable run from the fuse board keeps the cost down. If the cable has to cross a driveway, it needs to go underground in ducting.
Charger installation is restricted electrical work. It must be carried out and certified by a Safe Electric Registered Electrical Contractor.