As electric vehicles become more popular across the UK, homeowners are looking for the convenience of charging from home rather than relying on public stations. But one of the most common questions people ask before booking is, “How long does an EV charger installation actually take?”
The good news is that installing a home charging point is typically a quick and straightforward job, often completed within half a day when carried out by a qualified professional. If you live in Loughton, Woodford, or Chingford, knowing what to expect can help you plan your installation day with confidence.
What Happens During The Installation Process
Every home EV charger installation follows a similar process, though the exact time can vary slightly depending on your property and power supply.
Most EV charger installations begin with a preliminary site survey carried out by a qualified engineer. During this stage, they’ll assess your fuse board, check the accessibility of your driveway, and identify the most practical position for your charger. This preparation helps ensure that everything is ready before the installation day, avoiding any surprises or unnecessary delays.
On the day itself, experienced electricians in Loughton typically arrive fully prepared. The process usually includes:
- Switching off the power to safely work on your electrical system.
- Mounting the EV charger on an exterior wall close to where you park your car.
- Routing the cables neatly between your charger and consumer unit.
- Connecting and testing the charger to ensure it’s operating correctly.
- Demonstrating how to use it, including any app setup or Wi-Fi pairing if you have a smart charger.
For most standard installations, this takes around three to five hours, meaning you could be charging your car by the end of the same day.
What Can Affect Installation Time?
Not every home is the same, and there are a few factors that can make your EV charger installation take slightly longer:
- Electrical upgrades: Older fuse boards or wiring may need updating to safely handle the new load.
- Charger distance: If your parking area is far from your electrical supply, additional cabling and routing work will be required.
- Groundwork: If your cables need to be buried underground or passed through thick walls, this adds some time.
- Smart features: Connecting your charger to Wi-Fi, configuring apps, or linking it to solar panels can take an extra half hour or so.
Our electricians in Woodford and surrounding areas carry out all necessary checks beforehand so you’ll know exactly what to expect in terms of timing and cost before work begins.
How to Prepare for Your Installation
There are a few simple ways to help the process go smoothly:
- Make sure the area where you want the charger fitted is clear of obstacles.
- Ensure your Wi-Fi connection reaches the installation spot if you’re having a smart charger fitted.
- Let your installer know about any specific preferences, such as cable length or positioning.
A bit of preparation on your part can save time on the day and help your installer complete everything efficiently.
Why Use a Qualified Electrician
An EV charger installation involves working directly with your home’s electrical system, which must meet strict safety standards. Choosing a certified electrician in Loughton or trusted electrician in Woodford ensures the work complies with current wiring regulations and that your system is properly tested and certified before use.
At Beales Electrical, our team is NAPIT-certified and OZEV-approved, meaning we can also help you access any available government grants to reduce installation costs. Our goal is to make every job quick, safe, and stress-free, without the long waiting times you often get with national providers.
How Long Will You Be Without Power?
Many homeowners worry that an EV charger installation might disrupt their electricity supply. In reality, the power is usually off for less than an hour, only during the period when the charger is being connected to your consumer unit. The rest of the work, like cable routing and mounting can be done while your power remains on.
Fast, Reliable EV Charger Installations in Loughton, Woodford, and Chingford
Choosing a trusted local installer ensures your system is fitted safely, efficiently, and ready to perform from day one. If you're looking for a professional installation handled by an experienced local team, contact Beales Electrical on 02081331234 or via our contact page.
