EV Charger Installation and Electrical Requirements for 2026
⚡ Powering the Future: EV Charger Installation & Electrical Requirements in 2026
Electric vehicles (EVs) are firmly part of everyday life, and installing an EV charging point at a home or business is now a common electrical project. Whether you’re upgrading a property or equipping a commercial site with multiple chargers, it’s vital that installations are safe, compliant, and properly registered with the local electricity network. This blog will walk you through everything you need to know in 2026, including electrical standards, smart charging requirements, and DNO notification and registration.
🏠 Residential EV Charger Requirements
1. Compliance with UK Electrical Standards
EV charger installations must comply with the latest UK standards:
• IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) the legal baseline for electrical installations in the UK.
• IET Code of Practice for EV Charging Equipment provides detailed guidance specific to EV charging systems.
These ensure safety, correct circuit protection, and adherence to fundamental electrical design principles.
2. Dedicated Circuit & Protective Devices
• EV chargers must be installed on a dedicated electrical circuit to prevent overloads and maintain electrical safety.
• Installers will fit suitable protective devices such as RCDs (Residual Current Devices) and MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) as required by BS 7671.
3. Smart Charger Capabilities
In 2026, smart charging functionality is essential for many installations, especially chargers above 7.4 kW. Smart chargers help manage loads, enable energy optimisation, and support grid demands.
🏢 EV Chargers for Businesses & Commercial Properties
1. Electrical Supply & Grid Considerations
Commercial sites with multiple charging points often:
• Require a three-phase supply.
• Benefit from load-balancing systems to manage simultaneous charging demands without overloading the supply.
Large installations should be planned well in advance, especially where upgrades to the electrical supply might be necessary to serve multiple EV chargers.
2. Early Engagement with Network Operators
For extensive commercial installs, it’s good practice and necessary to engage with your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) early. Discussing your project ahead of time helps determine whether the existing supply can support the anticipated load and whether any network reinforcement is needed.
🔌 DNO Notification & Registration: Why It Matters
One of the most important steps for both residential and commercial EV charging installations is to notify and register the installation with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
1. What Is the DNO?
A DNO is the company responsible for the local electricity network that delivers power to your property. They need visibility of energy assets like EV chargers to safely manage local supply and network capacity.
2. When Do You Need to Notify or Register?
• All EV chargers must be registered or notified to the local DNO so they are aware of the additional demand on the network.
• If the new charger load does not exceed the existing supply capacity (usually ≤60 A per phase), installers can typically proceed with installation and notify the DNO within a set timeframe (often within a month after installation).
• If the charger’s load is likely to exceed the existing supply capacity, the installer must contact the DNO before installation for approval and, if necessary, supply upgrades or reinforcement work.
3. DNO Registration Process
• Each DNO has its own process, but most use standard forms or digital platforms (e.g., via the Energy Networks Association).
• Installers commonly complete an application or notification on behalf of the customer, including information about the charger model, property details, and existing electrical supply.
• For installations that involve a larger load or require reinforcement, prior approval from the DNO is necessary before work begins.
4. Why This Is Required
Notifying or registering chargers is a regulatory requirement under the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations, which help prevent overloads, avoid local outages, and ensure the network can safely accommodate new energy assets.
🛠️ Installation Best Practices
1. Use Qualified Installers
EV chargers must be installed by qualified and authorised electricians:
• Must be registered with recognised schemes (e.g., NICEIC, NAPIT) and hold EV-specific qualifications where applicable.
• From late 2026, UK regulations will require every installer to hold a Level 3 Award in EV Charging Equipment Installation, raising professional standards across the industry.
2. Building Regulations & Certification
While most EV chargers do not require planning permission, installers must:
• Notify Building Control 48 hours before starting work.
• Provide certificates such as a BS 7671 Electrical Installation Certificate and evidence of DNO notification/registration.
💡 What next?
Installing an EV charger in 2026 involves more than just mounting hardware on a wall, it requires careful planning, compliance with electrical standards, smart charging capability, and proper DNO notification and registration. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business, Tobin Electrical Contractors can help ensure your EV charging solution is safe, compliant, and optimised for your electrical supply.
🚗⚡ Ready to electrify your charging experience?
Contact us today to arrange your EV charger assessment and installation!
