Helpful video reference. Artisan Electrics, a Cambridge-based electrical contractor, published this walkthrough showing a real UK solar and Fox ESS EV charger installation, covering the cable routing, circuit protection, charger mounting, and Fox Cloud setup that demonstrates the solar-smart charging features. Watch on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYA4H42s6z0.
1. Assess the consumer unit and supply
The first step is checking whether the consumer unit has a spare way for the new EV charger circuit. Most modern consumer units installed after 2016 will have at least one spare way, but older boards may be full. If the board is full, options include a tandem RCBO in an existing slot, a small distribution board downstream, or replacing the consumer unit altogether.
The incoming supply is also checked. Most UK properties can support a 7.4 kW (32 A) single-phase EV charger alongside normal domestic loads, but some with restricted supplies or ageing tails may need the DNO involved before the charger is commissioned at full power.
2. Plan the cable route
The route from the consumer unit to the proposed charge point location is planned before any cables are pulled. The Fox ESS A Series is typically mounted on an external wall of the garage or house, so the cable route crosses at least one wall and may run across a loft, underfloor void, or along the surface of an external wall.
BS 7671 requires EV charger cables to run in the safe zones defined for fixed wiring (concealed in walls at prescribed depths, above ceilings, or within floor voids) or to be mechanically protected where this is not possible. Where cables run underground to a detached garage, they need burial depth and protection appropriate to the armoured cable type used.
3. Run the supply cable
A 6 mm² twin-and-earth cable is run from the consumer unit to the charge point for most 32 A single-phase installations. The cable size accounts for the route length and any grouping with other cables, following BS 7671 Appendix 4 derating tables. Where the cable runs underground, an SWA (steel wire armoured) cable is used for mechanical protection.
Before the charger is connected, the cable is tested for continuity, insulation resistance, and polarity to confirm it is correctly installed end to end.
4. Mount the Fox ESS A Series charger
The Fox ESS A Series charger unit is fixed to a solid wall or post at a height that gives comfortable access to the Type 2 connector without straining. The unit is IP55 rated for outdoor use, so a separate weatherproof enclosure is not required. The installer checks the fixing surface is sound and ensures the unit hangs level so the holster sits correctly.
The supply cable enters the unit from below or from the rear depending on the mounting arrangement. Glands are torqued to the manufacturer's specification to maintain the IP rating.
5. Connect and protect the circuit at the consumer unit
At the consumer unit, the circuit is protected by a Type A RCD or RCBO. BS 7671 Chapter 72 requires RCD protection for EV charger circuits, and Type A is the minimum rating required because the charger can produce a pulsing DC leakage component. A Type B device is used if the Fox ESS system specifies it for the installation.
The RCBO is labelled clearly in the consumer unit and its rating is confirmed against the cable size and charger specification before the circuit is energised for the first time.
6. Commission via Fox Cloud
The Fox ESS A Series connects to the home's Wi-Fi network and registers on Fox Cloud. Where a Fox ESS hybrid inverter and battery are also fitted, the charger links to the same Fox Cloud account and can be configured to use surplus solar before drawing from the grid. The homeowner sets a charging schedule and target charge level via the Fox Cloud app on their phone.
The installer confirms the charger responds correctly to a test charge session and that the Fox Cloud dashboard is showing live data. The completion documentation, including the electrical installation certificate, is handed over at this point.
When to call us
Installing a home EV charger requires a registered electrician and Part P notification. Richard can advise on whether your consumer unit and supply are suitable for a 7.4 kW charger, recommend the best cable route, and install and commission the Fox ESS A Series or another approved smart charger.
Ready to install a home EV charger?
Richard can assess your supply, recommend the best location, and install and commission a smart EV charger with the correct Part P certification.
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