Helpful video reference. The above is Sparky Life's video "Project EV Charger Install", which follows a UK electrician through the installation of a Project EV Pro charger from planning the cable route through to the final test charge.
1. Site survey and consumer unit check
Everything starts with a look at the consumer unit. Is there a spare way for a new 32A circuit? What is the rating of the main fuse (usually 60A, 80A or 100A), and does it have headroom to take the additional load? And is the earthing arrangement PME or TT?
Most modern boards have a spare way and enough capacity. Older split-load boards occasionally need a circuit freed up. If you already know your board is full, mention it when getting quotes: you may need a small consumer unit upgrade at the same time, or a separate EV distribution board.
2. Choose the charger position
The Project EV Pro is rated IP65, so it can go outside on an external wall, in a garage or in a carport. The position needs to be within reach of your parking spot and close enough to the house that the cable run is practical. A sheltered spot under a canopy is always preferable, even for a fully weatherproof unit.
The electrician confirms the exact position with you before drilling. If you have a brick or render wall, the method of fixing changes slightly, so it is worth discussing this on the day rather than assuming.
3. Fit the dedicated RCBO
A 32A Type A RCBO is installed in the consumer unit on a new radial circuit. BS 7671 Section 722 requires Type A RCD protection as a minimum for EV charging circuits, because the on-board charger in an electric car can produce a small DC fault current component that a standard Type AC device will not detect.
If the consumer unit already uses Type F RCBOs throughout, a Type F is used here too, as it handles both the AC and pulsating DC components. The Project EV data sheet should be checked, as the requirement can vary between models.
4. Run and protect the cable
A 6 mm² twin-and-earth cable is run from the consumer unit to the charger. For longer runs, or any section that is buried in a driveway or exposed externally, 6 mm² SWA (steel wire armoured) is used instead. Buried cable must be at the correct depth and ideally protected by duct.
The cable is kept clear of other services, labelled at both ends, and follows prescribed routes in walls where possible. The electrician will walk the route with you and explain any areas where surface trunking or conduit is needed.
5. Open PEN fault protection
If the property is on a PME (TN-C-S) supply, which is identifiable by a combined neutral and earth at the meter tails, BS 7671 Section 722.411.4.1 requires open PEN fault protection. This protects against the supply neutral breaking, which would otherwise put dangerous voltages onto the vehicle bodywork.
The Project EV Pro Earth variant has this detection built into the charger. If that model is being installed, a separate external device is not needed. With the standard Pro or Pro S, an approved external device such as a Hager EVOPD or equivalent is fitted at the consumer unit. The electrician will confirm which is required based on the property's supply and the specific model ordered.
6. Mount and wire the charger
The back plate is fixed to the wall, the cable is fed through and terminated at the charger terminals, and the earth conductor is connected. Continuity from the charger earth back to the consumer unit is checked with a multimeter before anything is energised.
The Project EV Pro uses a standard push-in terminal block. The tethered cable (if fitted) is factory-terminated, so the electrician is only connecting the supply side. The charger body then clips onto the back plate.
7. Commission via the APEX app
The electrician powers up the charger, connects it to your Wi-Fi network and registers it on the Project EV APEX app. Charging schedules are set up at this point, which is useful if you are on an off-peak tariff such as Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus. If you have solar panels, the solar-smart charging settings are configured to prioritise surplus generation.
A test charge session confirms the charger communicates correctly before the installation certificate is completed and the OZEV grant documentation is issued.
When to call us
Richard installs OZEV-approved EV chargers across east Kent, including Project EV Pro models. All installations include grant application support and a completion certificate. Call or send a WhatsApp with a photo of your consumer unit and parking position for a quick quote.
EV charger installation in east Kent?
Richard is OZEV-registered and covers Sandwich, Deal, Dover and the surrounding area. Project EV Pro and Pro Earth models supplied and fitted.
Contact Richard