Home charging checklist

1. Confirm the power supply where you park

   You

   Check whether there is a usable mains outlet or switchboard near the parking space, and how far it is from where the car will sit. A long run raises the install quote and complicates compliance.

2. Check your switchboard has the headroom

   Electrician

   Wall chargers usually want their own circuit and suitable protection. Whether your existing board has the spare capacity — and whether it uses old fuse holders rather than circuit breakers — decides what can be installed and by whom.

3. Get a licensed electrician to assess load and safety

   Electrician

   Main switch rating, circuit design, earthing and residual current protection all have to be checked on site. Do not attempt wiring yourself based on a tutorial.

4. Match the charger to what the car actually accepts

   You

   Rated charger power has to line up with the car side and the supply circuit at the same time. An oversized charger does not charge faster; it just costs more and may sit idle.

5. Ask whether the supply needs any extra approval

   Electrician

   Some network operators place capacity or connection requirements on higher-power charging circuits. Confirm before work starts rather than after.

6. Decide whether you need separate metering

   You

   If you rent the car out, or want charging costs tracked separately, metered or time-of-use options may suit. This affects both the hardware and the tariff you should be on.

Estimate the running cost