We recently received an enquiry through our website from a customer in Bishop’s Stortford whose home EV charger had stopped working. To make matters worse, the charger had only just come out of its manufacturer’s warranty.
The customer contacted us to investigate the fault and find out whether the charger could be repaired.
When we carried out our fault finding, we discovered that the main printed circuit board (PCB) inside the unit had burnt out.
Unfortunately, the damage meant the charger needed replacing.
The good news? We managed to replace the faulty EV charger and get the customer back up and charging on the very same day.
I’m Jamie from JJB Electrical Ltd. We’ve got over 20 years of experience in the electrical industry, and we regularly help customers with EV charger installations, electrical faults and replacement equipment across Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding areas.
If your home EV charger has suddenly stopped working, here’s what you need to know, including what can go wrong, whether a repair is worthwhile and how quickly we might be able to get you charging again.
What Went Wrong With This EV Charger?
The customer originally contacted us because their charger was no longer working.
After investigating the fault, we found that the main PCB inside the charging unit had burnt out.
The PCB is an important part of a modern EV charger. Depending on the model, it helps control the charging process, communicate with the vehicle and manage the charger’s internal electrical components.
If the board develops a serious fault, the charger may stop working altogether.
In this case, the damage was significant enough that the charging unit needed to be replaced.
With the charger only just outside its manufacturer’s warranty, it was particularly frustrating for the customer.
Thankfully, we were able to complete the replacement that same day, restoring their ability to charge their electric car at home.
It’s a good example of why we always recommend investigating an EV charger fault properly before deciding what needs replacing.
Why Do Home EV Chargers Stop Working?
We’ve worked on electrical installations for over 20 years, and one thing we’ve learnt is that similar symptoms can have very different causes.
Just because an EV charger stops working doesn’t automatically mean the unit itself has failed.
There are several possible reasons.
Internal Circuit Board Failure
As we discovered on our recent Bishop’s Stortford job, the electronic components inside an EV charger can develop faults.
A damaged PCB, failed relay or another internal electronic component can prevent the charger from operating.
Some internal faults may be repairable using manufacturer-approved components, while others require the entire charger to be replaced.
Electrical Supply Problems
Sometimes the problem lies with the electrical installation supplying the charger.
For example, a tripped RCBO, damaged cable or faulty connection could prevent the charger from receiving power.
In these cases, replacing the charging unit may not solve the underlying problem.
We need to establish where the fault is before recommending the appropriate work.
Software or Communication Problems
Many modern EV chargers connect to smartphone apps and use scheduled charging to take advantage of cheaper overnight electricity.
If there’s a communication problem, incorrect charging schedule or software issue, the charger might appear faulty even though its electrical components are still working.
It’s worth checking the manufacturer’s app and any error messages before arranging a replacement.
Moisture, Heat or Component Damage
Most domestic EV chargers are installed outside, often on a driveway or garage wall.
Although they’re designed to withstand outdoor conditions, electrical equipment can still develop problems caused by moisture ingress, overheating or component deterioration.
If you notice signs of burning, scorching or water damage, stop using the charger and arrange for it to be inspected.
My Advice: Don’t Automatically Replace a Faulty EV Charger
If your charger suddenly stops working, it can be tempting to assume you need a completely new one.
However, we recommend having the fault investigated first.
There are several checks that can help determine whether the problem is with the charger itself or another part of the installation.
When assessing a faulty EV charger, we’ll consider the electrical supply, the protective devices, any fault codes and the condition of the charging equipment.
Sometimes the solution is relatively straightforward.
On other occasions, as with our Bishop’s Stortford customer, an internal component has failed and replacement is necessary.
We aim to explain what’s wrong and provide sensible advice about the next step.
If your charger is tripping the electrics, showing signs of overheating or displaying repeated errors, don’t continue using it until the problem has been properly investigated.
Is It Worth Repairing an EV Charger That’s Out of Warranty?
This is an important question, particularly if your charger is only a few years old.
Before recommending replacement, we’d consider three main things.
How Much Damage Has Occurred?
A minor fault may be relatively straightforward to resolve.
However, if a major internal component such as the main PCB has burnt out, the cost and practicality of repairing the equipment can change considerably.
Are Replacement Parts Available?
Some manufacturers provide replacement components and technical support for their equipment.
Others may have limited repair options, particularly on older models.
If the charger is still under warranty, we’d recommend contacting the manufacturer before arranging chargeable repairs. It’s also worth checking what support is available when the warranty has recently expired.
How Much Will the Repair Cost?
If the cost of repairing an older charger approaches the cost of a replacement, installing a new unit with a fresh manufacturer’s warranty may be the more sensible option.
For our customer in Bishop’s Stortford, replacing the charger was the necessary solution.
We were pleased to get the work completed quickly so they could start charging at home again.
Choosing a Replacement EV Charger: My Recommendation
One piece of advice I always give customers is to buy an EV charger from a reputable, established manufacturer that has been operating in the UK market for some time.
An EV charger is something you’ll potentially use almost every day, so it’s worth thinking beyond the initial purchase price.
Look at the manufacturer’s reputation, warranty terms, technical support and availability of replacement parts.
Established brands such as Ohme, Hypervolt, Andersen and BG Sync are among the options available in the UK.
When helping customers choose a charger, we also consider how they intend to use it.
For example, some people want a straightforward home charging solution, while others want smart charging features that work with an off-peak electricity tariff.
You might also want to consider solar-compatible charging if you already have solar panels or are thinking about installing them in the future.
We’ll help you understand which features are useful for your circumstances, rather than paying for something you don’t need.
Can You Use the Existing Wiring When Replacing an EV Charger?
One of the questions customers often ask is whether they need to have new cables installed when replacing an existing EV charger.
In many cases, the existing cable may be suitable for reuse, depending on its condition, size and installation method.
However, we need to assess it first.
When installing a replacement charger, we’ll consider the existing supply cable, circuit protection, earthing arrangement and the requirements of the new equipment.
Different EV chargers can have different requirements, particularly regarding RCD protection and measures to protect against an open PEN conductor on applicable PME supplies.
We’ll also consider the property’s electrical capacity and whether load management is required.
If everything is suitable, replacing an existing charger may be relatively straightforward.
If upgrades are required, we’ll explain what needs doing and why before carrying out the work.
Our aim is always to leave you with a correctly installed, tested and commissioned charging point.
How Quickly Can We Replace a Faulty EV Charger in Bishop’s Stortford?
We understand how frustrating it can be when your home charger suddenly stops working.
If you rely on charging your car overnight, a faulty unit can quickly become inconvenient, particularly if you use your vehicle for work or commuting.
That’s why we try to respond to enquiries as quickly as possible.
As our recent Bishop’s Stortford job demonstrates, same-day EV charger replacement is possible.
However, it depends on the availability of suitable equipment and whether the existing electrical installation needs additional work.
When you contact us, we’ll ask for a few details about your charger and the fault.
If possible, it helps to send us:
The make and model of the charger.
A photograph of the existing charging unit.
Details of any fault codes or warning lights.
A brief explanation of when the problem started.
Whether the charger is still covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.
This information helps us understand the problem and discuss the most appropriate next steps.
If we need to attend to carry out fault finding, we’ll explain the process and any applicable charges beforehand.
EV Charger Installations and Replacements in Bishop’s Stortford
There’s a growing need for EV charging facilities in Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding areas as more homeowners move towards electric vehicles.
We’re increasingly speaking with customers who already have a home charging point but need help with a fault, replacement or upgrade.
Some want to replace an older charger with a newer smart model.
Others, like our recent customer, have experienced an unexpected failure and simply want their car charging again.
At JJB Electrical Ltd, we can help with new EV charger installations, replacement chargers and electrical fault finding.
We also carry out a wide range of other electrical work, including consumer unit upgrades, electrical installation condition reports (EICRs), house rewires, outside lighting and smaller electrical jobs.
Through our renewable energy services, we can also help customers considering solar panels and battery storage systems.
So whether you’re experiencing a charger fault or planning an upgrade to your home’s electrical installation, we’re happy to help.
Why Customers Choose JJB Electrical Ltd
We’ve built JJB Electrical Ltd around something straightforward: turning up when we say we will and doing the job properly.
I know how frustrating it is when a tradesperson doesn’t arrive as agreed, particularly when you’ve arranged time off work or have an urgent electrical problem.
We do our best to keep our appointments, communicate clearly and explain what work is required.
With over 20 years of electrical industry experience, we understand the importance of getting the details right.
We’re proud to hold the following registrations and endorsements:
NAPIT Registered: Our electrical work is supported by our recognised competent person scheme registration.
Which? Trusted Trader: We’ve been independently assessed and endorsed through the Which? Trusted Trader scheme.
TrustMark: We’re registered with the Government-endorsed quality scheme.
MCS Certified: We also hold certification for our renewable energy installation work.
We’re also proud to have received over 200 customer reviews.
For us, the most satisfying part of the Bishop’s Stortford EV charger replacement was being able to identify the problem and restore the customer’s home charging on the same day.
That’s the outcome we want for our customers: a practical solution, clear communication and work carried out properly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Faulty EV Chargers
How long will it take to charge my electric car?
Most domestic EV chargers provide a charging output of around 7 kW, although the actual charging speed depends on your vehicle and electrical installation.
As an example, adding 35 kWh to your battery using a 7 kW home charger would typically take around five to six hours, allowing for charging losses. If you tell us which vehicle you drive, we can help estimate your charging time.
Can you replace my faulty EV charger on the same day?
Yes, same-day replacement is sometimes possible. We recently replaced a faulty charger for a customer in Bishop’s Stortford and had them charging again that day.
Availability depends on the replacement equipment required and whether any additional electrical work is necessary. We’ll always try to arrange a visit as quickly as possible.
My EV charger is out of warranty. Can you still help?
Absolutely. We can investigate the fault and advise whether repair or replacement is the most appropriate option.
If the charger has only recently come out of warranty, it’s also worth contacting the manufacturer to see whether any assistance is available.
Do I need a new fuseboard when replacing my EV charger?
Not necessarily. If your existing consumer unit and protective devices are suitable for the replacement charger, they may not need changing.
We’ll assess the existing installation and explain whether any additional protection or upgrades are required.
Why does my EV charger keep tripping the electrics?
There are several possible causes, including a problem within the charger, an electrical fault on the supply circuit or an issue with the protective devices.
We recommend having the installation investigated rather than repeatedly resetting a tripping circuit breaker.
Can you install a different brand of EV charger to replace my existing one?
Yes, in many cases we can replace an existing charger with a different manufacturer’s model, provided it’s suitable for your electrical installation.
We can discuss your vehicle, charging requirements and preferred features before recommending a replacement.
Faulty EV Charger in Bishop’s Stortford? Get in Touch
If your EV charger has stopped working, keeps tripping or has developed a fault, we’d be happy to take a look.
We recently helped a customer in Bishop’s Stortford whose charger had suffered a burnt-out circuit board, replacing the faulty unit and restoring their home charging on the same day.
Whether your charger needs fault finding, repair or replacement, we’ll explain the options and help you find a practical solution.
Call us on 01992 276087 to speak to JJB Electrical Ltd about your faulty EV charger.
We’re happy to help, with no obligation to proceed.
