We recently had a call from a homeowner in Newhall, Harlow, who had just bought an electric car. There was one problem. The vehicle was due to arrive at the end of the week, and they hadn't arranged for a home charging point to be installed.
They wanted to be able to plug the car in overnight rather than having to rely on public charging stations.
At JJB Electrical Ltd, we understand that timing matters, particularly when someone has a new car on the way. We arranged to visit the property on the same day they contacted us, carried out a site survey and provided a detailed written quotation.
Once the customer gave us the go-ahead, we arranged the installation and completed the work that same week.
It's a good example of how we approach a quick turn around EV installation in Newhall Harlow, without overlooking the electrical checks that need to happen before a charger can be fitted.
What Happens During an EV Charger Site Survey?
Before we quote for an EV charger installation, we need to understand the existing electrical installation and where the customer wants to charge their vehicle.
During a survey, we look at the following:
The existing consumer unit: We check its condition and whether suitable electrical protection can be provided for the new charger.
The incoming electrical supply: We assess the available capacity and whether the installation requires load management or a supply upgrade.
Earthing and bonding: We check that the arrangements are suitable and identify anything that needs attention.
Charger positioning: We discuss where the vehicle will normally park and how the charging cable will reach it.
Cable routes: We consider how to get the electrical supply to the charger safely while keeping visible cabling to a minimum.
These checks help us prepare an accurate quotation and identify any additional work before installation begins.
For our Newhall customer, carrying out the survey on the day of their enquiry meant we could provide the information they needed quickly.
Getting the Charger Installed Before the Car Arrived
Once our customer accepted the quotation, we scheduled the installation within the same week.
Although this was a quick turnaround, we still followed our normal approach to electrical safety, installation and testing.
Every installation is different. Some properties already have suitable electrical arrangements, while others need additional protective equipment, alterations to the consumer unit or work to the existing earthing and bonding.
The correct approach depends on the property, the charger manufacturer's requirements and the results of the electrical assessment.
Our customer wanted the convenience of charging at home overnight, and completing the installation that week meant the charger was fitted ahead of their new vehicle's delivery deadline.
We know how frustrating it can be when tradespeople don't arrive as arranged. One thing we concentrate on at JJB Electrical is turning up when we say we will and keeping customers informed throughout the job.
Why More Homeowners in Newhall Are Considering EV Chargers
We work across Harlow and the surrounding areas, including Newhall.
With petrol and diesel costs remaining an important consideration for motorists, more homeowners are looking at electric vehicles and the benefits of home charging.
Newhall has plenty of residential properties, but we still see opportunities for more homes to have dedicated EV charging points installed.
We also come across older consumer units in the wider Harlow area. Their suitability for an EV charger needs checking before work begins.
Installing a home charger can make everyday ownership much easier. Instead of planning journeys around public chargers, you can plug in when you arrive home.
Many smart chargers also allow you to schedule charging around an off-peak electricity tariff, potentially reducing running costs.
Choosing the Right EV Charger for Your Home
There are quite a few EV charger manufacturers on the market, and we always recommend looking beyond the purchase price.
We advise customers to consider three things in particular.
- Manufacturer's Warranty
Check how long the charger manufacturer provides warranty cover and what that warranty includes.
Some manufacturers offer longer cover than others, so it's worth understanding the terms before committing to a particular model.
- Established Manufacturers
We recommend considering an established brand with a clear warranty process, available technical support and a record of supporting its products.
A charger may be installed for many years, so ongoing manufacturer support matters.
- Your Everyday Charging Requirements
Think about where you park, the length of charging cable required and whether you would prefer a permanently attached cable.
Smart features such as scheduled charging, energy monitoring and compatibility with particular electricity tariffs may also influence your decision.
If you're considering solar panels or battery storage in the future, it's worth mentioning this during the survey so we can discuss suitable charging options.
Does an Old Fuse Board Need Replacing?
This is something we are regularly asked when discussing EV charger installations.
An older consumer unit doesn't automatically mean you need a complete replacement.
We need to assess its condition, available capacity, existing protection and whether a compliant EV charging circuit can be installed.
EV charging equipment requires appropriate protection against electric shock, including suitable residual current protection and measures addressing DC fault currents. The exact arrangements depend on the equipment and installation design.
In some cases, a separate dedicated consumer unit can be suitable. Other properties may need a consumer unit upgrade or additional electrical work.
We explain any necessary improvements and include them in our quotation, so you understand what you're paying for.
Why Electrical Qualifications and Registration Matter
An EV charger places a substantial electrical load on your installation, often for several hours at a time.
Before choosing an installer, we recommend checking:
- Whether they are appropriately qualified and experienced with EV charging installations.
- Whether they are registered with a recognised competent person scheme, such as NAPIT.
- Whether they carry suitable insurance.
- Whether they have genuine, independently available customer reviews.
- Whether they will provide the appropriate electrical certification.
At JJB Electrical Ltd, we bring over 20 years of electrical experience to our work.
We're NAPIT registered, MCS certified, Which? Trusted Trader endorsed and TrustMark registered, with over 200 customer reviews.
We carry out EV charger installations alongside house rewires, fuse board upgrades, electrical inspections, solar panels, battery storage, outside lighting and smaller electrical jobs.
That wider experience helps when a charging installation reveals an issue elsewhere in a property's electrical system.
How Quickly Can We Install an EV Charger in Newhall?
As this recent job demonstrates, sometimes we can survey a property and complete an EV charger installation within the same week.
Our aim is to respond to enquiries as soon as possible. The timescale depends on our availability, the existing installation, equipment availability and any work or approval needed before the charger can be connected.
EV charger installations start from £899 plus VAT, subject to the property and installation requirements, not including an EV board.
If you've ordered an electric car and have a delivery date approaching, contact us as early as possible.
We're happy to arrange a survey, discuss the available chargers and provide a detailed written quotation without any obligation.
FAQs
What's the difference between a tethered and untethered EV charger?
A tethered charger has a charging cable permanently attached, which makes everyday charging more convenient. An untethered charger has a socket, so you use a separate compatible cable, giving the installation a tidier appearance when the car isn't charging. We can help you decide which option suits your driveway and routine.
Do I need a new consumer unit if my existing fuse board is old?
Not necessarily. We assess the existing consumer unit, earthing, available electrical capacity and protective devices before recommending any upgrades. Depending on the results, we may be able to install a dedicated EV consumer unit rather than replace your existing board.
What certificates will I receive after my EV charger is installed?
For a new dedicated charging circuit, we provide an Electrical Installation Certificate confirming the electrical work has been inspected and tested. Where the work is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations, you should also receive a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate through the appropriate notification process. We'll explain what documentation applies to your installation.
Where can I install an EV charger at my property?
We commonly look at external house walls, garages and other suitable positions close to where the vehicle is parked. We assess the cable route, manufacturer's installation requirements, electrical supply and safe access before agreeing on a location. We also consider how the charging lead will reach the car without creating a trip hazard or obstructing a public footpath.
How long does it take to arrange an EV charger installation in Newhall?
Timescales depend on the property and the work required. For our recent customer in Newhall, we completed the site survey on the day they contacted us and installed their charger within the same week. If you have a vehicle delivery date approaching, let us know and we'll check our earliest availability.
Can I use my EV charger with an off-peak electricity tariff?
Many modern smart chargers allow scheduled charging during your electricity supplier's cheaper overnight tariff periods. We recommend checking that your preferred charger is compatible with your tariff and vehicle. We can discuss the available features during your survey.
Need an EV Charger Installed in Newhall or Harlow?
If you've recently bought an electric car or are planning to make the switch, we're happy to help you work out the best charging solution for your home.
At JJB Electrical Ltd, we can arrange a survey, check your existing electrical installation and provide a clear written quotation.
With EV charger installations starting from £899 plus VAT, we'll explain your options and any additional work required before you make a decision.
Call us on 01992 276087 to discuss your installation. There's no obligation to book.
