Installing a home EV charger in St Albans is more than a convenience upgrade — it’s a serious electrical job that needs to be done right.
Why a Proper EV Charger Installation in St Albans Is Critical for Safety
With the rise of electric vehicles across the city and surrounding areas like Fleetville, Sandridge, and Marshalswick, more residents are discovering that how their charger is installed is just as important as what model they choose.
From safety standards to insurance implications, this blog explains why choosing a qualified installer matters — and what can go wrong if you don’t.
EV Charger Safety: Why It Matters
EV chargers draw a high and sustained electrical load — far more than a standard plug socket. When installed incorrectly, they pose serious risks, including:
- Electrical fires
- Overheating of circuits
- Damage to the charger or vehicle
- Risk of electric shock
- Voided insurance policies
We’ve seen it first-hand in older homes across St Albans — DIY installs, unqualified contractors, or cash-in-hand work that’s left residents vulnerable and facing costly repairs.
What Can Go Wrong with a Poor Installation?
Here are some real examples we’ve encountered during callouts across St Albans:
Overloaded Consumer Units - Homes built before 1990 often have limited space on the fuseboard or outdated protection. Without proper load calculation and circuit design, a charger installation can trip the entire system — or worse.
No RCD or Surge Protection - Some budget installations skip vital protection measures. Without RCDs and SPDs (which we include as standard), you risk damage to your vehicle’s sensitive electronics and your home’s wiring.
Wrong Cable Size or Insecure Mounting - Cables not rated for the required current can overheat, and poorly secured chargers can pull away from the wall — especially in exposed locations.
No Certification or Building Control Notification - If your installer isn’t NAPIT or NICEIC registered, your work might not be certified. This can cause problems when selling your home or claiming on your insurance.
How It Affects Your Insurance
Most UK home insurers now ask:
- Was your EV charger installed by a qualified professional?
- Was it certified to current regulations?
- Can you provide evidence (e.g. certificate or invoice)?
Failing to meet these criteria can:
- Void parts of your policy
- Delay or deny a claim in the event of a fire
- Reduce your property’s resale value if electrical works aren’t signed off
At JJB EV, every installation in St Albans comes with:
- An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
- Building Regulations compliance notification
- Full documentation for your records and insurer
What’s Required for a Compliant Installation?
NAPIT or NICEIC Registered Installer - This proves the installer is competent, insured, and regularly assessed.
18th Edition Regulation Compliance - Your charger and wiring must meet the latest standards — including use of RCD protection, surge protection devices, and correct cable sizes.
Certification and Notification - A copy of your EIC and Part P compliance notification must be issued within 30 days.
Assessment of Fuseboard - If your current board can’t support a new circuit, a dedicated 18th Edition EV board is installed — a neat, cost-effective solution that keeps your system safe.
Why St Albans Homes Need Special Attention
St Albans has a rich mix of homes — from historic properties and 1930s semis to modern townhouses and new builds. Each presents different challenges:
- Older homes in Fleetville or Camp may have dated fuseboards
- Terraced homes often need creative cable routing
- New builds can have cramped meter cupboards
- Listed buildings or conservation areas need aesthetic and regulatory care
That’s why a local expert with knowledge of St Albans’ property types is essential. We’ve worked on homes in Verulam, London Road, Cottonmill, and New Greens, and understand what works best in each setting.
Our Safety-First Approach at JJB EV
Every charger installation starts with a full home survey:
- We check your fuseboard, earthing, bonding, and existing circuits
- We assess the ideal placement for safe, discreet installation
- We ensure compliance with Part P, BS 7671, and manufacturer specifications
Every quote includes:
- Surge protection
- Certification and building control notification
- A full demo of how to use your charger and smart app
- Ongoing local support — we’re only ever 20 minutes away
Fast, Safe Installation in 4 Easy Steps:
- Book Your Survey – Call 01992 276121 or enquire online
- Receive a Fixed Quote – Transparent pricing with no hard sell
- Installation – Completed in a day, by DBS-checked professionals
- Certification & Aftercare – Peace of mind and documents for your records
Final Thought: Don’t Risk It
A cheap or rushed EV charger installation in St Albans isn’t just a short-term mistake — it can create long-term problems for your safety, your insurance, and your home.
We’re here to help you do it right, with safe, smart, and certified installations that stand the test of time.
📞 Call JJB EV Charger Specialists on 01992 276121
💻 Or visit jjb-electrical.co.uk/ev to request your home survey
