My electrics keep tripping since the EV charger was installed — is the installation at fault?

Possibly. A properly installed EV charger should have its own dedicated circuit with appropriate protection and should not cause other circuits to trip. If other circuits are affected, the installation may be at fault.

Should I have received a certificate after installation?

Yes. EV charger installation is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations. You should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (not just a Minor Works Certificate) and the work should be notified to your local Building Control.

What if the original installer will not come back to fix it?

If the installer was OZEV-approved and their work is non-compliant, you can complain to their certification body (NAPIT, NICEIC, etc.). You may also have consumer rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 for services not carried out with reasonable care and skill.

Does my consumer unit need upgrading for an EV charger?

Many older consumer units do not have enough spare ways or capacity for a 32A EV charger circuit. An upgrade to a larger board with RCBO protection may be needed. This should have been assessed during the pre-installation survey.

What protection does an EV charger circuit need?

At minimum: a 32A MCB, Type A RCD protection (or Type B if the charger lacks DC protection), and a Type 2 surge protection device. The charger should be on a dedicated circuit with correctly sized cable for the distance.

Caution

Updated 30 August 2026

Problems After EV Charger Installation

You are experiencing electrical problems that started after your EV charger was installed.

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What's happening?

Problems that begin after an EV charger installation may be caused by the installation itself — incorrect wiring, undersized cables, inadequate consumer unit capacity, or missing protective devices. A properly installed EV charger should not affect the rest of your electrical system.

What usually causes it?

Consumer unit overloaded — insufficient spare capacity for a 32A charger
Incorrect or missing RCD/RCBO protection
Undersized cable between the consumer unit and the charger
Earth bonding not correctly completed
Charger not configured correctly for the supply
Surge protection not fitted as required by BS 7671

Is it dangerous?

Installation faults can be a genuine safety risk. Incorrect wiring, missing earth bonding, or inadequate protection could create shock or fire hazards. If your electrics are tripping since the installation, other circuits are affected, or you notice warm cables or burning smells, treat this as urgent.

Can I fix it myself?

You cannot and should not attempt to fix installation faults yourself. EV charger installation must comply with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) and Part P of the Building Regulations. Check that you received an electrical installation certificate from the installer and that they were an OZEV-approved installer.

When should you call an electrician?

Call an electrician (ideally not the original installer if you suspect their work is at fault) if the EV charger trips your main electrics, if other circuits have been affected since installation, if the charger cable or consumer unit feels warm, if you did not receive an installation certificate, or if the charger has never worked correctly since installation.

What will the electrician actually do?

Inspect the EV charger installation against BS 7671 requirements
Test the circuit for correct protection (RCD type, MCB rating, surge protection)
Check cable sizing and voltage drop under load
Verify earth bonding and protective conductor integrity
Rectify any non-compliant aspects of the installation
Issue a new electrical installation certificate if remedial work is done