Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common on roads across Berkshire, and with more homeowners making the switch, home EV charging installations are becoming one of the most popular electrical upgrades.
This recent project in Lower Earley (Reading) involved the installation of a new EV charger for a customer who had been recommended by a previous client. Recommendations are always appreciated, and it is rewarding to see customers passing on positive experiences to family members and friends. While every EV charger installation is different, this particular project involved a substantial cable run, some challenging outdoor work, and a couple of visits due to the unpredictable British weather.
EV Charger Installation in Lower Earley: Planning the Installation
One of the most important parts of any EV charger installation is planning the route for the power supply. Unlike some installations where the charger can be mounted close to the electricity supply, this property required a cable run of approximately 40 metres from the main supply position to the garage area where the charger would be installed. The charger needed its own dedicated power supply. Normally, an EV charger can often be connected directly to a suitably compliant existing consumer unit. However, in this case, the existing consumer unit did not meet the current requirements for the installation, so a separate dedicated consumer unit was installed specifically for the EV charger circuit. This provided the necessary protection for the charger while allowing the installation to be completed safely and in accordance with current regulations. Following discussions on site, the customer also asked us to provide a quotation for a full consumer unit upgrade, which will be issued shortly. The new consumer unit was fitted with both RCBO protection and SPD protection. RCBO protection ensures that if a fault occurs on the EV charger circuit, only that individual circuit is affected, while the rest of the property continues to operate normally. SPD protection helps protect both the charger and other electrical equipment from voltage surges that can occasionally occur on the electrical network.
Running a 40 Metre Armoured Cable
The biggest part of the project was running approximately 40 metres of 6mm armoured cable from the supply position all the way to the garage area. Although cable runs can sound straightforward on paper, the reality is often quite different. The route had to be carefully planned to keep the installation neat and discreet while avoiding unnecessary disruption to the garden and surrounding areas. Part of the cable route required working behind planting areas and navigating around existing landscaping features. This involved plenty of careful manoeuvring and more than a few scratches on the hands while pulling cable through tight spaces and trying to preserve the appearance of the garden. One of the most satisfying parts of outdoor electrical work is finding solutions that achieve the required result while keeping the finished installation as unobtrusive as possible. By the time the cable was fully installed, secured, and terminated, most of the hard work had been completed.
Working Around the Weather
Like many outdoor electrical projects, the weather played its part. Heavy rain arrived during the installation period, making it impractical to complete the entire project safely in one visit. Rather than rushing the work, the decision was made to split the installation into two separate days. The first visit focused on running the armoured cable and preparing both ends of the installation. Once the weather improved, a second visit was arranged to install the charger itself, fit the dedicated consumer unit, carry out all testing, and complete the final commissioning process. Sometimes taking a little longer and completing the work properly is the better option. Outdoor electrical installations need to be safe, reliable, and built to last, regardless of the weather conditions.
Testing and Commissioning the Charger in Lower Earley
Once the physical installation was complete, the final stage involved testing and commissioning the system. This is a critical part of every EV charger installation. Electrical testing verifies that the circuit has been installed correctly and confirms that all protective devices operate as intended. The charger was then configured, commissioned, and connected to the customer's charging platform and settings. Modern EV chargers offer a range of smart features, including scheduling, charging monitoring, and remote management through mobile applications. Taking the time to set these functions up correctly ensures the customer gets the most from their new charger from day one.
Benefits of Dedicated Home Charging
For many EV owners, having a charger installed at home is one of the biggest advantages of owning an electric vehicle. Charging overnight is convenient, often more economical than public charging, and means the vehicle is ready each morning without needing a trip to a charging station. A professionally installed charger also provides faster charging speeds compared to a standard socket while incorporating the safety features required for EV charging. As more households move towards electric vehicles, properly designed charging installations are becoming an important part of modern homes. Projects like this demonstrate how even complex installations with long cable runs can be completed neatly and safely with careful planning and the right equipment.
Professional EV Installation in Lower Earley
Every EV charger installation presents its own challenges, whether it involves long cable runs, outdoor routing, weather conditions, or finding the most practical location for the charger itself. The key is making sure the installation is designed correctly from the beginning, using suitable cable sizes, proper protective devices, and careful workmanship throughout. This particular installation required two visits, around 40 metres of armoured cable, dedicated RCBO and SPD protection, and plenty of outdoor work, but the finished result was a safe, reliable, and tidy charging solution that will serve the customer for many years to come.
If you are based in Lower Earley, Reading, Wokingham, or the surrounding areas and are considering an EV charger installation, call 0118 430 0038 to discuss your project and get practical advice on the best charging solution for your property.
