EICR for EV Charger Installation: What Building Owners Need to Know

TL;DR

• In most cases, yes. A valid EICR is required, or strongly advisable, before an EV charger can be safely connected to your electrical system.

• BS 7671 treats EV charging equipment as part of the fixed electrical installation, so it falls within the scope of periodic inspection.

• The safest sequence is EICR first, then any remedial works, then charger installation and sign-off.

• Skipping this step is one of the most common reasons commercial EV charger installations get delayed.

• Using one contractor for the EICR, remedial works and charger installation avoids handover gaps between suppliers.

Commercial EV charging is expanding fast, driven by fleet electrification targets and growing staff and visitor demand. Many property and facilities managers assume a charger can simply be added to the existing supply. In practice, the existing electrical installation often needs to be checked first, and that check is usually an Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR.

This article answers the question directly: is EICR for EV charger installation required, when it applies, and how to sequence the work so your installation is not delayed.

Why You Need an EICR for EV Charger Installation

An EV charger draws a significant and sustained electrical load, often for several hours at a time. Before that load is added, the existing installation needs to be confirmed as safe and capable of handling it.

An EICR assesses the condition of the fixed wiring, distribution boards, earthing and protective devices across a building. If the installation is old, has been modified over time, or shows signs of deterioration, a charger installer may not be able to safely connect a new circuit until those issues are addressed.

What BS 7671 Says About EV Charging Circuits

BS 7671, the UK wiring regulations, includes specific requirements for EV charging installations under Section 722. These cover earthing arrangements, protective device selection and, in most cases, additional protection against electric shock.

Because EV charging equipment forms part of the fixed installation, it falls within the scope of a periodic inspection carried out under an EICR. A competent electrician needs to confirm the supply, earthing system and protective devices meet current requirements before a charger is energised.

When Is an EICR Legally Required Before Installation?

There is no single blanket rule stating an EICR must always be carried out before every EV charger installation. However, in commercial and multi-occupancy settings, an EICR is required or strongly recommended in these situations:

• The building's last EICR is out of date, or its recommended retest date has passed.

• The existing distribution board does not have confirmed spare capacity or correct protective devices for the new circuit.

• The property has multiple previous alterations without full retesting.

• A landlord, insurer, or lender requires evidence of electrical compliance before approving new works.

• The charger installer cannot verify the condition of the supply without a formal inspection.

In each of these cases, installing a charger without first confirming the condition of the electrical installation creates a compliance gap that can delay sign-off or invalidate insurance in the event of a fault.

The Right Sequence: EICR, Remedial Works, Then Installation

Getting the order right avoids wasted site visits and delays. The recommended sequence is:

1. Carry out an EICR to assess the condition of the existing installation.

2. Review the findings and agree any remedial works needed to bring the installation up to standard.

3. Complete the remedial works and confirm the installation is safe for the additional load.

4. Install the EV charger and carry out EV charging point testing to confirm the new circuit is safe and compliant.

5. Issue the relevant certification and sign off the installation.

What Happens If Remedial Works Are Needed

If the EICR identifies defects, these are recorded as observation codes. Depending on severity, some defects must be corrected before the installation can proceed, while others may be lower priority. A competent contractor should explain which findings directly affect the EV charger installation and which can be scheduled separately, so the project is not held up unnecessarily.

What Happens If You Skip the EICR

Installing a charger without first checking the existing electrical installation carries real risk. Common consequences include:

• The charger installer refusing to connect the new circuit until the supply has been verified.

• Undetected faults in the existing wiring being made worse by the additional load.

• Increased risk of overheating, nuisance tripping, or electric shock.

• Difficulty obtaining sign-off or certification for the completed installation.

• Potential issues with insurance cover if a fault occurs and no recent EICR exists.

These issues tend to surface at the worst possible time, usually once the charger has already been ordered or partially installed.

Who Is Responsible for Arranging the EICR

For commercial and multi-occupancy buildings, the responsible person, typically the building owner, employer, or managing agent, holds the duty to ensure the electrical installation is safe. This includes confirming it remains suitable before new equipment such as an EV charger is added.

In practice, this means arranging the EICR before committing to a charger installation date, rather than treating it as an afterthought once the charging equipment has arrived on site.

Once a charger is in use, ongoing inspection and maintenance also apply. For guidance on what happens after installation, see our article on EV charging point inspection requirements for businesses.

How Protest ES Ltd Supports the Full Process

Managing an EICR, any resulting remedial works, and the EV charger installation across separate contractors can create gaps in accountability. Protest ES Ltd carries out the full sequence under one team, from the initial EICR through to remedial works and EV charging point testing, supported by our wider electrical compliance services.

If you are planning an EV charger installation and want to understand where your building currently stands, get a quote and we will advise on the right starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an EICR before installing an EV charger?

In most commercial settings, yes. An EICR confirms the existing electrical installation can safely support the additional load of an EV charger before a new circuit is connected.

Is an EICR a legal requirement for EV charger installation?

There is no single law stating an EICR must always precede every installation, but BS 7671 requires the supply and protective devices to be verified as safe, which in practice means an EICR or equivalent inspection is usually needed.

How long does an EICR take before EV charger installation?

Duration depends on the size and condition of the building, but most commercial EICRs are completed within a day or two, with a report issued shortly afterwards setting out any required actions.

What happens if my EICR reveals remedial work is needed?

The findings are recorded as observation codes ranked by severity. Higher priority defects usually need to be corrected before the charger installation proceeds, while lower priority items can often be scheduled separately.

Can the same contractor carry out the EICR, remedial works and EV charger installation?

Yes. Using one contractor for the full sequence reduces handover gaps and ensures consistent responsibility for the finished installation, rather than splitting the work across multiple suppliers.

How does BS 7671 apply to EV charging circuits?

BS 7671 Section 722 sets out specific requirements for EV charging installations, including earthing arrangements and protective device selection, which a competent electrician verifies as part of the installation and inspection process.

How often does an EV charger need re-testing after installation?

Once installed, EV chargers should be included in the building's ongoing electrical maintenance programme and inspected at appropriate intervals. Our guide to EV charging point inspection requirements covers this in more detail.