EV Charging Point Inspection Requirements for Businesses
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
This article explains the inspection and maintenance requirements for EV charging points in commercial premises, helping businesses understand their safety, compliance, and operational responsibilities.
Why EV charging points must be inspected and maintained
The electrical safety risks associated with EV infrastructure
How inspection requirements link to EICR compliance
What businesses should include in EV charger maintenance programmes
When remedial works may be required
How facilities managers can ensure chargers remain safe and compliant
Electric vehicles are becoming a standard part of modern workplaces. Many organisations now provide EV charging points for staff, visitors, and fleet vehicles.
However, installing chargers is only the first step. Like any electrical installation, EV charging points must be inspected, maintained, and managed properly.
For businesses, this is not just good practice. It forms part of their duty to maintain safe electrical systems and demonstrate compliance.
Why EV Charging Point Inspections Are Important
EV chargers draw significant electrical load and operate in environments where moisture, outdoor exposure, and regular use can introduce risk.
Without proper inspection and maintenance, faults can develop that may lead to:
Electric shock hazards
Overheating or equipment failure
Fire risk within electrical systems
Damage to vehicles or infrastructure
Regular inspection ensures faults are identified early and corrected before they escalate into safety incidents.
Are EV Charging Points Covered by Electrical Regulations?
Yes. EV charging points are part of the building’s electrical installation and must comply with UK electrical safety standards.
This means they fall under the scope of BS 7671 wiring regulations and should be considered during periodic electrical inspections such as an EICR.
When an Electrical Installation Condition Report is carried out, EV charging infrastructure should be assessed alongside the wider electrical system.
How EV Charging Points Are Assessed During an EICR
During an EICR, inspectors evaluate whether electrical installations remain safe for continued use.
For EV charging equipment, this may include checks on:
Circuit protection and isolation
Cable condition and installation quality
Earthing arrangements
Residual current protection
Mechanical condition of the charging unit
Where issues are identified, they may result in observations requiring EICR remedial works.
Addressing these findings promptly ensures the charging infrastructure remains safe and compliant.
Inspection Frequency for EV Charging Infrastructure
There is no single universal inspection frequency for EV charging points. The appropriate interval depends on several factors including installation type, usage levels, and environmental conditions.
In most commercial settings, EV chargers should be inspected:
During scheduled EICR inspections
Following electrical modifications or upgrades
If faults or operational issues occur
After incidents such as impact damage or flooding
High usage charging stations or outdoor installations may require more frequent checks as part of a preventative maintenance programme.
Common Issues Found With Commercial EV Chargers
As EV charging infrastructure expands, several recurring issues are appearing during inspections.
These include damaged cables, worn connectors, loose mounting points, and incorrect circuit protection. Environmental exposure can also cause deterioration in outdoor installations.
Where these issues affect electrical safety, they must be corrected through appropriate remedial works.
Ignoring these faults can increase both safety risks and operational downtime.
Fire Safety Considerations for EV Charging Points
EV charging systems are electrical installations capable of drawing significant power over extended periods.
For this reason, they should be considered within the building’s wider fire safety strategy.
Faulty electrical equipment can become a source of ignition. Ensuring chargers are inspected and maintained helps reduce the likelihood of electrical fires and supports the overall passive fire protection strategy of the building.
Electrical safety and fire safety should never be treated as separate responsibilities.
Responsibilities for Businesses and Facilities Managers
Businesses that provide EV charging infrastructure have a duty to ensure it is safe to use.
This responsibility usually falls to facilities managers or building owners who must ensure that electrical systems are maintained in safe working condition.
Key responsibilities include:
Arranging periodic electrical inspections
Recording maintenance and inspection activity
Acting on defects identified during inspections
Ensuring competent contractors carry out repairs
Documented inspection records provide evidence that the organisation is managing its electrical safety obligations properly.
Integrating EV Chargers Into Your Electrical Maintenance Plan
As EV infrastructure grows, businesses should ensure chargers are fully integrated into their wider electrical maintenance strategy.
This means:
Including EV charging circuits in EICR scopes
Scheduling visual inspections and functionality checks
Addressing defects promptly through remedial works
Reviewing capacity and load management as usage grows
Treating EV chargers as part of the electrical system rather than standalone equipment ensures risks are managed consistently.
How EV Charging Points Are Assessed During Inspection
During electrical inspections, EV charging points should be assessed to confirm they remain safe for continued operation.
Specialist EV charging point testing ensures that charging equipment and associated circuits are functioning correctly and safely.
This may include checks on:
Circuit protection and isolation
Cable condition and installation quality
Earthing arrangements
Residual current protection
Mechanical condition of the charging unit
Where issues are identified, they may result in observations requiring remedial action to restore compliance and safety.
How Protest ES Ltd Supports Electrical Safety & Compliance
Protest ES Ltd supports businesses by helping them manage electrical infrastructure safely and compliantly.
Our services include:
EV charging point testing for commercial premises
Identification and completion of EICR remedial works
Ongoing electrical compliance support
Our focus is on helping organisations maintain safe electrical systems while ensuring compliance with current standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About EV Charging Point Inspections
Do EV charging points need to be inspected?
Yes. EV chargers form part of the electrical installation and should be inspected and maintained like any other electrical equipment within a commercial building.
Are EV chargers included in an EICR?
They should be. If charging points are part of the fixed electrical installation, they fall within the scope of the Electrical Installation Condition Report.
What happens if faults are identified?
If issues affecting electrical safety are found, they will be recorded as observations in the EICR and may require remedial works before the installation can be considered safe.
Who is responsible for EV charger safety?
The building owner, employer, or responsible person managing the premises typically has responsibility for ensuring the equipment is safe and properly maintained.
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