Wake up to a fully charged car every morning. We are OZEV-approved installers of smart home EV charging points, serving homeowners across Norfolk.
The electric revolution is here. With the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars approaching, switching to an Electric Vehicle (EV) is the smartest move you can make. But buying the car is only half the story. To truly enjoy the convenience and savings of EV ownership, you need a dedicated home charging point.
Forget trailing extension leads out of the kitchen window (which is dangerous and incredibly slow). A dedicated 7kW home wallbox is safer, three times faster, and integrates with your smart home to charge when electricity is cheapest. At Yare Electrical, we guide you through the entire process—from checking your main fuse to installing the charger and setting up the app.
Can Your Home Handle a Charger?
EV chargers put a huge load on your electrics. We check your fuse and supply capacity before we quote.
Why You Need a Dedicated Home Charger
Many new EV owners ask: “Can’t I just use a 3-pin plug?”
Technically, yes, but it is not recommended for daily use. A standard 3-pin socket (Granny Charger) delivers only 2.3kW. Charging a modern EV with a 60kWh battery would take over 24 hours. Furthermore, standard domestic sockets are not designed to run at full power for that long, leading to overheating and fire risk.
The Solution: A 7kW Smart Wallbox
A dedicated home charger runs on a separate circuit at 7kW (32 Amps). This charges the same car in just 8 hours—perfect for plugging in when you get home from work and waking up to a full battery.
Smart Charging: Save Money While You Sleep
Under the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021, all new home chargers must be “Smart.” This means they connect to your Wi-Fi and can be controlled via an app.
Intelligent Scheduling
Electricity prices vary. Many suppliers (like Octopus Energy) offer special EV tariffs where electricity costs as little as 7p/kWh between 12:30am and 4:30am. Your charger can be programmed to only charge during these cheap windows.
This can reduce the cost of “filling the tank” from £20.00 down to just £4.00. Over a year, this smart scheduling can save you hundreds of pounds compared to standard charging.
Solar EV Charging: Drive on Sunshine
If you have Solar Panels, you can charge your car for free. We install specialist chargers like the MyEnergi Zappi or Hypervolt that have “Solar Matching” technology.
These chargers monitor how much excess energy your solar panels are generating. Instead of exporting that surplus to the grid for pennies, the charger diverts it directly into your car battery. If a cloud goes over, the charger automatically slows down to match the solar output. It is the ultimate eco-friendly driving solution.
Our Installation Process: The Technical Details
Installing a charger is more complex than adding a socket. It involves significant interaction with the grid and safety regulations.
Step 1: The Capacity Check (DNO)
An EV charger adds 32 Amps of load to your house. Most older homes in Norwich only have a 60 Amp main fuse. If you turn on your electric shower (40A) and your cooker (30A) while the car is charging, you could blow the main fuse for the whole street.
We perform a load calculation. If necessary, we contact UK Power Networks (the DNO) on your behalf to apply for a main fuse upgrade (usually free) or to notify them of the installation.
Step 2: PEN Fault Protection
In the past, installing an outside charger meant hammering a long copper “Earth Rod” into your driveway. This was messy and unsightly. We use modern chargers with built-in Open PEN Fault Protection. This technology monitors the supply voltage and disconnects L, N, and E instantly if a fault is detected, keeping you safe without the need for an earth rod.
Step 3: Load Curtailment
If your main fuse cannot be upgraded (common on “looped supplies” in terraced streets), we install a CT Clamp. This device monitors your home’s total energy usage. If you turn on the shower and the oven, the charger automatically lowers the power to the car to prevent the fuse from blowing. Once the shower is off, the car goes back to full speed.
Grants for Renters & Flat Owners
While the grant for homeowners (detached/semi-detached) has ended, government funding is still available for specific groups via the OZEV infrastructure grant:
- Renters: If you rent your home, you can claim up to £350 off the cost of installation.
- Flat Owners: If you own a flat (leasehold) with a dedicated parking space, you are also eligible for the £350 grant.
- Landlords: You can claim grants to install charging points at your rental properties to make them more attractive to tenants.
As OZEV-approved installers, Yare Electrical can help you check your eligibility and handle the paperwork.
Why Choose Yare Electrical?
- Unbiased Advice: We are not tied to one manufacturer. We install Zappi, Ohme, Tesla, Easee, and more. We will recommend the best charger for your specific car and budget.
- Neat Installation: We take pride in hiding cables. Whether we run cable through the loft, clip it neatly along the brickwork, or trench it through the garden, we ensure the finish is tidy.
- Safety First: We often find that existing consumer units don’t have the spare space or RCD protection needed for a charger. We will honestly assess your existing electrics and quote for any necessary upgrades to keep you safe.
Ready to Go Electric?
Make the switch seamlessly. Contact Yare Electrical on 01603 626400 to book your free site survey and get a fixed-price quote.