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Do EV Chargers Have Built-in Surge Protection – Or Do You Need a Separate Unit?
Posted by: Michael Hickey -

Most EV chargers on the market don’t include built-in surge protection. That means if you wire one straight into a standard board, you could be leaving the installation non-compliant with the 18th Edition Amendment 2. For most domestic jobs, you’ll need a dedicated EV protection unit that combines both A-Type RCBO protection and a Type 2 Surge Protection Device (SPD).

Here’s what you need to know before you order, and which units tick every compliance box.

🧭 Jump to:

Why Surge Protection Matters on EV Charger Installs

Surge protection isn’t just box-ticking for Amendment 2 – it’s what stops a £1,000 charger (and the house it’s wired into) from frying the first time the supply spikes. If you’re fitting EV points, you can’t ignore it.

  • Amendment 2 compliance: Domestic installs are required to include Type 2 SPD unless a risk assessment proves otherwise (rare in practice).
  • Protects the charger and the property: Surges from lightning strikes or switching transients can damage EV chargers and connected circuits.
  • Inspection-ready: NICEIC/NAPIT testers will flag missing SPDs – it’s not worth the callback.

👉 Explore our full range of Surge Protection Devices.

Do EV Chargers Have Surge Protection Built In?

Plenty of installers assume the charger handles surge protection itself. In reality, very few do – and even then, it rarely meets BS7671 requirements on its own. Here’s the truth behind the spec sheets.

  • Some premium models claim to integrate SPD internally.
  • The majority do not – and even if they do, it’s often not sufficient to meet BS7671 requirements.
  • Manufacturer guidance usually specifies the use of an external SPD enclosure.

Bottom line: Don’t assume the charger covers you. Most installs need a separate SPD in the circuit.

Why an A-Type RCBO Is Also Required

Every EV circuit needs RCD protection – but not all RCDs are equal.

  • Type A RCBO: Detects AC and pulsating DC leakage, which is common in EV charging.
  • Bi-directional protection: Ensures correct fault detection even with inverter-driven loads.
  • Installer benefit: Dual-handle RCBOs make fault-finding faster – white handle = RCD trip, black handle = MCB trip.

👉 View our A-Type RCBOs, including the A-Type RCBO commonly used for charger installs.

The Easiest Way: EV Protection Units with RCBO + SPD

Instead of piecing together separate modules, many installers now fit pre-wired EV protection units that combine everything in one box.

Take the WMRC 4 Way Metal EV Protection Unit with A-Type RCBO & Surge Protection:

  • Pre-wired A-Type RCBO – Bi-directional, 30mA, dual-handle for clear fault diagnostics.
  • Type 2 SPD included – 20kA/40kA discharge capacity, DIN-rail mounted.
  • 4-way metal enclosure – Compact, durable, white powder-coated.
  • Amendment 2 compliant – Covers both SPD and Type A RCD requirements.
  • Fast fit – Saves time on-site and avoids wiring mistakes.

Available in 16A, 20A, 32A, and 40A ratings with B or C curves to match the charger spec.

👉 Also compare with other EV kits like the A-Type RCBO EV Kit (40A B Curve) or the IP65 A-Type RCBO EV Kit.

FAQs Installers Still Ask

Even experienced sparkies get caught out on EV regs. These are the questions we hear every week – and the answers that keep you compliant and callback-free.

Do I still need an earth rod with PME?

Not if you’re using a unit with built-in PME fault protection. Check our PME Fault Detection Units for those options.

Will this work with all EV charger brands?

Yes – the WMRC series is designed for most single-phase domestic chargers. Always confirm against manufacturer requirements.

What if my charger says it has SPD built in?

Double-check the datasheet. In most cases, a separate SPD is still needed to satisfy BS7671.

Which rating should I choose?

Match the RCBO current rating to the charger output (e.g. 32A for a 7kW charger).

Recommended Next Steps

Wrap-up

Most EV chargers don’t include surge protection, and even when they do, it’s often not enough to satisfy the regs. Using a combined EV protection unit with both A-Type RCBO and SPD built in is the simplest, fastest way to stay compliant and avoid callbacks.

👉 Check out our WMRC 4 Way EV Protection Unit – in stock for next-day dispatch.