Installing EV consumer units is not just another board swap. The 18th Edition framework and the IET Code of Practice place extra focus on supply capacity, protective device selection, surge protection, accessibility and earthing arrangements. For installers, that means more checks up front and less room for shortcuts.

EV-ready boards form part of our wider Consumer Units range, covering compact domestic setups through to PME-protected and surge-ready installations.

Check the Service Head and Main Fuse

Before you even mount the EV board, confirm the supply can handle the load.

• Many older homes still have 60A fuses - borderline for a 7kW charger.
• Apply to the DNO for an upgrade to 80A or 100A if needed.
• Watch for looped supplies - shared cables between properties must be split before EV install.

Get this wrong and you risk blowing the main cut-out or leaving the install non-compliant.

Does an EV Charger Need a Separate Consumer Unit?

In many installs, yes. A dedicated EV consumer unit is often the cleanest and most compliant way to provide the charger with its own protective devices, surge protection and isolation arrangement.

Whether a separate unit is strictly required depends on the existing board, available ways, earthing arrangement, charger specification and whether the final setup can meet current BS 7671 and EV installation guidance. In practice, many installers choose a dedicated EV board because it simplifies compliance and future maintenance.

Use the Right RCD/RCBO Protection

Too many EV installs still land on the wrong protective device. The key point is to match the RCD or RCBO arrangement to the charger’s DC fault protection and manufacturer instructions.

• Type AC is not suitable for EV charging equipment.
• If the charger includes suitable DC fault current protection, a Type A or Type F device may be used.
• If the charger does not include that protection, a Type B RCD is required.
• The protective device should disconnect all poles.

For clean installs, go straight for RCBO boards with SPDs built-in - e.g. our 4 Way EV Protection Unit – A Type RCBO + SPD.

You can also browse our RCBOs and RCDs if you’re building from parts.

New to EV boards? Read: What Is an EV Consumer Unit?

Surge Protection is Mandatory

Surge protection should be considered as part of the EV installation in line with Section 443 of BS 7671. In practice, EV charger circuits are commonly specified with SPDs because the equipment contains sensitive electronics and coordinated protection is usually the sensible approach.

• Fit a Type 2 SPD as standard.
• On TT systems, use Type 1+2.
• Keep leads short - <10m ideally.

⚡ See also: What Surge Protection Does an EV Charger Install Need? and Where to Install Surge Protection on 3-Phase.

Browse Surge Protection Devices or use a pre-built EV Surge Unit – 100A Isolator + SPD + MCB.

Mounting Height and Accessibility

IET Code of Practice + Equalities Act guidance means:

• Min height: 0.5m above ground.
• Max height: 1.5m.
• Recommended band: 0.75m–1.2m for accessibility.

This avoids bumper strikes, flood risk, and ensures usability for all.

Maintaining Enclosure IP Ratings

Audits show a third of EV installs compromised the IP rating of enclosures. Common mistakes:

• Drilling entries without compression glands or grommets.
• Leaving screw holes unsealed.
• Failing to seat gaskets properly.

Always use the manufacturer’s seals, glands, and washers to maintain IP65.

Outdoor Consumer Units – Handle With Care

Cheap plastic boards stuck outside meter boxes are becoming common - and they rarely comply.

• RCDs not designed for low-temp outdoor operation.
• Condensation and pollution ratings not addressed.
• Missing SPD or PME protection.

Instead, spec a proper EV-ready metal consumer unit with SPD + RCBO, or an IP-rated PME board.

Related read: Do You Still Need an Earth Rod with PME Protection?

Products That Deliver

We stock EV boards designed to pass inspection first time:

• 4 Way EV Protection Unit – A Type RCBO + SPD
• EV Surge Unit – 100A Isolator + SPD + MCB
• PME Consumer Units with load balancing and PEN fault detection
• 3 Phase EV Boards with SPD for commercial installs

FAQs About EV Consumer Unit Installation

We get a lot of the same questions from sparks when it comes to EV boards - from RCBO sizing to whether you can still use the house CU. Here are straight answers to the most common queries.

Do EV chargers need a separate consumer unit?

Often, yes. A dedicated EV consumer unit is frequently the simplest way to provide the charger with the correct protective devices, surge protection and isolation arrangement. Whether it is strictly necessary depends on the existing board, charger specification and whether the final design can meet the required installation standards.

What size RCBO do I need for a 7kW EV charger?

Typically a 40A Type A RCBO is used, but always check the charger manufacturer’s spec and the installation load calculation.

Do EV consumer units need surge protection?

Yes. Under the 18th Edition Amendment 2, all new circuits require surge protection, unless a risk assessment explicitly says otherwise. For EV chargers, the safe route is to always fit an SPD.

Do EV chargers require Type A or Type B RCDs?

Type A is the minimum requirement. Type B is needed if the charger can produce smooth DC leakage. Always follow the charger manufacturer’s datasheet.

Do I still need an earth rod with PME fault protection?

Not usually. A PME/PEN fault detection device removes the rod requirement on PME systems. However, TT systems still need their own earth electrode.

See: Do You Still Need an Earth Rod with PME?

Can I fit an EV charger to a 60A main fuse?

Not recommended. Most DNOs require an upgrade to 80A or 100A if a 7kW charger is being added. Always check supply capacity before install.

Final Word

Installing an EV consumer unit isn’t just about getting power to the charger. It’s about compliance, safety, and future-proofing.

• Check the supply.
• Fit the right RCD/RCBO.
• Include surge and PME protection.
• Mount and seal correctly.

Get those right, and your installs will pass inspection, protect your client’s investment, and cut down on call-backs.

Next step: Browse our full range of EV Consumer Units & Kits and related guides: EV Surge Protection • What Is an EV Consumer Unit?