If you’re fitting an EV charger, you can’t just pick a spare way in a domestic consumer unit and hope it’ll pass inspection.
The 18th Edition Amendment 2 of BS 7671 sets clear rules for EV charger circuits - including PEN fault protection, surge protection, and a dedicated supply. An EV consumer unit is purpose-built to meet these requirements and give you a safe, compliant, and reliable install.
What Is an EV Consumer Unit?
An EV consumer unit is a dedicated distribution board designed to supply an electric vehicle charging point. Unlike a standard board, it includes the specific protection devices required for EV circuits under UK wiring regulations.
A typical EV‑ready unit may include:
- Overcurrent and earth leakage protection via an RCBO or MCB + RCD
- PEN fault detection for PME earthing systems - disconnecting all poles if a fault is detected
- Type 2 Surge Protection Device (SPD) to guard against voltage spikes
- IP‑rated enclosure for safe indoor or outdoor use
View our full range of EV‑Ready Consumer Units & Kits
Shop PME Fault Detection Units
Why EV Chargers Need Their Own Consumer Unit
There are three main reasons:
- Safety - A dedicated board isolates the charger from the main installation, preventing faults from affecting other circuits.
- Regulatory compliance - 18th Edition Amendment 2 requires EV chargers to be on a dedicated circuit with specific fault protection.
- Performance - Reduces nuisance tripping and allows the use of protection devices tailored to the charger’s characteristics.
Explore Type B RCDs for chargers producing smooth DC leakage
PEN Fault Protection Explained
Most UK homes have a PME (Protective Multiple Earthing) supply. If the combined neutral/earth conductor is damaged (a PEN fault), exposed metalwork like your EV charger casing can become live.
To protect against this:
- Modern EV consumer units include PEN fault detection
- These devices disconnect all live conductors and the earth in milliseconds if a fault is detected
- This avoids the need to drive an earth rod in most cases
Popular options:
Surge Protection for EV Installs
EV chargers contain sensitive electronics that can be damaged by transient overvoltages from lightning strikes or switching surges.
BS 7671 requires surge protection where the consequences of damage could affect safety, public services, or significant financial loss - EV chargers fit that bill.
- Type 2 SPDs are the standard for EV circuits
- Can be built into the EV consumer unit or added as a separate enclosure
- Must be installed with short earth leads to remain effective
See our Surge Protection Devices
A Type RCBO + Surge Protection – Solus Kit
Choosing the Right EV Consumer Unit for Your Install
When selecting a unit, consider:
- Location - Outdoor units need IP65+ rating
- Supply type - Single‑phase or three‑phase
- RCD/RCBO type - A Type is common, B Type for chargers with DC leakage
- Integrated protection - SPD and PEN built‑in vs standalone devices
- Future‑proofing - Extra ways for adding circuits later
Recommended models:
- 4 Way EV Protection Unit – A Type RCBO + SPD
- EV Kit – IP65, 63A B Type RCD + 40A MCB
- EV Surge Unit – 100A Main + SPD + MCB Options
EV Consumer Unit FAQs
Got questions about EV consumer units? Here are the answers we give sparkies, contractors, and procurement teams most often - straight to the point, no waffle.
Can you connect an EV charger to a garage consumer unit?
Yes, if it meets all EV circuit requirements - including correct RCD/RCBO type, SPD, and PEN protection if on a PME supply.
What size cable from consumer unit to EV charger?
Typically 6mm² or 10mm² twin & earth for single‑phase installs, but always confirm with load calculation and manufacturer guidance.
Is an RCD the same as a consumer unit?
No - an RCD is a single protective device. A consumer unit is the entire distribution board housing multiple devices.
Can I fit a consumer unit myself?
No - EV consumer units must be installed and tested by a qualified electrician.
Shop EV‑Ready Consumer Units & Kits
Looking for a compliant, install‑ready EV board?
Browse our EV‑Ready Consumer Units & Kits - all built to 18th Edition standards, pre‑wired for speed, and shipped from our UK warehouse.