Are There Safety Risks With Home EV Chargers?

If you’re planning to install an electric car charger at home, you might wonder:

• Is it safe?

• What risks should I know about?

• How do I protect my home and family?

  
  

This post gives you clear, honest answers so you can charge with confidence.

Are Home EV Chargers Safe?

Yes! When installed by a qualified, government-approved installer, home EV chargers are very safe.

Modern chargers include:

✅ Built-in safety switches to prevent overloading

✅ Auto shut-off features if something goes wrong

✅ Smart monitoring to detect faults

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electric-vehicle-homecharge-scheme-customer-guidance

What Are the Main Safety Risks?

While rare, possible issues include:

• Faulty wiring if installed by unqualified workers

• Overloaded circuits if your home’s system isn’t assessed properly

• Water or weather damage if installed incorrectly outdoors

• Damaged cables from wear and tear or pets

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✅ Important tip: Always choose an OZEV-authorised installer to avoid these risks.

How Can You Keep Your Charger Safe?

• Schedule regular visual checks for signs of damage

• Keep the charger area clean, dry, and free of clutter

• Replace cables if they show cracks or wear

• Update any connected apps or software when prompted

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✅ Good practice: Ask your installer for a safety walkthrough on installation day.

Are There Rules and Standards?

Yes, all government-approved EV chargers must meet UK safety and wiring standards.

Installers must follow:

• The IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671)

• OZEV installation rules to qualify for grants

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More details here:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-grants-for-low-emission-vehicles

Ready for a Safe, Expert Installation?

At Solarsmith, we:

• Only use fully certified, approved installers

• Provide safety certificates and warranty details

• Offer expert advice on long-term charger care

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👉 Visit our EV Charging Point Installation page to book a safe, professional install.

Official Government Resources

• EV Homecharge Scheme Customer Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electric-vehicle-homecharge-scheme-customer-guidance

• Approved Installer and Grant Info: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-grants-for-low-emission-vehicles