Fuse Box & Electrical Upgrades for EV Charging in Derby & Derbyshire

Electrical Safety Requirements for EV Chargers

EV chargers place unique demands on a property’s electrical system, which is why the regulations for installing them are stricter than for most household circuits. To ensure long-term safety and compliance, several key protections must be in place before an EV charger can be connected.

RCD / RCBO Protection

Every EV charger must be connected to a circuit protected by an RCD (Residual Current Device) or, preferably, an RCBO (a device that combines RCD and overcurrent protection). These devices detect faults instantly and cut power before any damage can occur.

If your consumer unit doesn’t have suitable protection built in, we install the correct devices or recommend an upgrade.

Surge Protection (SPD)

Current wiring regulations require homes and businesses to have surge protection in many cases. EV chargers are sensitive to voltage spikes, and fitting an SPD helps protect your charger, your vehicle, and the rest of your electrical system from damage during electrical surges.

Correct Earthing Arrangements

Earthing is one of the most important considerations when installing EV chargers.

We check for:

• PME earthing issues (common in UK homes)
• Whether your earthing system is safe for EV charging
• Whether additional protection (such as an earth rod) is needed

Some properties need specialised solutions depending on their incoming supply type. We’ll explain everything clearly and carry out any corrections that are required.

Bonding Requirements

Your home or business must have adequate main bonding to water and gas pipes. This helps prevent dangerous electrical potential differences in the event of a fault. If bonding is missing or undersized, we upgrade it as part of the preparation.

New Dedicated Circuit

EV chargers must always be installed on their own dedicated circuit to prevent overload and ensure stable performance. Sharing circuits (e.g., with sockets or appliances) is not allowed under current regulations.



Compliance With the Latest Wiring Regulations

All EV charger installations must comply with BS 7671:2018 (and relevant amendments). We ensure every part of the installation — from cabling to protection devices — is fully up to current standards.

These safety requirements are not optional; they are essential to protect your home, your vehicle and everyone who uses the charger. We take every step seriously to ensure your installation is safe, compliant and built to last.

Preparing Older Homes or Extensions

Derby and the wider Derbyshire area have a diverse mix of properties, from 1930s semis and Victorian terraces to newer builds and extended homes. Older houses in particular can require additional care when preparing for EV charger installation, simply because their electrical systems weren’t designed with modern, high-demand equipment in mind.

Older Properties (Pre-1990s)

Homes built before the 1990s often have ageing consumer units, no RCD protection and limited circuit capacity. Cabling may also have been extended or altered over time, especially in houses with multiple renovations. We carefully assess the condition of the original wiring and identify whether any upgrades are necessary to support a safe EV charging setup.

Properties With Extensions or Loft Conversions

Extensions can sometimes overload the original consumer unit, especially when kitchens or bathrooms have been added. Many older boards end up full, leaving no space for a dedicated EV circuit. We check that your electrical layout is suitable and, if needed, recommend updates to support both existing circuits and the new charger.

Garages, Outbuildings & Garden Rooms

For homes where the charger needs to be positioned away from the main property — such as in detached garages or garden offices — additional consideration is needed. Cable runs may be longer and may require burial, conduit or protective ducting. We ensure all external wiring is secure, weather-resistant and compliant with regulations.

Mixed Wiring & Older Installations

It’s not unusual to find a mixture of older wiring, differing standards or DIY alterations in older homes. We inspect these carefully to ensure the charging circuit is safe. If we find anything that could compromise safety or performance, we’ll explain the options clearly and carry out any required work professionally.



Tailored Solutions for Derby Housing Stock

From terrace homes near the Cathedral Quarter to rural cottages and post-war semis across Mickleover, Allestree and Littleover, we tailor every installation to the specific challenges of your property. Our aim is always the same — a safe, tidy and long-lasting EV charging setup that works with your home, not against it.

What Happens During an Electrical Upgrade?

Electrical upgrades can sound disruptive or complicated, but in most cases the process is straightforward and completed within a few hours. We handle the entire upgrade from start to finish, ensuring your property is safe, compliant and ready for EV charging.

1. Power Isolation

We begin by turning off the electricity supply to your home or business. This ensures a safe working environment while we remove the old consumer unit or add the necessary upgrades. Power is usually off for a short period, and we’ll always let you know in advance so you can plan around it.

2. Removing the Old Equipment

If a new consumer unit is required, we safely disconnect the old fuse box and remove it. We’ll also tidy the wiring behind it, removing outdated components or incorrect DIY additions if needed.

3. Installing the New Consumer Unit or Upgrades

We fit the new consumer unit or additional protection devices, making sure:

• All circuits are clearly labelled
• RCBO or RCD protection is added where needed
• Surge protection devices (SPD) are installed if required
• The layout meets the latest wiring regulations

For workplaces, we may also add breakers or upgrade distribution boards to support multiple chargers.

4. Reconnecting & Testing Circuits

Once the new unit or upgrades are installed, we reconnect all circuits and carry out thorough testing. This includes:

• Earth fault loop impedance tests
• RCD/RCBO trip tests
• Verification of bonding
• Continuity checks
• Inspection of existing cabling

We ensure everything meets current electrical standards before restoring power.

5. Certification & Documentation

After testing, we issue all relevant certification, including an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Minor Works Certificate, depending on the level of work completed. This proves your property is safe, compliant and ready for your EV charger.

6. Clean & Tidy Finish

We always leave the property tidy and make good any areas affected by the work. As part of the Derbyshire Specialists Group, we can also assist with further repairs or improvements if needed.

7. Installing the EV Charger (If Booked)

Once your electrical system is ready, we can proceed with the EV charger installation — either the same day or at a time that suits you.

Our upgrade process ensures your home or workplace has the safe, reliable electrical foundation needed to provide EV charging and support integrating solar and battery storage for many years to come.

Why Electrical Safety Matters for EV Charging

EV chargers are powerful devices that place a sustained load on your electrical system. When everything is installed correctly, EV charging is extremely safe — but when the installation is rushed or completed without proper upgrades, it can introduce risks that affect your property, your charger and even your vehicle.

Preventing Overloads

A charger that draws too much power for your home or business can overload circuits, causing nuisance tripping or, in rare cases, overheating. Correct load calculations, dedicated circuits and proper protective devices ensure this never happens.

Protecting Against Electrical Faults

RCDs, RCBOs and surge protection devices exist to protect people and equipment. Without them, a fault could cause electric shock risk, damage to your charger or even harm your vehicle’s onboard systems. These protections react instantly, cutting power before any danger can occur.

Avoiding Fire Risks

Old fuse boxes, undersized wiring or DIY electrical work can significantly increase fire risk when combined with the high demand of EV charging. Upgrading your consumer unit helps ensure your property meets modern safety standards designed to prevent these issues.

Ensuring Charger Performance

A charger installed on an inadequate electrical system may run slowly, inconsistently or fail to maintain full charging power. A safe, modern electrical setup ensures:

• Faster charging
• Reliable performance
• Better long-term efficiency

Meeting Legal & Regulatory Requirements

EV charger installations must comply with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations). If your electrical system doesn’t meet minimum standards, upgrading is not optional — it’s a legal requirement for safe installation.

Protecting Your Home, Business & Vehicle

Your EV is a major investment. Ensuring that your electrical infrastructure is safe not only protects the charger but also safeguards the electronics inside your vehicle. Electrical upgrades aren’t about selling extra work — they’re about ensuring your property can handle this modern technology safely, reliably and in full compliance with the latest regulations.

Book an Electrical Assessment for EV Charging

If you’re planning to install an EV charger — or you’re unsure whether your current electrical system is suitable — we’re here to help. A quick electrical assessment gives you clear answers about your consumer unit, capacity and any upgrades needed to support safe, efficient charging. Once done, we are able to provide a bespoke cost breakdown for your EV charging installation.

We carry out assessments and electrical upgrades for home EV charger installation and businesses across Derby and Derbyshire, including Allestree, Mickleover, Littleover, Chaddesden, Oakwood, Spondon, Belper, Ripley, Ilkeston and surrounding areas. Whether your property is new, old or somewhere in between, we’ll make sure it’s fully prepared for EV charging.

Get in Touch to Arrange Your Assessment

• Send us a few photos of your consumer unit
• Ask us to check your electrical capacity
• Find out if you need a fuse box upgrade
• Get advice on safe EV charging for your property
• Book an on-site survey if required

We’ll explain everything clearly, recommend the safest approach and carry out any upgrades to the highest standards.

Get in touch today to book your electrical assessment and prepare your home or business for an EV charger installation in Derbyshire.