Short answer: no, they can’t. Not legally.
I’m writing this because I’ve found properties with EV chargers installed by people who aren’t qualified to do so. It’s not safe and it creates real problems for the homeowner. Let me explain what you need to check and why it matters.
The Legal Requirement: Part P and Building Regulations
In England, electrical work in homes falls under Part P of the Building Regulations. EV charger installation is notifiable electrical work, which means it has to be done by someone registered with an approved competent person scheme.
The main schemes are NAPIT, NICEIC, and ELECSA. I’m registered with NAPIT. When I install an EV charger, I’m inspected by NAPIT, and I issue a certificate that proves the work meets Building Regulations.
If you use an electrician who isn’t registered with one of these schemes, there’s no certification, no inspection, and no legal compliance. You’ve just got an EV charger installed by someone who might or might not know what they’re doing.
Why This Matters: The Real Risks
If you get an unqualified installation and something goes wrong, you’ve got several problems.
Your building insurance might not cover damage caused by the installation. If there’s a fire, electrocution, or damage to the house, your insurer could refuse the claim because the work wasn’t done to approved standards.
When you sell the house, you’ll need to disclose that electrical work was done without certification. You might need to pay for a qualified electrician to retrofit a certificate or redo the work. This can cost hundreds of pounds.
If the charger malfunctions or damages your car, the charger manufacturer’s warranty might be void because the installation wasn’t certified.
There’s a genuine safety risk. Improper installation can cause electrocution, fire, or damage to the home electrical system.
What to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician
Before you book anyone to install an EV charger, ask these questions:
Are you registered with NAPIT, NICEIC, or ELECSA? If the answer is no, don’t use them.
Will you provide a Building Regulations certificate on completion? If the answer is no, don’t use them.
What’s your experience with EV charger installation? You want someone who’s installed chargers before, not someone doing it for the first time.
Can you provide references or examples of previous installations? Legitimate installers can.
The Honest Picture
A lot of ordinary electricians aren’t registered with a competent person scheme. They might do general electrical work, rewiring, fault-finding, general repairs, and they’re fine. But they can’t legally do notifiable work like EV charger installation.
Some unregistered electricians will install chargers anyway because it’s paid work. Some probably don’t realise the legal requirement. Either way, you’re taking a risk.
My Position
I’m NAPIT registered. Every charger I install is inspected and certified. You get a building regulations certificate, you get a warranty, you get insurance compliance, you get peace of mind. It costs a bit more than getting someone unqualified, but it protects you and your home.
Bottom Line
Don’t be tempted by an electrician who quotes less because they’re unqualified. It’s a false economy. The risks aren’t worth it.
I install EV chargers throughout Selby, York, Goole, and surrounding areas. I’m NAPIT registered, Which? Trusted Trader, DBS checked, and rated 5-star on Google. If you want a qualified, certified installation you can trust, call me on 01904 599109.
For full details on my EV charger installation service, visit my EV charger installation page.