What should you do if your commercial EV chargers keep going offline?
What does offline actually mean? Offline usually indicates a loss of communication with the backend platform rather than a hardware failure. Some chargers continue charging whilst offline, others cannot. Identify patterns Determine whether one charger or multiple chargers are affected, whether faults occur at specific times and whether they coincide with power interruptions or firmware […]
How often should commercial EV chargers be serviced?
Why there is no universal servicing interval There is no single legal requirement specifying a fixed servicing interval for every charger. Usage, environment, manufacturer guidance and previous inspection findings all influence maintenance frequency. Usage matters more than age A lightly used office charger and a busy retail charger of the same age may require very […]
Who is responsible for maintaining commercial EV chargers?
Responsibility is not always ownership Landlords, managing agents, FM providers, electrical contractors and software providers may all play a role. Responsibilities should be clearly documented to avoid maintenance tasks falling between organisations. Different properties create different responsibilities Office buildings, business parks, residential developments and public charging locations all require different management models depending on ownership […]
Can existing EV chargers be transferred to a new management platform?
What does transferring actually mean? The physical charger usually remains in place whilst its secure connection is reconfigured to communicate with a different backend platform. Why organisations transfer platforms Common reasons include consolidating estates, improving operational visibility, reducing administration, improving reporting and supporting future growth. Checks before migration Confirm hardware compatibility, firmware, ownership, administrator credentials, […]
Can you change EV charging software without replacing the chargers?
Why organisations change software Businesses evolve. They may introduce paid charging, fleet management, visitor charging, ESG reporting or multi-site management that their original platform cannot easily support. Changing software is not the same as replacing hardware The charger often remains in place whilst the backend management platform changes. The process is similar to changing your […]
What is OCPP and why does it matter?
Think of OCPP as a common language OCPP allows chargers and backend software to exchange information such as charger status, authentication, energy usage, fault reporting, tariffs and firmware updates. Without a common standard, each manufacturer would effectively speak its own language. Why it matters commercially OCPP helps reduce supplier lock-in, supports software choice, improves operational […]
What is RC59 and Why is it Important for Commercial EV Charging?
Understanding the organisation behind RC59 To understand why RC59 carries so much influence, it helps to understand who produced it. The RISC Authority is an independent body funded by the UK insurance industry. Its purpose is to research emerging risks affecting commercial property and publish practical guidance that helps organisations protect people, buildings and business […]
Can EV Chargers Be Safely Installed in Covered or Underground Car Parks?
Why are enclosed car parks different? One of the biggest misconceptions is that underground car parks are fundamentally unsafe for EV charging. In reality, the difference lies in the environment rather than the charger itself. A basement or covered car park often has characteristics that are not present in an open-air location, including: These characteristics […]
Are Commercial EV Chargers a Fire Risk?
Understanding where the risk actually sits One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding EV charging infrastructure is that the charger itself is usually the source of concern. In reality, a charging installation is made up of several separate systems working together. These typically include: Each of these components has its own design standards, maintenance requirements and […]
How can you future-proof a commercial EV charging installation?
1. Design for growth Plan for increasing EV adoption, tenant expectations and future fleet electrification. 2. Invest beneath the surface Installing spare ducting, containment and expansion routes during the initial project is usually far cheaper than excavating later. 3. Build flexibility into the electrical design Allow for future expansion through suitable distribution arrangements, spare capacity […]