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 […]
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 […]
How do you choose the right EV chargers for a commercial property?
1. Start with the users Employees, residents, visitors, fleet drivers and public users all have different charging behaviours and expectations. 2. Assess electrical capacity first Understand the site’s available capacity before deciding how many chargers to install or their power rating. 3. Match charger speed to dwell time Higher power is not always better. Workplace […]
What should you consider before installing commercial EV chargers?
1. Define the purpose Decide whether the infrastructure is for staff, residents, visitors, fleet vehicles or public use. This affects charger specification, access control and billing. 2. Understand your electrical infrastructure Carry out an electrical assessment early to understand available capacity, potential load management requirements and whether a DNO upgrade may be necessary. 3. Plan […]
What should an annual EV charger inspection include?
Visual condition Inspect enclosures, fixings, labels, weather seals, bollards, impact damage, corrosion and signs of overheating. Charging cables and connectors Check cable insulation, connector pins, wear, damage and cable management. Electrical safety Verify protective devices, earthing, isolation arrangements, RCD operation where applicable and evidence of overheating or loose connections. Functional testing Confirm charging sessions, authentication, […]
Should commercial EV chargers be included within an EICR?
What does an EICR cover? The fixed electrical installation including circuits, protective devices and wiring supplying the charger. What does it not cover? Detailed examination of charger condition, connector wear, enclosure damage, software performance or operational functionality. Best practice Combine periodic EICRs with dedicated EV charger inspections for a more complete picture of infrastructure condition.
Do commercial EV chargers require annual inspections?
Why inspect annually? Regular inspections identify deterioration, damage, loose connections, environmental wear and operational issues before they develop into safety risks or costly failures. What influences inspection frequency? Manufacturer recommendations, operating environment, usage levels, site risk assessment and organisational maintenance policies should all be considered. Why documentation matters Inspection reports provide an auditable record that […]