Tayross Associates Chartered Building Surveyors | Party Wall Rates London | Party Wall Surveyor West London | Building/Structural RICS Survey London

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, home and workplace EV charger installations are rapidly increasing across the UK. At Tayross Associates Ltd, our role as Chartered Building Surveyors often includes inspecting these installations—not to test or certify the electrical setup, but to carry out a professional visual inspection as part of broader building or condition surveys.

A visual inspection does not replace formal electrical testing, but it is essential for spotting poor workmanship, potential safety breaches, or signs of non-compliance with relevant standards.

Here’s what we typically assess during a visual inspection of an EV charger installation:

1. Location & Mounting

The charger should be securely fixed to a solid wall or a dedicated post—never wobbling, loose, or attached to flimsy materials.

There should be sufficient clearance around the unit to avoid obstructing doors, gates, or walkways.

Ideal mounting height is typically 1.2m to 1.5m above ground—safe from flooding, splashing, or potential collisions.

2. External Protection

We check that the unit’s housing is weatherproof (look for an IP65/IP66 rating).

Seals, gaskets, and screws should be intact—no missing components or entry points for water.

Cable entries must be properly sealed using appropriate grommets or glands.

3. Cabling

Cables should be neatly clipped, not drooping or trailing across walking/driving areas.

Exposed external cables should be protected in conduit or trunking.

Any visible signs of mechanical damage to the cable or outer sheath are red flags.

4. Consumer Unit & Connection

The charger should be powered via a dedicated circuit, not a spur from an unrelated socket.

We look for a clearly labelled breaker in the consumer unit—usually marked “EV Charger.”

Presence of an RCD or RCBO for the circuit is critical for user safety.

Cable entry into the consumer unit should be properly glanded—no rough holes or poorly finished access points.

5. Earthing & Ground Protection

Some chargers require their own earth electrode—a visible earth rod or inspection pit nearby.

We check for correct earthing or bonding labels and ensure external protection systems appear to be in place and correctly installed.

6. Installation Standards

Ideally, the manufacturer’s installation guide should be accessible near the charger.

The unit should be fully closed—no exposed wiring, taped joints, or temporary repairs.

For Type 2 socket units, the socket flap should close securely when not in use.

7. Signage & Identification

There should be clear labelling at the consumer unit and sometimes on or near the charger itself.

Safety stickers such as “Electric Vehicle Charging Point – Isolator Inside” are a good indicator of a well-considered installation.

Important Reminder:
A visual inspection cannot confirm whether internal wiring, RCD performance, or earthing complies with current regulations. However, it can flag obvious issues and poor-quality work, and prompt further investigation or certification by a qualified electrician if necessary.

In Summary

While not a substitute for electrical testing, a professional visual inspection by a Chartered Building Surveyor ensures that EV charger installations are safe, compliant in appearance, and integrated properly into the wider building fabric.

For homebuyers, property managers, or landlords, this kind of survey offers peace of mind and may help avoid future costs or liability.

If you’d like Tayross Associates Ltd to carry out a condition report or include EV charger assessments as part of a wider building survey, get in touch with our team today.