According to SAFed, Electrical Vehicle Charging Equipment (EVCE) as defined by the BS7671 IET Wiring regulations are rapidly being deployed across the UK to meet the demand for low emission vehicles and the UK Government Industrial Strategy: Road to Zero. This uptake for EVCE means that standards must also adapt quickly.
Employers, the self-employed and employees have duties under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Specifically, there is a requirement that “systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger” (Regulation 4.2).
Despite many EVCE installations being relatively new installations, SAFed say they are still seeing many faults and defects. Usually, this equipment is installed outside and vulnerable to external influences such as water ingress and ultraviolet light. Equipment is also often vulnerable to mechanical impact from moving vehicles and often has been incorrectly installed and noncompliant with fast evolving regulations and guidance.
This document sets out the recommended scope of inspection and testing services that SAFed Member Inspection Companies should provide if contracted to undertake formal inspection and testing of electrical vehicle charging equipment. It lists the checks that should be done in relation to electrical safety and compliance.
It is available here.
SAFed May 2021