Do I need to make a building regulations application for an electric vehicle charging point?

Yes, because a new electric vehicle charging point (EV charging point) will have a new electrical circuit.

Electrical work in a dwelling is controlled under Part P (Electrical safety-Dwellings) and is notifiable work – in just the same way that any other new electrical circuit, new/replacement consumer unit, or electrical work in a special location (or special installation in Wales) is controlled.

(Electrical work in non-dwelling buildings is not controlled by the building regulations but is covered by the Electricity at Work Regulations).

This type of electrical work is notifiable to Building Control and you can submit a Building Notice or Full Plans application, or provide a Building Regulations compliance certificate from a suitably qualified and competent electrical installer. They must be a member of a recognised Competent Persons Scheme e.g. NAPIT, NICEIC or similar.

All domestic electrical work must comply with the IET wiring regulations as well as other aspects of the building regulations such as structural stability, fire safety and accessibility requirements. The Building Control Body or a Competent Person Scheme installer would have to take into account these aspects when assessing whether the electrical installation for an EV charging point is compliant with the building regulations. However, Part S would not be a material consideration.

All EV charging points sold in Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland) today must also comply with ‘The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021’, which came into force on 30 June 2022.

Please note there are Building Regulations that relate to the infrastructure for the charging of electrical vehicles known as Approved document S, albeit they do not apply to home extensions they do apply to new residential buildings, dwellings formed by material change of use and residential buildings undergoing a major renovation