Unit 6 Cobham Business Centre, Cobham Road, Ferndown Industrial Estate, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7BX
Mon–Fri 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
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Electric vehicle (EV) adoption across Dorset continues to accelerate. As more residents in Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch transition to electric transport, the demand for reliable domestic charging infrastructure has increased. A dedicated home charging point is no longer a luxury but a functional requirement for efficient vehicle ownership. Dorset Electrical Solutions provides full-service installation for residential and commercial clients, ensuring all work complies with BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations.
Most domestic properties in Bournemouth are suited for a 7kW AC fast charger. This is the standard for home installations, providing approximately 25-30 miles of range per hour of charge. While standard 3-pin plug "granny chargers" are available, they are restricted to 2.3kW and are not recommended for permanent daily use due to the thermal stress placed on standard domestic sockets.
Homeowners must choose between tethered and untethered units. A tethered unit includes a permanently attached Type 2 cable, offering convenience for daily connection. An untethered (socketed) unit requires the user to provide their own cable but offers a cleaner aesthetic on the property exterior when not in use. Our team installs leading brands including Ohme, Zappi, and Wallbox, ensuring compatibility with your specific vehicle and energy tariff.
Before an EV charger installation can proceed in areas like Ferndown or Ringwood, a technical site survey is mandatory. This assessment determines if the existing electrical supply can handle the additional 32-amp load. We inspect the incoming service fuse, usually located at the meter position, to verify if it is rated at 60A, 80A, or 100A.
In some older Bournemouth properties, the main fuse may need upgrading by the Distribution Network Operator (DNO), which in our region is Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN). We manage the DNO notification process on behalf of the customer. This ensures the local grid remains balanced and your property remains safe under peak load.
A modern EV charger requires dedicated circuit protection. This typically involves a Type A RCD (Residual Current Device) and a circuit breaker, or a combined RCBO. Many older consumer units do not have the space or the specific RCD types required by current 18th Edition Amendment 2 regulations.
If your current fuse board is outdated, an upgrade may be necessary to facilitate the charger. This is also an opportune time to conduct an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), which is a statutory requirement for landlords but highly recommended for all homeowners to ensure the integrity of the property's wiring. Our electricians are NICEIC registered and Part P compliant, ensuring all safety components: including Surge Protection Devices (SPD): are correctly integrated.
Our team follows a standardised procedure for installations across Dorset. The process begins with the mounting of the charger unit at a height and location that is both accessible for the vehicle and compliant with building regulations regarding obstacles and height.
We then install the supply cable, often using EV Ultra cable which combines power and data cores in a single sheath. This is particularly useful for smart chargers that require a hardwired internet connection or CT clamps for load balancing. Load balancing is a critical feature that monitors the total power consumption of the house; if the shower and oven are running simultaneously, the charger will automatically throttle its output to prevent blowing the main house fuse.
Following the physical installation, we perform a series of tests:
While the primary government grant for single-unit domestic properties ended in 2022, several incentives remain active. Landlords, owners of flats, and businesses in Bournemouth and Poole can still access the EV Chargepoint Grant, which offers up to £350 or 75% of the cost of purchase and installation.
For those in rental properties or high-density housing, we provide the necessary documentation and evidence required for OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) applications. We also provide VAT-compliant invoicing for business owners looking to install infrastructure at commercial premises in Ringwood and surrounding industrial estates.
Current UK regulations require all new chargers to be "smart." This means the unit must be capable of connecting to the internet to manage charging times. Smart charging allows Bournemouth residents to take advantage of off-peak energy tariffs, such as those offered by Octopus Energy or OVO. By scheduling charging for the early hours of the morning, users can significantly reduce the cost per mile compared to daytime charging.
Most units we install feature dedicated smartphone apps. These apps provide real-time data on energy usage, charging costs, and the ability to lock the charger remotely to prevent unauthorised use. If your property has poor Wi-Fi signal at the parking area, we can install powerline adapters or GSM-linked chargers to ensure reliable connectivity.
During an electrical survey for an EV charger, we often identify other areas where property maintenance can be improved. Modern, well-insulated homes in the Dorset area are prone to condensation and mould. We specialise in the installation of PIV unit (Positive Input Ventilation) systems.
A PIV system is installed in the loft and works by gently pushing fresh, filtered air into the home, creating a slight positive pressure that forces out moisture-laden air. This prevents the damp and mould issues often seen in coastal properties in Bournemouth and Poole. Combining an EV charger installation with a PIV system installation ensures both your transport and your living environment are upgraded to modern standards.
For homeowners in Dorset looking to maximise sustainability, we offer EV chargers that integrate directly with solar PV systems. Units like the Myenergi Zappi can be set to "Eco+" mode, which ensures the vehicle is only charged using surplus solar energy that would otherwise be exported to the grid.
This creates a closed-loop energy system. When combined with battery storage solutions, residents in Ferndown and Ringwood can effectively drive for free during the summer months. Our technicians are trained to configure these complex multi-device systems, ensuring the priority of power delivery is correctly balanced between the home's immediate needs, the battery storage, and the vehicle.
Selecting a local firm like Dorset Electrical Solutions ensures you receive a prompt response and local expertise regarding the regional grid requirements. We are familiar with the housing stock across Bournemouth, from Victorian conversions to new-build developments. All our work is backed by professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
We provide a full handover for every installation, including:
Non-compliant EV charger installations can void vehicle warranties and home insurance policies. The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) is specific about the use of PME (Protective Multiple Earthing) earthing arrangements. Most UK homes use PME, which requires specific "Open PEN" protection in the charger to prevent electric shocks in the event of a fault in the provider's neutral wire. We only install units with built-in PEN fault protection, eliminating the need for unsightly earth rods in your driveway.
Dorset Electrical Solutions serves the following areas:
Our team is currently booking installations for the upcoming quarter. For technical queries regarding your specific fuse board or to book a site survey, contact our office directly. Photos of recent installations in the Poole area will follow in the next update.
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