Electric Car Charging
Click here for Wirral Public Chargers
FHA Electric Car Charging Policy
Introduction
As
the use of electric cars becomes more commonplace there will be need for
improved charging infrastructure, with the ideal solution for most people being
able to charge their electric vehicle at home. It is anticipated that Family
Housing Association (FHA) will receive increasingly regular requests for consent
to install a home car charger and so it is important that a carefully considered
policy is in place.
Policy
Installation of Electric Vehicle Charger is at the tenant’s expense.
FHA will not contribute towards the cost.
Tenants must ensure the charger is maintained in good working order at
their own expense and address any issues which could pose risks to other tenants
or property.
When
requesting consent, tenants must provide details of:
Where
the charging station would be located.
Any
planning permissions or consents required by the local authority.
The
specification of the charger and how it would be connected to the electrical
supply.
Information
showing the existing electrical supply will be able to handle the additional
electrical loadings upon charging.
The
person or company carrying out the installation and their qualifications.
The
installation plans.
Where
the car would be parked whilst charging.
Where
charging leads would be routed so they would not be a trip hazard and/or
prevent escape from the property.
When considering a request for consent, FHA will consider whether:
You
have a private driveway at your home (FHA will NOT provide consent for
charging cars parked on public roads, pavements or shared car parks).
The
charging cable would be a trip hazard. FHA
will NOT provide consent where a charging cable would be routed across
public areas (including pavements, roads or shared pathways).
The
location of the charger is a fire risk. Chargers must always be located
externally and on non-combustible walls. Installation beneath or next to
unprotected openings and glazing should be avoided. Chargers must not
prevent escape from the property in the event that they caught fire.
The
proposed connection to the electrical supply was appropriate.
A fault developing with the car charger should not result in tripping
the electric for the whole property.
The
person or company proposing to carry out the work is appropriately
qualified.
Tenants must provide an Electrical Test Certificate once installation
work is completed. Any installation work must comply with building regulations
and British Standards such as BS 7671 Wiring Regulations.
Communication
It
is important that FHA tenants are aware of the requirements of this policy so
that they do not purchase an electric car and expect to be able to charge it at
home where this is not appropriate. FHA
will add details of this policy to its website and promote it regularly in
newsletters, social media and in the Annual Report to Tenants.
Breach of Policy
Where a tenant installs an Electric Car Charger without consent, FHA will
assess the installation against this Policy. This may require a suitably
qualified electrician to attend to assess the installation, if so the cost of this inspection will be payable by the tenant. Where FHA concludes that the
installation would not have been given consent, the tenant will be required to
remove the charger at their own cost. Where
the installation meets FHA requirements, FHA will provide retrospective consent
to the tenant.
Where a car charger is installed by a person or company without
appropriate qualifications, this will be considered a breach of tenancy due to
the potential safety risk, including the potential for electrocution or fire.
In this case FHA will arrange for removal of the charging equipment and
the tenant will be liable for the cost. FHA
will also consider whether legal action against the tenant or installer is
appropriate.
If you would like any more information please contact the office on 0151 647 5000
