Electrical safety expert Bureau Veritas has unveiled a new testing and inspection service for electric vehicle (EV) charging points as latest figures show almost 10,000 new connections have been installed across the UK in the past year alone.
Recent statistics from Zap-Map show there are now 33,779 charging points for electrical vehicles in the UK, a figure which has risen by 8,841 - 39% - in the past 12 months. This number is expected to soar in the coming years, with the UK government pledging earlier this year to invest a further £500m in the rollout of new rapid electric charging hubs to ensure drivers are never more than 30 miles from being able to charge their car.
Bureau Veritas has therefore launched an independent new inspection offering for EV charging points to help duty holders ensure all installations are compliant with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the BS7671- Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations).
Michael Kenyon, technical Lead at Bureau Veritas, said: “The UK is in the midst of a real step-change in motoring as more and more of us make the switch to electric vehicles. Inevitably, this needs to be supported with a world-class charging infrastructure.
“And although we’re seeing a record number of EV charging points springing up, not to be overlooked is the onus on duty holders to ensure they take a ‘quality first’ approach to installation, prioritising electrical safety for users and the general public through regular inspection and maintenance.
“Recognising that this may be a new area for many businesses, we’ve launched our new testing and inspection service designed to provide an independent assessment of all new installations and identify any issues that may present an electrical safety risk. We’d urge all our new and existing customers to make use of this fantastic new offering.”
Conducted by Bureau Veritas’ electrical engineers, the testing and inspection programme includes earth continuity and insulation resistance testing, polarity confirmation as well as checks on residual current devices and earth loop impedance.
“Duty holders should take into consideration that EV charging points are a high-use asset, often installed outside and therefore vulnerable to mechanical damage. Hence, periodic inspection and at least annual testing as part of the business’s Health and Safety Risk Management obligations are critical to maintaining the long-term integrity of this vital charging infrastructure,” stressed Kenyon.
Bureau Veritas offers a range of testing and certification services to support customers in managing compliance around electrical safety – from electric vehicle charging points and battery storage systems through to other Fixed Electrical Installations (FET) and Hazardous area Inspections (ATEX).
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