31 July, 2023

Installing Workplace Chargers – The Steps Involved

By 2030, it is anticipated that there will be approximately 8 to 11 million hybrid or electric cars on UK roads. Installing workplace chargers has therefore become a smart investment in terms of future-proofing businesses, workplaces and sites. Offering EV charging facilities not only demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility but can also attract eco-conscious employees. If you’re considering installing workplace chargers, it’s essential to understand the steps involved in the process to ensure a smooth and successful implementation. In this article, we’ll walk you through the key steps to installing workplace chargers.

11 Steps to Installing Workplace Chargers

     1. Elevate Charging Needs

Step one is to assess the charging needs of your workplace. Consider the current (and predicted) number of EVs used by employees and visitors, the typical daily charging requirements, and the desired charging speeds (AC vs. DC). Understanding your workplace’s charging demands will help you determine the number and type of charging stations required.

     2. Conduct a Site Survey

Conduct a thorough site survey to determine the most suitable locations for the charging stations. Consider proximity to parking spaces, accessibility, and electrical infrastructure. This assessment will help you identify any necessary electrical upgrades or modifications required for the installation. We recommend you have this site survey carried out by your chosen installer, who will be able to provide professional and experienced advice. 

     3. Obtain Necessary Permits

Before proceeding with the installation, ensure you obtain any necessary permits or approvals from local authorities or landowners. Compliance with local regulations and building codes is essential to avoid any legal issues later down the line.

     4. Choose the Right Charging Equipment

Make sure to select the appropriate charging equipment based on your workplace’s needs and budget. Consider factors such as charging speed, network connectivity, and user-friendly features. It’s also beneficial to invest in charging stations from reputable manufacturers to ensure reliability and durability. At eFaraday, we only work with reputable manufacturers such as Easee, Tritium, Alfen, Sevadis and Teltonika. 

     5. Electrical Infrastructure Upgrades

Depending on the type and number of charging stations you plan to install, you may need to upgrade your workplace’s electrical infrastructure. This could involve installing additional circuits, upgrading electrical panels, and ensuring adequate power capacity to support the charging stations. Your installer should be able to advise if this is necessary for your site.

     6. Plan to Scale

It is also worth considering your site’s scaling abilities for future charge point installation if demand increases. It is much more efficient and cost-effective to plan in advance as it favours a simple future installation, rather than having to redo infrastructure work which could impact the aesthetics of your parking area.  

     7. Install Charging Stations

With the electrical infrastructure ready, it’s time to install the workplace chargers. Your chosen installer will carefully follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines and any work should be carried out by a qualified engineer.

     8. Network & Software Setup

If your EV chargers offer networking capabilities and management software, this will need to be set up to effectively monitor and manage your charging sessions. You’ll be able to track usage, control access, and even implement payment systems if necessary. We use a dedicated management platform powered by iEquos software for all our eFaraday installs. Find out more here. 

     9. Safety & Security Measures

Your engineer will ensure that the charging stations are installed securely and that safety measures, such as proper grounding and protection against weather elements, are in place. 

     10. Inform & Educate Users

Once the workplace charging stations are operational, inform employees and visitors about their availability and usage guidelines. Provide training and educational materials on how to use the charging stations safely and effectively.

     11. Maintenance & Support

Regularly maintain and inspect the charging stations to ensure they remain in optimal working condition. Professional maintenance and monitoring services are available that ensure any issues are resolved quickly and help to reduce any charge point downtime.

How Easy is it to Install Workplace Chargers?

Installing workplace charging stations is a forward-thinking initiative that aligns with sustainable practices and contributes to a greener future. By following these essential steps and carefully planning the installation process, businesses can seamlessly integrate EV charging facilities into their workplaces, attracting environmentally conscious stakeholders and promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly image. You will need to appoint a charge point installer to help you with the installation of workplace chargers. 

Workplace Charging with eFaraday 

At eFaraday we are an experienced and reliable EV charge point installer that specialises in workplace EV charging. We provide a holistic approach and go above and beyond just installations. We also provide full system management via our cloud-based platform, our inCharge service which covers ongoing maintenance and monitoring, as well as a 24/7 customer helpdesk service to support your employees with any issues. 

Next Steps

If you’re interested in installing workplace charge points for your business, get in touch with the eFaraday team. We would love to hear about your business and how we can support you in providing a greener means of travel to your employees. 

 

Call us today on 0330 002 1154 or send us an email by clicking here.