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Frequently asked questions about connecting to the networks

Find answers to common questions asked about connecting to the networks.

  • When do I need to contact the network operator prior to installing a charge point or heat pump?

    This is clearly defined in our connection process. Network operators have agreed that customers/installers must contact the appropriate network operator directly in a range of instances including the following:

    • The MD calculations performed by the installer indicate that a property’s MD is greater than the known supply capacity
    • There are safety concerns over the cut-out, cut-out fuse, or any other existing equipment
    • There is uncertainty over the supply capacity or the adequacy of the supply
    • It is certain that the connection requires an upgrade
    • There is a looped supply
    • It is an unmetered supply

    The network operator will then assess the records of the property and confirm if the supply to the property is adequate, or raise a job to assess the property directly and implement any interventions where necessary.

    This means that in addition to the ‘Connect & Notify’ requirement, if the new load will exceed the existing supply, or if there is a planned programme of installations in a close geographic region, the network operator should be contacted well in advance of the installation.

    The purpose of this process is to allow a safety assessment of the electrical supply to the domestic property and the supporting network to ensure they are adequate.

    Once the installer contacts the network operator, the information required to enable the network operator to carry out the assessment will need to be provided, as per the application form.

    All forms can be found in the "Connecting electric vehicles and heat pumps" section above and supporting guidance can be found in our Resource library.

  • Do all installations to existing properties require network operator intervention?

    No, installations where the Maximum Demand of the premises including the new load is ≤60A per phase and adequacy of the connection is known, the network operator must be notified post-installation (within 28 days). This assumes that there are no safety concerns, as per the process.

  • When do I need to make an application?

    Every time an installer or customer installs an Electric Vehicle charge point or Heat Pump to an existing property, they must inform their network operator accordingly.

    This will be in the form of an application or a notification. Notification is the process whereby if the proposed addition/alteration is assessed by the installer to be within the existing rating of the supply equipment and the MD is ≤60A, then the EV charge point or Heat Pump can be installed and the network operator will be notified retrospectively (within 28 days).

  • How do I submit an application/notification form?

    Compete the single notification form or the multi-notification spreadsheet and submit directly to the network operator. Both forms and network operator contact details can also be found in our Resource library.

  • Who can submit an application?

    Anyone who is competent to install an electric vehicle charge point or heat pump can submit a form, including instances where the installer is working on behalf of the customer at that property. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the connecting customer to ensure that the correct data is submitted.

  • Will network operators refuse the installation of an electric vehicle charge point or heat pump?

    No, network operators are obliged to facilitate the installation/connection of new loads to the power network, as part of their license condition.

  • How long will it take for remedial works to be completed?

    This will vary depending on the nature of the intervention required to deliver an adequate supply to the property being assessed. Each connection is different, so the premises and network must be assessed before providing an estimated time of delivery.

  • What is Maximum Demand (MD)?

    The Maximum Demand of a circuit, property, section of network, or network that considers that all loads associated with that network will not be drawn at the same time.

  • How do I calculate the maximum demand of the premises?

    There is guidance in the IET Code of Practice for EV Charging Equipment Installation on supply adequacy (Maximum Demand) assessment. This information is critical to understanding if the EV charge point or Heat Pump can be supported by the network. There are different approaches to determining a site’s MD, including:

    • Use existing information – this is the best approach when there is available data on the specific loads in the house. However, this may not always be the case.
    • Determine loads installed – this approach takes diversity into consideration where appropriate. For this purpose there are different guidelines to assist installers, including:
      - Electrical installation design guide – calculations for electricians and designers
      - On-site guide BS 7671:2018 – IET wiring regulations, 18th Edition

    Please contact the IET if you have further questions on the guidance.

    Some installers chose to post their customers an internet-connected monitoring device which connects to the customer’s internet router and clamps a split Current Transformer (CT) around the supply meter tail. Data is then remotely collected over two weeks at ten minute intervals, before being analysed to arrive at an accurate maximum demand without the need for a site visit.

  • What is a cut-out?

    A cut-out is a piece of electrical equipment that forms the link between your network operator’s electricity cable and the internal wires in your property. To identify what cut-out your property has and its associated rating, you will first need to identify it and potentially speak to your local network operator. Certain older cut-outs are inadequate and will need to be upgraded by the network operator. Please see our Cut-out rating guidance for electric vehicle and heat pump installers for more information.

  • How do I identify issues with the property’s cut-out?

    There is guidance available from the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) on identifying issues with distribution network equipment. Installers sometimes ask for photographs prior to site visit to save resource. One should also read the aforementioned ENA Guidance document.

  • How do I identify the rating of the cut-out fuse?

    The rating of a cut-out fuse can usually be identified through a visual inspection of the cut-out. In some cases a network operator may have to identify the rating of the cut-out fuse as it is not always obvious. Please see notes in the new process for further guidance.

  • What is an MPAN and where can I find it?

    The MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) can be found on a copy of the electricity bill for that supply.

  • What is an import or load limiting device?

    An import or load limiting device is a piece of hardware and/or software that limits the demand (i.e. the amount of current drawn) by a premises. In the case of an EV charge point/Heat Pump, this can be thought of as an EV/HP curtailment scheme. This must be factored into calculations when populating the EV/HP application form. It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that that the Maximum Demand(s) stated are correct, factoring in the effects of any load limiting devices or EV/HP curtailment schemes. The load limiting device must also “fail safe”, i.e. when it is not operating or has failed, it must not result in the limitations of the connection being exceeded.

  • Clarification of load limiting devices for residential properties

    When the existing Maximum Demand of a premises is above 60A, i.e. prior to any new electric vehicle chargepoints or heat pumps being installed, network operators will permit a “Connect & Notify” installation for a new EV chargepoint or Heat Pump under the following conditions:

    • No issues with the existing connection (i.e. no safety concern, looped supply, unknown cut-out capacity, unmetered supply, insufficiently sized cut-out, etc – see Notes 1-6 on combined flowchart)
    • The installation of the new device (EV chargepoint or Heat Pump) is installed with an EV/HP curtailment scheme such that, whenever that device is activated (i.e. drawing current), the overall MD of the property is limited to 60A or less.

    This clarification will be included in the updated combined flowchart and application form along with additional changes in the coming months.

    Please note that this FAQ and associated clarification only refers to import, i.e. EV/HP acting as a demand only, and it is not applicable to V2G/grid export limitation, which is covered by ENA Engineering Recommendation G100.

  • Where can I find guidance on installing an electric vehicle charging point?

    The IET’s Code of Practice on Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation provides guidance and outlines best practice for installers on a range of installation issues. It also specifies that in the case of dedicated EV charging equipment installed at any site the installer shall ensure that the appropriate network operator has been notified of the installation within one calendar month of the installation.

    The IET Code of Practice highlights the installer’s responsibility to:

    • Assess the adequacy of the supply capacity for the new Electric Vehicle load plus any existing load, before installing the charging equipment
    • Assess the adequacy of the earthing, before installing the charging equipment
    • Notify the network operator of the installation once completed
  • Where can I find information about wayleaves?

    Information about wayleave payments and who to contact if you have a query related to this can be found on our Equipment on your land page.

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