How to Choose the Right Installer for Your EV Charger

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common across Ireland, more homeowners are making the decision to install a home EV charger. Whether you’ve just bought your first EV or are upgrading to a faster charging solution, choosing the right installer is one of the most important steps in the process.

An EV charger is not just a plug; it’s a piece of smart infrastructure that needs to be safely integrated with your home’s electrical system. Picking the right installer ensures safety, compliance, grant eligibility, and long-term peace of mind.

So, how do you know who to trust? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you should consider when selecting an EV charger installer in Ireland.

Why Installation Quality Matters

Installing an EV charger involves more than just fixing a box to a wall. A poor-quality or non-compliant installation can lead to serious issues:

• Electrical hazards or fire risks
• Overloaded circuits or tripping fuses
• Invalid SEAI grants
• Reduced equipment lifespan
• Insurance issues in the event of damage

This is why hiring a certified, experienced professional is not just a recommendation, it’s a necessity.

1. Check SEAI Registration

In Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers grants of up to €300 to help offset the cost of installing a home EV charger. But here’s the catch: you can only claim this grant if your installer is SEAI-registered.

When considering an installer, always confirm:

• They are listed on the official SEAI Registered Electrical Contractors list.
• They will submit the required paperwork to ensure you can claim the grant without issue.

SEAI-registered contractors are trained in current standards and safety practices and will be familiar with Irish grant procedures.

2. Verify Electrical Certification and Insurance

Your installer should be a RECI (Safe Electric) or ECSSA-registered electrician, which ensures they meet the standards set for safe domestic electrical work in Ireland.

In addition to certification, ensure that the installer:

• Holds public liability insurance
• Provides a completion certificate after installation
• Can handle any necessary fuse board upgrades or electrical assessments

This protects your home and guarantees compliance with Irish electrical regulations.

3. Ask About Experience with EV Charger Brands

Not all EV chargers are the same. Some, like the Zappi, are solar-ready and require deeper integration with home energy systems. Others, like the Ohme Home Pro, rely heavily on smart tariff syncing.

When researching installers, ask:

• Have they installed your preferred brand before?
• Do they understand load balancing, dynamic tariffs, and solar PV integration?
• Can they offer advice on which model is best suited to your needs?

An experienced installer will help you choose not just the right unit, but also configure it to work optimally for your lifestyle.

4. Look for Transparent Quotes and Scope of Work

• A professional installer should offer a clear, written quote that outlines:
• The total cost of the job, including parts, labour, and VAT
• What’s included (e.g. charger unit, cabling, switchgear)
• Whether the price includes filing the SEAI grant application
• Any extra charges for longer cable runs, wall penetrations, or remote locations

Avoid vague or verbal estimates. Transparency is a strong sign of professionalism.

5. Prioritise Customer Service and Support

Your installer isn’t just someone who shows up and drills a box into the wall, they should guide you through the entire process:

• Pre-installation consultation: Are they willing to assess your fuse board and power supply?
• Aftercare: Do they offer support if something goes wrong?
• Warranty: Do they provide warranties for both labour and hardware?

Check online reviews, ask for references, or speak to friends and neighbours who’ve had a charger installed recently. A good installer will leave a positive trail behind them.

6. Consider Smart Features and Energy Tariffs

EV chargers are evolving fast. Many Irish drivers are taking advantage of night-time charging tariffs or integrating their charger with solar panel systems.

• Your installer should be able to help you:
• Sync your charger with your smart meter
• Set up off-peak charging schedules
• Recommend smart chargers that match your electricity provider’s pricing model

In other words, they should be focused not just on fitting the hardware, but on saving you money in the long run.

7. Know What to Expect on Installation Day

A professional EV charger installation will typically include:

• A site inspection of your power supply and fuse board
• A dedicated circuit run from the consumer unit to the charge point
• A safe, weatherproof mounting location
• Testing and certification to ensure everything is functioning as intended

Most home installations in Ireland can be completed in a single day, but make sure you’re home to walk through the setup and ask questions about how it works.

8. Get the Paperwork You Need

After the job is complete, your installer should provide:

• A Completion Certificate (Certificate Number 3) from Safe Electric
• The MPRN number and documentation needed for the SEAI grant
• A copy of the warranty for the charger

This paperwork is essential for compliance, resale value, insurance, and future upgrades.

Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely, Charge Smarter

Installing a home EV charger is a smart move for the environment and your wallet, but only if the job is done right.

At WattCharger, we believe in getting it right the first time. Our certified professionals are experienced with all major charger brands in Ireland and are ready to help you choose, install, and optimise your charging system for long-term performance and savings.

Whether you're in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, or anywhere in between, we can help you charge faster, safer, and smarter.