A charging point is one of the heaviest and longest-loaded appliances in a home: it draws a constant current for hours. That is why stricter rules apply than for an ordinary socket, and why a charging point always belongs explicitly on your single-line diagram.
Its own circuit, not a shared one
A charging point gets a dedicated circuit, straight from the distribution board, with protection matched to the charging power and cable size. Sharing with the garage lighting or the outdoor sockets is not an option. On a three-phase supply it becomes a three-phase circuit, noted as such on the diagram.
Protection and earthing
- A 30 mA RCD for the charging circuit, of the type the manufacturer requires.
- Sound earthing; charging points are particularly sensitive to this.
- The right cable cross-section, allowing for the run to the garage or driveway.
- Load management or power limiting if your connection is tight.
Putting it on the diagram
On the single-line diagram the charging circuit appears as a separate circuit with its protective devices, cable type and power. On the position diagram you mark where the charging point is — inside the garage, on the façade or along the driveway. An inspector wants to see a charging point that was designed, not tacked on afterwards.
Related reading
How Voltuno helps
Adding a charging circuit should not mean redrawing your whole diagram. With Voltuno you draw a correct single-line diagram, position diagram and matching bill of materials in minutes, straight from your browser. The software is built around AREI requirements, so you work faster and walk into the inspection with a clear, complete file.
Please note: this article is a general explanation and not legal advice. Always consult the official, consolidated AREI text (FPS Economy) for the exact obligations and article references.
