Bureau Veritas debuts EV charging point testing and inspection service

Bureau Veritas has launched a new testing and inspection service for electric vehicle charging points, which will ensure all installations are compliant with all necessary regulations. 

Bureau Veritas says that its independent inspection service will ensure that EV charging points are fully compliant with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the BS7671- Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations).

The inspections will be conducted by Bureau Veritas’ electrical engineers, with the testing and inspection programme including earth continuity and insulation resistance testing, polarity confirmation, as well as checks on residual current devices and earth loop impedance. 

The launch of the new testing and inspection service comes as the UK hits new highs in the number of electric vehicle charging points being installed. Government figures suggest that there has been a five-fold increase in the number of public EV chargers available, with the number of private chargers likely to be much higher. Considering the power flowing through these chargers, it’s vital that they’re installed correctly. 

Michael Kenyon, technical lead at Bureau Veritas, notes, “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.

“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.”