A useful EV charger installation checklist starts with your parking space, a few safe photographs and the questions you want answered before work begins. You do not need to identify cable sizes, open a fuseboard or prove that your home can supply 32 amps.
This guide covers what to prepare for a property assessment, the installation visit and the handover. If you want to understand what the electrician checks, read our separate home EV charger electrical requirements guide.
1. Show where you park and where the cable will go
Take an overview photograph that shows the parking space and the wall or other proposed charger position. Include the route between them. A close-up of a wall alone cannot show a gate, a path or where a parked car blocks access.
- Tell us whether you normally reverse in or drive in, and where the car's charging port sits.
- Show both parking positions if two cars may use the charger.
- Point out gates, steps, flower beds and paths that the charging cable must avoid.
- Tell us about shared parking or land you do not own before choosing a location.
Measure the practical route to the charging port, allowing for how you park. Do not choose a cable length from the straight-line distance across a wall or bonnet. Our tethered versus untethered guide explains the available cable choices.
2. Gather safe photos, not electrical measurements
Photographs help us understand the likely scope. They do not replace the installer's inspection and testing. Keep electrical covers and seals in place. Do not touch wiring, remove panels, dig for an earth rod or reach into equipment to improve a photograph.
| What to show | Useful information | If it is not accessible |
|---|---|---|
| Fuseboard location | An overview of the closed board and surrounding access; any labels already visible without removing covers | Say it is not accessible. Do not dismantle it. |
| Meter location | Where the meter box sits relative to the parking space | Explain the location; leave sealed or electrical compartments alone. |
| Possible cable route | Walls, corners and any section that may need groundwork | Show the accessible ends and describe the hidden section. |
| Known earthing point | Its location if you already know it and can see it safely | Choose “not found” or tell us you are unsure. Do not dig or lift covers. |
Keep photographs focused on the property. Avoid including people, vehicle documents or unrelated personal information. Have your electricity account information available for the application, rather than adding it to general property photographs.
3. Tell us about the car, household loads and connectivity
Have the vehicle model and year ready. If you have not bought the car yet, share the intended model. Also mention an electric shower, heat pump, solar panels, home battery or another EV charger. These help the installer plan the assessment; you do not need to estimate their electrical demand yourself.
Internet requirements depend on the charger. The Irish Ohme Home Pro and Ohme ePod models use mobile connectivity, as set out in Ohme's specifications. Other models use home Wi-Fi. Tell us about weak mobile coverage or a distant router so we can consider the exact model and location.
Compare the current charger options before buying separate cables or accessories. A sensor connection used for load balancing is a different question from a connection to your home internet.
4. Confirm permissions, grant sequence and installation scope
If you rent or share the parking area, confirm who must authorise the work. A cable route involving public or shared space needs specific review; do not assume that owning the adjacent home gives permission.
If applying for the SEAI grant, obtain the Letter of Offer before incurring charger or installation expenditure. See SEAI's current scheme terms and our grant process guide.
Read what Standard Installation includes alongside your selected package. Ask about the proposed charger position, cable route, any necessary electrical work and anything excluded from the quote. Check current installed prices; a grant refund is separate from the amount payable for the installation.
5. Prepare for the visit and handover
Clear access to the agreed work areas and arrange for someone who can confirm the final position to be available. Ask about the expected visit and planned power interruption for your property. Timing depends on the work; a standard estimate is not a promise for every home.
Before the installer leaves, use this handover checklist:
- Confirm that the agreed work is complete and understand any follow-up items.
- Ask for the completion certificate and the documents needed for any grant claim. Safe Electric explains completion certificates and the customer's copy.
- Have the charger controls, cable storage and basic charging demonstrated.
- Check the app setup and understand which timer controls charging.
- Keep the model details, invoice and support information together.
Use your charger's owner guide and our scheduled charging guide when setting your routine. Match it to your own electricity plan rather than assuming the factory schedule is your cheapest window.
Common preparation questions
Do I need to open the fuseboard for a photograph?
No. Send what you can safely show with electrical covers in place. Tell us when something is inaccessible. The installer will carry out the necessary electrical inspection.
What if I cannot find an earth rod?
Say that it was not found. A missing photograph does not prove the property has no electrode, and a visible inspection lid does not prove that the earthing is satisfactory.
Should I install a cable before the assessment?
Ask us to review the route and exact charger first, especially during building work. The electrician specifies the electrical and sensor cabling. An assumed cable size or route can create avoidable rework.
Ready to share the property details? Start your installation assessment. If you are still choosing a unit, compare the charger catalogue first.