DW Energy’s Simon Youngman Shares Expert EV Charger Advice

Simon Youngman, Head of Renewables at DW Energy, has shared his expertise with Homebuilding & Renovating in a new feature examining whether an EV charger can be safely covered or disguised.

Read the full article here.

Can you safely cover an EV charger?

As Simon warns:

“A badly designed cover can make the installation less safe.”

Any cover must allow quick access to both the charger and its electrical isolator. The charging cable must not be tightly bent, trapped in a door or left in standing water. There should also be enough space for an electrician to remove the front of the charger and carry out maintenance safely.

Safer ways to disguise an EV charger

Simon’s advice is to consider the appearance and position of the charger before installation, rather than trying to conceal it afterwards.

For existing chargers, he suggests positioning them discreetly, such as “behind a gate, inside an open carport”, while ensuring the cable does not need to cross a footpath or driving area.

Decorative screening or a ventilated surround may be more suitable than a complete enclosure. Plants should be avoided because they can retain moisture, restrict access or become caught around the equipment.

Could a cover affect the charger’s warranty?

Simon also cautions against placing outdoor chargers inside homemade cabinets. This can change the conditions in which the equipment operates.

If an enclosure contributes to a fault, the manufacturer may “reject the warranty claim”. Homeowners should therefore check the installation manual and seek approval from the manufacturer or an approved installer before adding a cover.

Read Simon’s full EV charger advice

Read Simon’s full contribution in the Homebuilding & Renovating article, “Can you cover an EV charger?”

Considering an EV charger for your home? Explore DW Energy’s home EV charging solutions.

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