EV Maintanence: Why It Matters and What to Expect
The current demand for reliable EV charging infrastructure has never been greater. Whether you’re a homeowner with a single wallbox or a commercial site managing a fleet of chargers, regular EV charger maintenance is crucial. In this post, we’ll explain why servicing your EV charging points matters, the British standards you need to comply with, what Sygma engineers look for on a maintenance visit, and how often your system should be checked.
Why EV Charger Maintenance Is Essential
EV chargers, like any electrical equipment, are subject to wear and tear over time. Factors such as weather exposure, heavy usage, software updates, and component ageing can lead to faults or reduced performance.
Here’s why keeping on top of EV charger maintenance is vital:
1. Safety
Chargers handle high voltages and frequent energy transfers. Faulty components or damaged wiring could create a fire risk or electrocution hazard. Preventive maintenance helps detect these risks before they become a problem.
2. Reliability
Nobody wants to plug in their vehicle only to find the charger isn’t working. For businesses, unreliable chargers can affect operations, employee satisfaction, or customer experience. For homeowners, it’s an inconvenience that can disrupt daily life. Regular maintenance ensures maximum reliability.
3. Compliance
EV charging equipment must comply with British standards and regulations, especially in commercial or public settings. Regular inspections help ensure continued compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the latest IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).
4. Cost-efficiency
Minor issues can escalate into costly repairs if left unchecked. Regular servicing extends the lifespan of the unit and reduces long-term costs.
5. Performance
Software and firmware updates are common as charger manufacturers optimise performance and security. Maintenance ensures your system is up to date and running at full efficiency, providing you with the best user experience.
EV Charger Regulations in the UK
Understanding the regulatory landscape is key to keeping your charger legally compliant and safe.
Key Standards and Regulations Include:
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BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations)
The UK’s principal standard for electrical installations, covering the design, installation and maintenance of EV chargers. The latest amendment (Amendment 2, 2022) includes specific rules for protective devices and earthing arrangements for EV charging.
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The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
It places legal responsibility on employers and building owners to maintain electrical systems safely, including EV chargers.
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OZEV Grant Conditions
If your charger was installed with help from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), maintaining the unit may be part of the compliance requirements.
BS EN IEC 61851-1 and BS EN IEC 62196: International standards for the safety and performance of EV charging equipment.
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PAS 1899:2022 (for public chargepoints)
A new British standard ensuring EV chargepoints are accessible for disabled users, requiring proper ongoing maintenance.
Non-compliance can result in invalid warranties, loss of insurance coverage, and — in the worst case — serious injury or liability. Don’t take that risk, allow Sygma’s experienced electricians handle the maintenance of your EV chargers.
Contact UsWhat Does a Sygma EV Charger Maintenance Visit Include?
At Sygma Fire, Security & Electrical, our engineers are fully qualified to install and maintain EV charging systems for both domestic and commercial clients. A typical EV charger maintenance visit includes a detailed checklist to ensure every component is tested, cleaned, and fully operational.
Here’s what you can expect during a visit:
1. Visual Inspection
- Check for damage to casing, cables, sockets, and mounting
- Inspect for signs of overheating, corrosion or water ingress
- Verify the integrity of cable management systems
2. Electrical Testing
- Measure insulation resistance
- Test earthing continuity
- Perform RCD testing (Residual Current Devices)
- Confirm the correct operation of overload protection
3. Functional Testing
- Verify the charger starts and completes a charging session
- Test communication with the vehicle and backend software
- Confirm display lights, indicators and user interface are working
4. Firmware and Software Updates
- Check the manufacturer’s portal for new software
- Install updates to improve security and performance
5. Cleaning
- Clear dust, debris, or insect ingress
- Wipe down the charger and ensure it is clean and user-friendly
6. Reporting and Certification
- Document all test results
- Note any recommendations for repairs or part replacements
- Provide a service certificate for your records and compliance
- For commercial clients, we can also audit usage data to identify high-demand periods, flag chargers nearing capacity, and advise on future expansion.
How Often Should EV Chargers Be Serviced?
Frequency of servicing depends on usage and the environment. Here’s a general guideline:
Domestic EV Chargers
Every 12 months: For most homeowners, an annual check-up is sufficient.
Earlier if: You notice irregular behaviour (slow charging, unusual sounds, flickering lights), or if there has been recent electrical work on your property.
Commercial/Public EV Chargers
Every 6 to 12 months: Higher usage rates and public access require more frequent maintenance.
After any fault or outage: Immediate inspection following any failure, vandalism, or storm damage.
Quarterly visual inspections: Especially for outdoor or unsupervised locations.
Sygma offers custom maintenance plans for businesses, schools, retail parks, logistics hubs and fleet operators to ensure you stay compliant and fully operational.
Common EV Charger Issues We See – and Fix
Some of the most common EV charger issues we resolve during maintenance include:
- Tripping RCDs due to poor insulation
- Software glitches causing failed charges
- Overheating from blocked ventilation
- Socket damage from incorrect cable removal
- Poor earth connection due to corrosion
- Outdated firmware causing compatibility issues
With regular servicing, these are easily preventable.
Speak to our teamDoes EV Charger Maintenance Affect My Warranty?
Yes – most manufacturers require regular servicing to maintain warranty coverage. Missing scheduled maintenance could void your protection.
At Sygma, we will ensure your unit is serviced in line with their warranty conditions.
Why Choose Sygma Fire, Security & Electrical?
Why Choose Sygma Fire, Security & Electrical?
With offices in Suffolk, London and Kent, Sygma provides a nationwide service with a local feel. Our qualified electricians are fully certified in EV charger installation, maintenance and fault finding.
What sets us apart?
- NICEIC Approved Contractors
- Tailored maintenance packages
- Fast response times
- Detailed service reporting
- Trusted by schools, commercial sites and domestic clients
Whether you need a single charger serviced or a full site maintenance contract, we’re here to help.
Speak to our teamContact Us
We’re proud to protect our clients here in the Southeast and across the UK.
54 Poland St
London
W1F 7NJ
Sygma
Unit K, Blois Meadow Business Centre
Steeple Bumpstead
Suffolk
CB9 7BN