Double Pole Isolator Installation

Matt_OX4

I am in the process of having an EV charger installed and need to have a double pole isolator put in to enable the installer to connect up the outdoor consumer unit they will use for the charger.

Where I am struggling is to find out how I can get this isolator installed, given to do so the main incoming fuse needs to be pulled, which I understand can only be done by a person authorised to do so and my installer is not. EDF (my supplier) are saying they don't install isolators and I need to find someone to do it myself, and UKPN (my DNO) are saying it is EDFs responsibility. I have seen online that other electriciy supplier do install them, so do I just have the bad luck of being with the "wrong" supplier?

Has anyone else been in this situation, and if so how did you resolve it? I never thought getting a charger installed would be such a headache!

Reed_Richards

Some electricians will remove the mains fuse regardless; I presume on the basis that it is their only safe option.

Netexporter

I got mine fitted with my smart meter as meter fitters are permitted to pull the fuse.

If your main fuse is only 60A ask your DNO to upgrade it to 80A for the extra load. Tell them you also need a 100A switch.

If the company service head (which houses the main fuse) is made of black resin then it needs to be changed to a modern grey plastic one. Again, ask your DNO to do this. There is a program to upgrade them but some DNOs are more proactive than others.

Ectophile

The correct way is to get the DNO to pull the fuse. Then your electrician can install the isolator and the EV charger. Once that's done, the DNO can come back and put the fuse in again.

It is possible to run an EV charger off a 60A supply. Mine has a current clamp to detect if I am overloading the supply, and can tell the car to slow down its charging.

Matt_OX4

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82126073#Comment_82126073

I think this was more the done thing before smart meters, as they now tell the DNO the supply has been cut, but I might be wrong.

Matt_OX4

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82126096#Comment_82126096

Thanks, so I just need to see if I can get UKPN to come and pull the fuse?

Matt_OX4

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82126090#Comment_82126090

Thanks - as part of the approval UKPN have already visited the property to actually
reduce the fuse rating down to 60A from 100A as we are a looped supply.
We have the grey supply head, so can't use that reasoning unfortunately.

sheenas

A decent electrician will arrange the DNO or SIP to sort the main fuse. After all his has to sort the paperwork out anyway and that is what you're partly paying for him to do.

There is a debate around electricians removing the main fuse and then asking the DNO/SIP to reseal, leave it to the sparky and worry about exactly how the installation is going to be done. For example I would not want an outside consumer unit. Ideally I would want everything tidy in the existing CU with a surge protection device, or at least a tidy indoor extra box.

Ectophile

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82126240#Comment_82126240

I'm sure they will if you're willing to pay them. For two visits.

It was a lot easier when electricians would quietly pull the fuse themselves. But these days if you have a smart meter, the DNO will know.

Heedtheadvice

More partial info. It is true that there are SIPs but that is only part of the story.

The IET ( the producers of the BS wiring regs ) give more detail. https://electrical.theiet.org/wiring-matters/years/2025/106-july-2025/removing-the-distributors-cut-out-fuse/

It is really best to have your good electrician coordinate with the DNO ( some already have approval or will make arrangments).

If yours has already been involved to get the fuse changed and did not take the opportunity then to fit an isolator you maybe ought to have selected a better installer! If the DNO needs to do it just get them to go down that route.

I really is not having a charger fitted that is the cause of your problem it could have been any major work such as replacing the consumer unit.

Mister_G

I was quite fortunate. When I changed supplier to Eon, they wanted to come an fit a new smart meter. I bought a 100A double pole isolator and some 25mm tails.

When the fitter came I persuaded him (with the help of coffee and chocolate Hob Nobs!) to fit the isolator and tails as well.

I'm not sure if meter fitters for other suppliers are quite as helpful.