Making the leap to electric mobility is a decision that positively transforms the way you get around and also your relationship with energy at home. Having your own charger not only lets you use night-time hours to charge comfortably, but also gives you independence, control and, in the long run, considerable savings. The installation may look like a complex process, but with the right information it becomes a clear, perfectly manageable path.
This guide walks with you from the beginning: understanding what you need, how to choose the right charger, which technical and regulatory requirements you must meet, and what the steps professional installers follow are.
You don't need advanced electrical knowledge: an overall view of the process is enough to make informed decisions and avoid common mistakes.
Step 1: Assess the type of home and define where the charger will go
The first step is to look at your surroundings. In a single-family home, the most common option is to install the charger in the private garage, where the electrical panel is usually nearby and the cable run is short. This simplifies the installation and cuts costs. In a shared garage, the installation will depend on the building's electrical layout, since it can be connected to the individual meter or to a shared infrastructure. In any case, it must meet the requirements set out in ITC-BT-52 and the rest of the applicable regulations to guarantee a safe installation.
The distance between the electrical panel and the parking space is a key factor. The greater the distance, the larger the cable cross-section and the higher the cost. That's why it's worth measuring precisely and weighing the exact location of the charger. In tight spaces, compact models like the Simon SM40 allow a more discreet, orderly installation.
Step 2: Check the contracted power and the state of the electrical installation
Before choosing a charger, it is essential to know the contracted power and the state of the electrical panel. Most home chargers operate between 3.7 kW and 7.4 kW on single-phase installations, although homes with three-phase supply can reach 11 kW or even 22 kW if the vehicle supports it.
A common mistake is to think that you always need to raise the contracted power. In reality, many modern chargers feature dynamic load balancing systems that adjust the available power based on the home's consumption. The Simon SM30 and Simon SM40, for example, prevent overloads by detecting when other appliances are in use and automatically regulating the energy assigned to the vehicle.
The installer will check the electrical panel to make sure the charging-point line complies with ITC-BT-52. Every charging socket must have its own dedicated protections, including a magnetothermic breaker, a type A residual current device and a surge protector on the line.
Step 3: Choose the right charger for the home
Choosing the right charger is an important decision, because it will shape your day-to-day experience. Some models include an integrated cable, which is very convenient if you'll be charging every day; others offer a Type 2 socket, more versatile if several vehicles will use the same point.
It's worth looking at aspects such as:
Compatibility with the vehicle's connector (Type 2 is the European standard).
Adjustable power to fit the installation.
Weather protection if it will be installed outdoors.
Smart features such as scheduling, consumption stats or app control.
The SM30 and SM40 range stands out for its robustness, advanced connectivity and ease of use, making it a particularly attractive option for private homes seeking reliability and convenience.
Step 4: Request a quote from an authorised installer
Once you're clear on what you need, it's time to request a quote. The installation must be carried out by an authorised professional, and it's advisable to request several proposals to compare not only the price but also the quality of the materials and the level of technical detail.
A complete quote should include the wiring, the electrical protections, labour, mounting of the charger, commissioning and the installation certificate. For shared garages, the cable run through common areas and the installation of fire-resistant trays or ducts should also be considered.
Step 5: Carry out the electrical installation and mount the charger
Once you accept the quote, the installer begins the work. First, they run the cable from the electrical panel or meter to the parking space, choosing the right cross-section for the power and distance. Then they install the required protections in the panel and mount the charger on the wall, making sure the earth connection is correct and everything complies with the regulations.
Simon chargers usually include built-in protection systems and mounting accessories that make for a clean installation, even in shared garages where the cable run may be long or complex.
Step 6: Set up the charger and run the final tests
The last step is to set up the charger to fit your needs. This may include capping the power, pairing with a mobile app or scheduling charging hours to take advantage of cheaper tariffs. Once set up, the installer runs operation tests to make sure everything works properly and that the vehicle starts and stops charging without issues.
With the delivery of the installation certificate, your charging point is ready for daily use. From then on, charging your electric car will be as simple as parking, plugging in and forgetting about it until the next morning.
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