The 2026 Countdown

The electrical industry is no stranger to change, but the update arriving on October 1, 2026, is one of the most significant shifts in years.

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Are You Ready for the New EV Installation Rules?

The electrical industry is no stranger to change, but the update arriving on October 1, 2026, is one of the most significant shifts in years. If you install—or plan to install—Electric Vehicle(EV) charge points, the "business as usual" approach is about to expire.The Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) has been updated, and the transition period is rapidly closing.

What is Changing in October 2026?

Currently, many electrical firms operate under a "Qualified Supervisor" model. This allows a single qualified individual to oversee and sign off on work performed by other members of theteam.

From October 1, 2026, this changes for EV installations.

Under the new EAS rules, the industry is moving toward individual competence. This means that every person physically installing an EV charge point must hold their own specific Level 3qualification. You can no longer rely on a supervisor’s credentials to "cover" the rest of the team.

The Two-Step Requirement:

To be legally compliant and maintain your registration with bodies like NICEIC, NAPIT, or City& Guilds after the deadline, installers must meet two criteria:

1.  Fully Qualified Electrician Status: You must be a "Core" qualified electrician. This typically means holding an NVQ Level 3, passing your AM2, and being up to date with the latest 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (including the upcoming Amendment 4).

2. Specific EV Qualification: You must also hold a dedicated Level 3 Award in the Requirements for the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment (such as City &Guilds 2921 or equivalent).

Important Note: Manufacturer-specific "product training" sessions do not count toward this requirement. While they are great for learning a specific brand, they do not satisfy the EAS mandatory competence standards.

Why the Change?

As EV technology becomes more complex, so do the risks. The industry is seeing a push for higher standards in:

- PME Earthing Arrangements: Navigating the complexities of open PEN protection.

- Load Management: Ensuring chargers don't overload the existing property supply.

- Safety Devices: The mandatory use of specific RCDs and the introduction of Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) in certain EV scenarios under Amendment 4:2026.