Installation
EV charging safety at home (AS/NZS 3000, RCD/RCBO, dedicated circuits)
The safety standards and protection devices behind a compliant home EV charger installation in Australia, explained in plain terms.
8 min read · Updated 12 January 2026
EV charging draws a sustained, high current for hours at a time — a different demand to almost anything else in the house. Understanding the basics of what makes an installation safe helps you ask the right questions of any electrician.
AS/NZS 3000 — the wiring rules
AS/NZS 3000 (the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules) sets the requirements for how electrical installations, including EV charging circuits, must be designed and installed. A licensed electrician working to this standard sizes the cable, protection device and installation method to the charger's current and the cable run.
Dedicated circuits
An EV charger should run on its own dedicated circuit, not share a circuit with other appliances. This avoids overloading a circuit sized for lighter, intermittent loads and makes fault-finding simpler.
RCDs and RCBOs
An RCD (residual current device) detects current leakage to earth and disconnects power quickly, protecting against electric shock. An RCBO combines that protection with an overcurrent circuit breaker in a single device.
EV charging circuits require appropriate RCD protection — many modern EV chargers also include their own internal DC leakage detection to complement the switchboard's protection, which is one of the checks made when a charger is selected and installed.
What to expect from a compliant installation
A properly installed home charger should include:
- A dedicated circuit sized to the charger's current
- Correct RCD/RCBO protection
- Cable and enclosure suited to indoor or outdoor conditions as installed
- Testing after installation, with results recorded
- A Certificate of Testing and Compliance provided to you
Why this matters beyond compliance
Non-compliant DIY or unlicensed EV charging installations are a known fire and shock risk, given the sustained current involved. It's also worth checking that any installer is a licensed Queensland electrical contractor before work begins.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a home EV charger myself?
No — this work must be carried out by a licensed electrician and certified, both for safety and to keep any warranties and insurance valid.
How do I check an installer is licensed?
Ask for their electrical contractor licence number and check it against your state's electrical safety regulator if you want to confirm it.
Ready to install your EV charger?
Get a fixed-price quote from Brisbane's EV charging specialists.
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