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I've been informed my gas/water bonding needs installing or upgrading - what does this mean?


Why gas/oil and water earth bonding matters for EV charger installation:
Installing an EV charging point involves more than just connecting cables. It also requires safety measures like earth bonding. This post explains why gas/oil and water bonding are crucial for EV chargepoint installation.
What is earth bonding?
Earth bonding keeps you and your home safe by reducing the risk of electric shocks and fires. The main reason for this is safety. An electrical appliance fault could lead to metallic objects becoming live - meaning you, or your family could get an electric shock by touching a metallic item such as a radiator.
Why do I need earth bonding?
Earth bonding is important for any electrical installation, not just for EV chargers. It's a safety shield against potentially fatal electric shocks. It's also legally required to be in place to install an EV charger.
When do I need earth bonding for EV charger installation?
Before installing an EV charger, our home surveyors will make sure protective bonding is in place. This is vital for your safety.
In order to meet current British electrical standards, the bonding must be 10mm. It must also be located within 600mm (60cm) where the water and gas/oil pipes enter the property.
If it is not 10mm, or not located within 600mm (60cm) of property entry, then we will need to install it before we can proceed with an EV charge point installation.
Exceptions for plastic pipes:
If your gas and water supply pipes are made of plastic, bonding isn't necessary.
How to check for gas meter bonding:
Our home surveyors will look for the bonding. However, as it can be hard to find, it is recommended you have a quick look before the survey.
If you would like to see it for yourself, here Is what to look for:
- Look around your gas meter for a yellow and green earth cable. It's usually clamped to a copper pipe.
- This cable is often near the gas meter or inside the gas meter box.
How to check for water bonding:
Our home surveyors will look for the bonding. However, as it can be hard to find, it is recommended you have a quick look before the survey.
For water bonding, look for the water stopcock in your home. It's the tap you'd use to turn off the water supply. Usually, it's under the sink.
Check for a yellow and green cable attached to a copper pipe within about a meter of the stopcock.
Can't find gas and water bonding?
If our surveyor or you have metal gas or water pipes and can't find bonding, we'll need assume it's not there. We'll need to add it on the day of the EV charger installation, which will come with an extra cost that we will discuss with you before booking your full installation.
If you choose not to add it, unfortunately we will not be able to proceed with the installation for safety and legal compliance reasons.
How much does it cost?
If you need gas/oil bonding and/or water bonding, these cost £125 each. We will complete the work on the day of your EV chargepoint installation.
If I need work, can I get a local electrician to do it?
Yes - if you'd rather complete the work yourself, you can arrange this before installation. All we ask is that you provide us with photos of the completed work before we're able to schedule your installation. Please ensure the bonding is 10mm - if it isn't then we'll be unable to proceed with the installation.
I have gas/water bonding but am still being told I need it upgraded?
Unfortunately in some homes the gas/water bonding is not up to modern standards which we are required to adhere to by law. This is typically if the gas/water bonding isn't 10mm or is located more than 600mm (60cm) away from the pipe entry into the property.
Engineer verification:
Our electricians will double-check the bonding when they visit. They'll ensure it's the right size and properly connected.
What if on installation I don't need it?
No problem - we will issue a full refund if it is found not to be required.
Example of water bonding:


Example of gas bonding:
