British Gas and Hive free charge question about installation

[newfoundstory]

Hi all,

I'm tempted to get a hive charger for the free charging offer by British gas.
My mate is an electrician and offered to do the install for free since he's installed his own himself.

Only thing is, he doesn't have the qualification/certification to do it.

I know the print says it needs to be installed by an engineer that has the certification, just wondering if anyone's been through the process do they actually check for that?

If so, I might just try and get a different charger anyway since the cost of getting it fitted is about £500 so I'm still saving a decent amount with my mate firing it.

Cheers

 

[Jomarkh]

Hi, would BG not want to install it themselves or are they happy to send it to you to get it installed?

 

[newfoundstory]

You can buy the hive charger from any hive partner, doesn't come directly from BG.

I also found this in their terms and conditions so I guess I've answered my own question

 

[DBedford]

FreeCharge is only available though BGas authorised installers. And your mate should NOT be installing any charger without the required qualifications, and issues and his/your household insurance could be drawn into question !

 

[Susanna]

I’m sure I read that they can be installed by anyone, as long as it is then checked by a qualified installer.
However, that would still command a substantial charge, I would imagine.

 

[tsedge]

I’m sure I read that they can be installed by anyone, as long as it is then checked by a qualified installer.
However, that would still command a substantial charge, I would imagine.

Yes and they might still not want to sign it off if they are unhappy about how it has been installed.

Why would you want to go the cheap route with something so essential? I don't get it.

 

[Susanna]

@tsedge
I agree with you. I was just stating what I had read!

 

[tsedge]

@tsedge
I agree with you. I was just stating what I had read!

Yes, I saw that, the "you" I meant was the op / anybody.

 

[DBedford]

I’m sure I read that they can be installed by anyone, as long as it is then checked by a qualified installer.
However, that would still command a substantial charge, I would imagine.

 

[gazza487]

I’m sure I read that they can be installed by anyone, as long as it is then checked by a qualified installer.
However, that would still command a substantial charge, I would imagine.

I believe there needs to be an application with your DNO to install before it goes ahead. This is to ensure there is enough capacity and also checks for if supply is looped etc.

 

[Susanna]

@gazza487
Oh absolutely! I am actually on a looped supply, and National Grid eventually came out to upgrade mine and my neighbour’s cut outs, when it was brought to their attention that the DNO hadn’t done anything.

We are still looped, as my neighbour (understandably) didn’t want their driveway dug up to allow a new supply direct to their property, but owing to that, they would be refused permission to install an EVSE in the future.

 

[gazza487]

@gazza487
Oh absolutely! I am actually on a looped supply, and National Grid eventually came out to upgrade mine and my neighbour’s cut outs, when it was brought to their attention that the DNO hadn’t done anything.

We are still looped, as my neighbour (understandably) didn’t want their driveway dug up to allow a new supply direct to their property, but owing to that, they would be refused permission to install an EVSE in the future.

Same here. They won’t unloop because it’s overhead and they want to do underground now apparently but they aren’t too sure on who owns which bit of road. I’ve given up, load limited charger stays (which will slow down if I’m hammering everything which isn’t great).