EV charging station fire safety: how to prepare your business for unique risks
EV charging station fire safety is the starting point for this guide, and in the next few minutes you will learn what the principal hazards are, which UK standards and duties apply, and the practical steps to reduce risk on site. This article explains how to assess risk, what to demand from installers, what to include in your fire risk assessment, and how Total Safe can support your compliance and training needs.
Why EV charging station fire safety matters for businesses
Businesses are installing chargers for staff, fleet and customers. That brings new electrical loads, cables and battery chemistry into everyday operations. Chargers and lithium‑ion batteries are safe when correctly specified, installed and maintained, but faults can lead to overheating, thermal runaway and fires that are hard to extinguish. The UK Government also notes there is limited evidence that EVs are more likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel cars, yet battery fires can burn longer and re‑ignite, so risk control matters. gov.uk
You also have legal duties. The responsible person must carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and address new hazards created by chargers and battery storage. That duty sits under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and applies to nearly all non‑domestic premises. Update your FRA when you add charging infrastructure. avonfire.gov.uk
EV charging station fire safety: key hazards and how to assess them
Start by identifying the specific hazards your site creates. Typical issues include faulty or non‑certified charging cables, overloaded circuits, damaged battery packs, poor ventilation in enclosed car parks, and chargers placed too close to escape routes or combustible materials.
Lithium‑ion battery thermal runaway: thermal runaway can produce intense heat and toxic gases. This risk is greater if batteries are damaged, subject to overcharging, or if cheap non‑compliant chargers are used.
Electrical faults: poor earthing, incorrect RCD protection or wiring defects can cause arcing and overheating in sockets and plug heads.
Enclosed car park risks: in enclosed or covered car parks, lack of ventilation and restricted access can allow a single vehicle fire to threaten the whole structure. The NFCC and fire services have raised concerns about siting and ventilation in covered car parks. committees.parliament.uk
Assess these hazards during the FRA. Use thermal imaging, review electrical load calculations, and inspect charger certification and installation records. Where e‑bikes, e‑scooters or small mobility devices are charged on site, treat them separately in the assessment because they often use different chargers and present different storage risks. totalsafeuk.com
Standards, regulations and technical guidance to follow
Follow the current technical standards for design and installation. The IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation (5th edition) and BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations) are the primary technical references for chargepoint installations in the UK. They cover site classification, earthing, RCD selection and commissioning tests. In addition, Part S of the Building Regulations and the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 set requirements for many new charging installations. Ensure installers follow these documents and provide test certificates. electrical.theiet.org
Also consult fire service and NFCC guidance for car parks and communal charging. Local fire and rescue services may publish useful notes and expectations for ventilation, detection and access, particularly for enclosed or basement car parks. Liaise with your local service early in the project. committees.parliament.uk
Design and siting: reduce ignition and limit spread
Good layout prevents many problems. First, place chargepoints away from building openings, hydrants and escape routes. Where possible, install chargers at the edge of car parks or on islands that give firefighters clear access. Use non‑combustible surfaces near chargers and provide physical protection, such as bollards, to avoid vehicle impact.
In enclosed or multi‑storey car parks, improve ventilation, smoke control and early detection. If the FRA shows increased risk, consider fixed suppression or enhanced smoke detection in the charging zone. Finally, provide lockable isolators and clear external labelling so crews can de‑energise equipment quickly during an incident. totalsafeuk.com
Electrical installation, commissioning and testing
Only use competent, certificated electrical contractors who work to BS 7671 and the IET Code of Practice. Require the following from any installer:
Load‑management assessment: a load‑management assessment and confirmation of supply adequacy.
RCD and earthing: correct RCD selection (including consideration of DC fault currents) and earth electrode guidance where needed.
Commissioning records: commissioning records, certificates and manufacturer test reports.
Firmware commitments: firmware and software update commitments for smart chargers.
After installation, include chargers in regular electrical inspection and testing regimes. Thermal imaging checks and periodic RCD testing and insulation resistance tests help identify faults before they cause overheating. Keep a documented inspection log. electrical.theiet.org
Operation, maintenance and supplier governance
Operational policies make a difference. Require users to report damaged cables and to stop charging if a vehicle or charger becomes unusually hot. Prohibit the use of extension leads or non‑certified adapters. Where staff may install private chargers on site, set a clear permit process and require evidence of safe installation.
Procure chargers and accessories only from reputable suppliers and check UKCA or CE marking and third‑party certification. Regularly check product safety notices and recalls. For example, product recalls for faulty charging cables have been issued in the UK, underlining the importance of buying verified goods. gov.uk
Managing emergency response and firefighter liaison
Prepare a clear emergency plan that explains how to isolate power, evacuate users and manage contaminated run‑off. Train staff and fire marshals on what to do if a charger or vehicle becomes visibly hot, smokes or ignites. Maintain up‑to‑date contact details for charger manufacturers and qualified EV technicians.
Share site plans and charging layouts with your local fire and rescue service before commissioning so they know how to approach a vehicle fire at your site. That liaison will speed response and reduce uncertainty for crews. The NFCC and some brigades advise pre‑incident engagement for clusters of chargers or battery storage. committees.parliament.uk
Insurance, procurement and record keeping
Tell your insurer when you add EV infrastructure and share the updated FRA and maintenance schedule. Underwriters increasingly require active risk management for high‑power chargers and onsite battery storage, and they may place conditions on cover.
Keep procurement and commissioning documentation in a single compliance file. Records should include design and load calculations, test certificates, inspection logs, firmware updates, maintenance reports and staff training records. These documents support insurance claims and demonstrate competent risk management to regulators.
Practical checklist: actions to complete now
Update your Fire Risk Assessment to include EV charging and any battery storage. See Fire Risk Assessment service for support. totalsafeuk.com
Specify chargers to IET and BS standards and select accredited installers. Refer to the IET Code of Practice (5th edition). electrical.theiet.org
Siting: keep chargers clear of escape routes, hydrants and building openings. Consult NFCC and local fire service guidance for covered car parks. committees.parliament.uk
Maintenance: implement visual checks, periodic electrical tests and thermal imaging. Log all inspections and repairs.
Training: ensure fire marshals and staff know how to isolate chargers and respond to a battery fire.
Procurement: insist on UKCA/CE marking, manufacturer test evidence and a firmware update plan. Check UK product safety notices regularly. gov.uk
Liaison: share plans and risk assessments with your local fire and rescue service prior to commissioning. totalsafeuk.com
For an on‑site survey tailored to your premises, Total Safe’s technical teams provide EV‑focused audits, FRA updates and staff training. See our EV charging safety guide for practical examples and client case studies. EV charging fire safety guide totalsafeuk.com
Conclusion: next steps to protect people and assets
EV charging station fire safety depends on good design, competent installation, thorough risk assessment and ongoing management. Start by updating your FRA and involving a competent electrical installer who follows BS 7671 and the IET Code of Practice. Inform your insurer and keep detailed commissioning and maintenance records. Finally, liaise with your local fire service and train staff in emergency procedures.
If you want help updating your FRA, commissioning checks, or staff fire marshal training, contact Total Safe for a site visit and a tailored compliance plan. Acting now will reduce risk and protect your people, property and reputation.
FAQ
Q: Who is legally responsible for EV charging station fire safety in a business?
A: The responsible person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 must include chargers and battery storage in the site’s fire risk assessment and take proportionate steps to control risks. avonfire.gov.uk
Q: Which standards should installers follow for workplace chargers?
A: Installers should follow BS 7671 and the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation (5th edition) and supply commissioning certificates and test reports. electrical.theiet.org
Q: Can standard fire extinguishers put out an EV battery fire?
A: Regular extinguishers may help control secondary fires, but lithium‑ion battery thermal runaway often needs specialist firefighting techniques and extended cooling; the FRA should address appropriate fire‑fighting provisions. gov.uk
Q: How often should EV chargers be inspected?
A: Frequency should be set by your risk assessment but typically includes daily or weekly visual checks, routine electrical testing and periodic thermal imaging and software updates. Maintain a documented inspection log. electrical.theiet.org
Q: Where can I read official UK guidance on EV charging and safety?
A: Useful official references include GOV.UK’s EV charging and infrastructure guidance and the IET Code of Practice for installation; the NFCC and local fire brigades publish practical safety notes for car parks and communal charging. gov.uk electrical.theiet.org
