Building Regulations Part S

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What is Part S of the Building Regulations?

The Part S Building Regulations on EV Charging is also known as Approved Document S. It gives in-depth advice to help your project comply with the latest Part S of Schedule 1 building regs by installing the appropriate charge points for electric vehicles. Building Regulations Part S states that most building projects from June 2022 onwards must have electric vehicle charging points installed. It applies to newly built properties and major renovations of both residential properties and non-dwellings.

Part S is divided into seven sections, depending on the project type:
 

• Requirement S1: The erection of new residential buildings

• Requirement S2: Dwellings resulting from a material change of use

• Requirement S3: Residential buildings undergoing major renovation

• Requirement S4: Erection of new buildings which are not residential buildings or mixed-use buildings

• Requirement S5: Buildings undergoing major renovation work which are not residential buildings or mixed-use buildings

• Requirement S6: The erection of new mixed-use buildings and mixed use buildings undergoing major renovation

• Regulations: 44D, 44E, 44F, 44G, 44H, 44I, 44J - covering standards for electric vehicle charge points, space requirements and suggested cable routes

Each of the Part S Building Regulations sections has its own guidance on how many EV charge points are needed, where they should be installed and how to install them. 

For new residential properties and major renovations, the number of associated parking spaces with access to an EV charge point must be a minimum of either:
 

• The number of associated parking spaces

• The number of dwellings that the car park serves

For major renovations, cable routes for electric vehicle charge points must also be installed in all additional associated parking spaces.

For new buildings which are not residential or for renovated non dwellings, with more than 10 parking spaces:
 

• One of those parking spaces must have access to one electric vehicle charge point

• Plus charge cable routes for electric vehicle charge points must be installed in a minimum of one fifth of the total number of remaining spaces

The Part S Building Regs over-lap with several other Approved Documents, including Part B (Fire Safety) and Part P (Electrical Safety). See the Travis Perkins Building Regs Hub for more details on the latest Building Regulations updates.

When did Part S come into effect?

The new Part S Building Regulations (EV charging) took effect on 15th June 2022, for use in England only. It doesn't apply to work subject to a building notice, full plans application or initial notice submitted before 15/6/22, provided the work is started on site before 15th June 2023.

Do all new houses have to have EV charging points?

From June 2022, most new homes which have parking will have to have EV charge points to comply with the current Building Regulations. Part S applies to new developments and big renovations, including:
 

• New residential and non-residential buildings

• Buildings undergoing material change of use

• Residential and non-residential buildings undergoing major renovation

• Mixed-use buildings undergoing relevant building work

There are some buildings which are exempt from Part S. This includes certain historic buildings, if the renovations are only to improve fire safety or if the cost of installing EV charge points exceeds 7% of the project budget. Also, where no associated parking spaces are provided, there is no requirement to install an EV charge point for new homes. Your local building control body should be able to help if you’re unsure of the exemptions in the Part S Building Regs.

What are the minimum standards for an electric vehicle charge point

Regulation 44J sets out the minimum standards needed for the Part S Building Regulations EV Charging points. An EV charge point must:
 

• Be capable of providing a reasonable power output for each parking space for which it is intended to be used

• Be run on a dedicated circuit

• Be compatible with all vehicles which may require access to it

By making sure all new homes and business developments have access to universal EV charging points, the government hopes to encourage more people to buy electric vehicles, as part of their plan to reach zero emissions by 2050 (and with the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in 2030 in mind).

Can a builder or trade worker install tethered charge points?

As the Building Regulations Part S state that an EV charging station needs its own dedicated circuit, it must be installed by a qualified electrician who has passed the appropriate training. 

Installing EV charge points are classed as ‘notifiable’ under Building Regulations Part P and you will need building regs approval. The electrical work will need to be inspected and approved by either a registered competent person or the local building control body who will then produce an appropriate Compliance Certificate.

All electrical work relating to electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) needs to comply with P1 rules on design and installation, to protect people using the building.

Disclaimer: Information displayed in this article is correct at the time of publication, but note that legislation changes periodically. Please refer to the latest publication of each approved article. The information contained on this page is intended as an overall introduction and is not intended as advice from a professional building control officer. The definition of ‘building work’ and when Building Regs approval is required is set out here. Travis Perkins aims to avoid, but accepts no liability, in the case that any information stated is out of date. Always consult the approved local authority building control team when considering any exemptions, and before undertaking any work.