Given our commitment to all things “eco” both in our lodges and the running of Mill Meadow we have been delighted to see an increase in electric vehicles amongst our guests.

Sounds simple, however one thing we know is that life is never that simple and communication from our insurers has highlighted that our cover may not be valid where non specialised and professionally installed charging points are not in place:

“Electric Car Charging Points:

Whilst there is no endorsement in place regards car charging, if you were to allow guests to charge their car through a lodge as opposed to a charging point fitted according to manufacturer’s specifications and guidelines this would not be considered advisable.

In the event of a claim, insurers may take the view that allowing guests to do this is not safeguarding the property, and in deed without being done correctly could put the property at risk. In addition, there is the added concern regards a guest / employee falling over any cables if not done properly.”

To be fair to our insurers we have now determined that there are very good technical reasons not to use a 13 AMP plug:

Can’t Guests Just Charge From the accommodation Domestic Supply?

Most EVs are supplied with a cable with a three-pin 13 Amp plug (often known as a “granny charger”), which will plug into a domestic socket. A regular three-pin plug will draw a maximum charge of 3kW, which will add about 10 miles of range per hour of charging. Which is fine in theory if your guests just need a top-up after local journeys but is unlikely to give a full charge overnight.

However, a proper charging point will have safety features and protections built in, and have a lower risk of fire and electric shock than using a domestic socket.

Using an extension cable is definitely not recommended, as it increases the risk of fire.

Why is it dangerous and why might it invalidate your insurance?

The technical and legal answer….. The wiring regs (BS7671) have a very specific section in an amendment they made in February 2020 regarding sockets that may be used for EV chargers.

They must have one of:

• an earth rod mesh
• an earth rod network
• or an earth rod that has an extremely low impedance

They must meet the following requirements:

• They must not be connected to the PME (Protected Multiple Earthing) system that will be in place in most properties
• You must ensure a voltage of less than 70V rms between the vehicle and the ground.
• It needs be a specific type of socket that allows the full 13A to be drawn with no damage, perhaps over a prolonged period of time, (so not a standard 13-amp socket and one that has EV stamped on the back).
• You should never use a standard 13-amp socket as they are not rated for EV Charging.
• This socket must be marked as an EV socket.
• Each EV connection must have its own RCD-DD device which would disconnect the live, neutral and earth conductors from the vehicle in the event of a fault.

Without such safety protocols being in place the body of the car could become live at any point, a normal 13A socket could catch fire, especially if that socket is close to a window and is in proximity to soft furnishings or curtains.

Information by courtesy of PASC  UK (THE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SELF CATERERS UK)

How to “Charge Your Car”

The good news is we have a dedicated professionally installed charger available at the main entrance with a tariff of 60p/Kwh as at February 2025.

Please click here for full details of our EV Charging Policy.

Please click here for instructions on how to use our Voltshare Charger