Sending a clear photo pack before an EV charger survey reduces provisional pricing and wasted visits. Capture the consumer unit with the cover open if safe, the meter and cut-out area, the proposed mounting wall, the parking bay with the car in its usual position, and the likely cable route including obstacles. Add lease or parking documents for flats and any highways constraints for on-street homes. Photos do not replace a survey, but they make the eventual written scope sharper.
Electrical photos
Consumer unit with ways visible, close-ups of labelling, meter tails area, and any existing outdoor isolators. Do not touch live parts; only open covers if you already know it is safe or wait for the surveyor.
A torch photo of a dark cupboard beats no photo.
Parking and mounting photos
Wide shot of the bay, close-up of the wall or post location, and a shot with the car parked as usual so inlet reach is obvious.
Include gates, slopes and bin stores that fight the cable.
- Daylight exterior shots
- One night shot if lighting matters
- Basement pillar context for flats
Route and obstacle photos
Loft hatches, garage eaves, flower beds, patterned block paving and shared surfaces along the likely path. Mark privately on a sketch which surfaces you refuse to lift.
For cross-pavement interest, photograph footway width and utilities markers without digging.
Documents beside photos
Parking schedule, landlord consent status, previous electrical certificates, and MPAN if requested. Grant seekers should note tenure clearly so installers do not assume EVHS-era eligibility.
Confirm live grant rules on GOV.UK yourself.
Privacy and safety
Avoid capturing neighbour interiors or unnecessary documents with personal data. Do not work in meter cupboards beyond your competence.
Label the file set with your postcode and preferred mount before emailing.
Frequently asked questions
Can photos replace a survey?
No. They improve quotes and preparation. Energised work still needs on-site assessment.
What if I cannot open the consumer unit?
Send closed-cover photos and cupboard context. The surveyor will open it safely on site.
How many photos is enough?
Usually eight to fifteen clear images covering board, meter, bay, mount and route beat fifty blurry duplicates.
Should I include video?
A short walkthrough video can help complex flats. Keep it steady and narrated.
Core buying guides
Start with these high-intent guides, then dig into the rest of the library.
Related guides
Sources and further reading
How this guide was prepared
This guide was written by the Local EV Installers Editorial Team. We compare official guidance, legislation and established consumer information, separate general information from project-specific advice, and show publication dates and sources. We do not accept installer accreditation claims at face value.