Bringing an electric car home is exciting, but the first question most new owners ask is simple: how do I charge it safely at my house? This guide walks you through the options, the electrical basics, and the steps to a safe installation in Pakistan, in plain language.
If you are still deciding how powerful your charger should be, read our companion guide, Home charging: 3.3 kW, 7 kW or 11 kW?. This article focuses on installation and safety.
A few terms explained first
- kW (kilowatt): how fast power flows. A 7 kW charger pushes energy into your car faster than a 3.3 kW one.
- kWh (kilowatt-hour), or "unit": an amount of energy. Your electricity bill counts units. Your car's battery size is also given in kWh.
- Amps (A): how much current a circuit carries. Higher-kW chargers draw more amps, so they need thicker wires and a correctly rated breaker.
- Earthing (grounding): a safety path that sends stray current into the ground instead of through a person. It is not optional for EV charging.
- Sanctioned load: the maximum load your electricity company (DISCO) has approved for your connection, shown on your bill in kW.
Portable charger vs wall charger
Portable charger (the "granny cable")
Many EVs come with a portable charger that plugs into a socket. It is convenient, but slow, and it is only safe on a properly rated, earthed socket on its own circuit.
- Good for: low daily driving, small city EVs, or as a backup.
- Watch out for: ordinary household sockets and old wiring that get hot under hours of continuous load. Never use an extension lead or a multi-plug.
Wall-mounted charger (wallbox)
A wallbox is fixed to a wall or pillar and wired directly to your distribution board on a dedicated circuit. It is faster, has built-in safety checks, and is designed for long, continuous charging.
- Good for: most daily drivers, larger batteries, and anyone who wants a clean, safe setup.
- Usually comes in 3.3 kW, 7 kW, or 11 kW versions (some go higher).
3.3, 7 or 11 kW: what it means for installation
| Charger | Typical connection | What the installer will check |
|---|---|---|
| 3.3 kW | Single-phase | Dedicated circuit, earthing, socket or wallbox rating |
| 7 kW | Single-phase | Heavier cable, correctly rated breaker, spare sanctioned load |
| 11 kW | Three-phase | Three-phase meter, balanced load, heavier cabling |
Remember that your car also has a limit. If your EV only accepts around 7 kW on AC, an 11 kW wallbox will not charge it any faster. You can check your car's AC charging speed on its page in our EV database.
Single-phase vs three-phase meter
Most Pakistani homes have a single-phase connection. That is usually enough for a 3.3 kW or 7 kW charger, as long as your wiring and sanctioned load allow it.
A three-phase connection spreads power across three lines. It is common in larger homes and is needed for 11 kW (and faster) AC charging. Switching to three-phase is a request to your DISCO and involves their own process and charges.
Not sure what you have? Look at your meter and your bill, or ask your electrician to check.
Safety essentials (why a licensed electrician matters)
EV charging is a heavy load that runs for hours. Wiring that copes with a fan or TV can overheat under it, so every installation should be done by a licensed, qualified electrician following the charger maker's manual.
A proper installation should include:
- A dedicated circuit from the distribution board to the charger, with nothing else on it.
- Correctly sized cable for the charger's current and the distance from the board.
- A correctly rated breaker (MCB) for that circuit.
- Residual current protection (RCD/RCBO), which cuts power quickly if current leaks. Many wallboxes need a specific type; your electrician should match the manual.
- Good earthing, tested with a meter, not just assumed.
- Weather protection if the charger is outdoors, in a porch or carport, away from standing water.
Please do not attempt to wire a charger yourself. Working on mains and high-current circuits is dangerous, and a bad joint can cause fires long after the job looks "finished".
Talk to your DISCO about load
Adding a 7 kW charger to a house that already runs air conditioners can push you past your sanctioned load. If that happens, you may need a load extension, or a change to three-phase.
- Check the sanctioned load printed on your bill.
- Ask your electrician to estimate your peak load with the charger added.
- If needed, apply to your DISCO (LESCO, K-Electric, IESCO, and so on) for a load extension.
Rules, forms and fees vary by company and change over time, so check the latest DISCO and NEPRA guidance before you apply. Some people also ask about separate tariffs or time-of-use meters for EV charging; confirm what is currently on offer with your DISCO.
Rough steps to get it done
- Know your car. Note its AC charging speed and connector (usually Type 2 in Pakistan).
- Estimate your daily need. Try our home charging calculator to see how many units you will use.
- Check your connection. Single or three-phase, and your sanctioned load.
- Pick a charger. Portable or wallbox, and a sensible kW.
- Get quotes. Ask installers for a site survey and a written quote. You can request quotes through ChargeNest partners.
- Load extension if needed. Apply to your DISCO before or alongside the install.
- Professional installation. Dedicated circuit, breaker, RCD protection, earthing test.
- Test and hand-over. The installer should test the charger with your car and show you how to use it.
What does it cost?
Costs vary with the charger brand and power, the cable run from your distribution board, any three-phase upgrade, and DISCO fees. Get two or three written quotes via our partners page, and estimate running costs on the charging cost calculator. Planning solar too? Try the solar calculator.
FAQ
Can I charge my EV from a normal wall socket?
Some cars allow it with the supplied portable charger, but only on a properly rated, earthed socket on its own circuit. Have an electrician check it first, and never use an extension lead.
Do I need a three-phase connection for home charging?
Not usually. Most single-phase homes can support a 3.3 kW or 7 kW charger. Three-phase is mainly needed for 11 kW or faster AC charging, and only helps if your car accepts that speed.
Will a home charger increase my sanctioned load?
It can. If your existing load plus the charger exceeds what is sanctioned, you may need a load extension from your DISCO. Check your bill and ask your electrician to calculate it.
Is earthing really that important?
Yes. Earthing protects people from electric shock if something goes wrong. A licensed electrician should install it and test it before the charger is used.