EV Charging Safety

Electric cars, e-bikes and scooters are becoming a normal part of life in the UK — and for good reason. They’re cleaner, quieter and cheaper to run. But as more of us plug in at home or at work, it’s important to be aware of the fire and safety risks that come with charging batteries.

At Omni Davis, our job is not just to arrange the right insurance, but also to help you avoid claims by staying safe.

---

Lithium-ion batteries — the type found in most electric cars, e-bikes and scooters — store a huge amount of energy. If damaged or charged incorrectly, they can overheat or catch fire, and once they ignite, they can be difficult to extinguish.

Lead-acid batteries, still used in forklifts and other industrial equipment, also present a risk of explosion if hydrogen gas builds up during charging.

---

These devices are often charged in homes or communal buildings, so extra care is essential.

Safety tips:

• Charge batteries away from escape routes — never in hallways or bedrooms.
• Use only the charger supplied with the device (or one from the same manufacturer).
• Don’t overload sockets or use cheap extension leads. Plug directly into a wall socket where possible.
• Never charge while you’re asleep or out of the house.
• If the battery looks damaged, feels hot, smells strange or makes noise — stop charging immediately and move it outside if safe to do so.

If you live in a flat or manage a building with shared spaces, consider creating a designated charging area with good ventilation and non-combustible surfaces.

---

Electric cars draw much higher electrical loads than typical appliances, so professional installation is key.

Safety tips:

• Always use a properly installed charging point, fitted by a qualified electrician or OZEV-approved installer.
• Avoid using 3-pin domestic sockets for regular charging.
• Keep the area around your charging point clear of combustible materials (such as bins or cardboard).
• Ideally, charge outside or in a well-ventilated garage.
• Monitor charging sessions where possible — modern chargers and apps can alert you to issues.

If you’re adding a charger at home, tell your home insurer. Some policies ask for professional installation or may offer discounts for approved systems.

---

If you operate vehicles or equipment with large batteries, you’ll need to think about fire safety, ventilation, and staff training.

Good practice includes:

• A designated charging area, separated from other operations and clearly signed.
• No charging overnight unless the building has suitable detection and monitoring systems.
• Regular maintenance and inspection of batteries, chargers, and cables.
• Ensuring staff are trained to recognise hazards and wear appropriate protective gear when handling batteries.

A well-planned charging area protects not only your premises but also your business continuity and insurance cover.

---

If a battery fire starts:

• Do not try to move or cool the battery yourself.
• Evacuate the area and call 999.
• Only use extinguishers if it’s safe and you’re trained — lithium-ion fires can re-ignite.

---

Many insurers now ask about EV charging points or battery storage as part of your home or business insurance.
Following the above steps helps ensure your cover remains valid and could even support more favourable terms.

If you’re installing or using EV chargers, let us know — we can help check that your policy still meets your needs and provide practical guidance on what your insurer expects.

---

Electric vehicles and battery-powered devices are here to stay — and with the right precautions, they’re perfectly safe to use.
Taking time to set up proper charging arrangements protects your property, your loved ones and your peace of mind.

For further guidance, or to review your insurance cover in light of new charging equipment, contact Omni Davis. We’re here to help you stay protected as technology evolves.