Frequently asked questions.
If your question isn't answered below, please ask our friendly chat AI as this has access to our entire knowledge base and will be able to provide an answer for you
Do I need a Wired Energy Manager?
A Wired Energy Manager is included with every charger. It is a CT clamp. We include one for a 7kW model and three for a 22kW model.
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Are your chargers compatible with all types of EVs?
Absolutely. Simpson & Partners chargers are engineered to support all EV models and PHEV. Tethered (Built-in Cable): Comes with a fixed Type 2 cable. Untethered (Socket): Features a universal socket, allowing you to use your own Type 1 or Type 2 charging cable, supporting older Type 1 vehicles as well as newer Type 2 cars.
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My Car Keeps Charging Beyond the Limit Set in the Octopus App
If your car is charging beyond the limit set in the Octopus app, it’s because the charge limit is not controlled by the app or the Simpson & Partners charger — it must be managed by your vehicle directly. Why This Happens • The Octopus Intelligent tariff controls when your car charges, not how much it charges. • The Simpson & Partners charger delivers energy during allowed charging times but cannot stop charging at a certain battery percentage. • Only your vehicle can limit the charge level. Neither the Octopus app nor the charger can override this.
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What is a Wired Energy Manager?
The Wired Energy Manager is a clever small device that balances the electrical load between your car and home. It constantly measures the amount of energy that your home is using and sends any availiable energy to your car (if it's plugged in). Known as a 'load balancing' device it avoids nuisance trips by prioritising energy to the home. So for example when you use the hob, hot tub, microwave etc, the energy manager will prioritise energy for your home appliances and reduce energy going to your car. As soon as you switch off your home appliances and 'reduce the load' on the house, it sends more to your car. We include a Wired Energy Manager with every Home basic or Home Plus charger.
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Why Choose Holiday Series EV Chargers over other Ev chargers?
Most holiday let chargers are cheap plastic units that look awful and break down. Holiday Series chargers are British-engineered from metal for superior durability and come in 132 colour combinations to match your property. We've been offering Business and Home EV chargers for years and started out making EV chargers in 2018. Crucially, they include OFGEM-compliant MID meters as standard. If you're charging guests for electricity, MID meters are a legal requirement in the UK. They're certified meters that provide accurate, auditable readings of exactly how much energy each guest uses protecting you from disputes and ensuring you charge fairly and legally. Purpose-built for holiday lets, Holiday Series chargers are reliable, beautiful, easy for guests to use and designed to generate revenue with minimal hassle.
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What is the difference between single-phase and three-phase power?
Single-phase power is the standard electricity supply for most UK homes — around 85% of domestic properties use it. It delivers electricity through one live wire and is protected by a single fuse (typically rated at 60, 80, or 100 amps). With single-phase, the maximum charging rate for an EV charger is usually 7.3kW, which is ideal for overnight charging and suits most households. Three-phase power, on the other hand, is more common in commercial buildings or larger homes. It uses three live wires, allowing electricity to flow more efficiently and at higher capacity. If your property has a three-phase supply, you can install a charger capable of delivering up to 22kW —useful for larger battery EVs or homes with multiple electric vehicles needing faster turnaround. In short: • Single-phase = up to 7.3kW charging, standard for most homes • Three-phase = up to 22kW charging, suited for high-demand setups, commercial car parks, multi-dwelling residences.
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Will a 3-phase charger work on a single-phase supply?
Yes, the installer will just need to connect to one phase within the charger.
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How durable are your chargers?
Our EV chargers are built to last. We provide industry-leading protection and peace of mind with: 5-year warranty on all hardware components 10-year warranty on the enclosure and lid Our chargers use robust, weather-resistant materials designed to withstand outdoor conditions and frequent daily use, ensuring reliable performance for years to come.
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What improvements are being made over the coming months?
We’re continuing to invest in support throughout 2026, building on the reliability gains delivered with our V3 hardware. This platform is also being extended to our 22 kW chargers, bringing the same stability across the full range.On the software side, we’re releasing updates that prevent issues before they appear, along with a full app redesign featuring guided, step‑by‑step diagnostics so you can resolve most problems instantly. And if you do need us, we’re expanding our phone, email and live chat availability for faster access to the team.Our approach is simple: the best support works quietly in the background with continuous firmware improvements, automatic fixes and regular updates that make your charger more reliable over time and more real people to answer your calls.
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Can I see the colours before I buy?
Absolutely. Order a free colour card so you can see the colours in your own space before committing. Order from our website and we’ll post it out via snail mail.
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How do guests know how to use the charger?
It's simple. Provide clear instructions in your guestbook under "Practical Essentials" alongside check-in times and Wi-Fi details. If using Tap Electric, guests scan the unique QR code on the charger to start charging and pay automatically. A well-lit setup and basic signage make self-charging straightforward for all guests. At Nuthatch Retreat: "Guests are always happy to know that all they need to do is bring their cable and plug in after a day exploring the area. No need to download apps or add credit to accounts."
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Can I get a bespoke colour for my EV charger?
Yes, we offer bespoke colour-matching in exceptional cases – this is more common for businesses wanting to match their brand than for home installations. Our standard collection: We have 132 carefully curated colours and finishes. Our creative director, Mandy Simpson, personally selects each one to harmonise beautifully with walls, brickwork, and gardens. Important note: Our standard powder coating comes with a 10-year guarantee. Custom colours may not carry the same guarantee. Interested in a bespoke colour? Contact sales@simpson-partners.com (POA) and our production team will assess your request.
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Can you help me compare different brands of home EV chargers based on durability and design?
We have created a page highlighting the benefits and differences of many market leading chargers https://simpson-partners.com/charger-comparison Design and appearance is obviously subjective. David and Mandy Simpson have spent a long time designing S&P chargers to be discreet, understated. Quiet luxury. Every curve, radius and angle has been considered.
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I’m looking to get a quote for installing multiple EV chargers for my commercial property.
Absolutely. We provide tailored quotes for multiple charger installations at commercial sites. Here's how it works: Use our online configurator or contact our team to specify the number of chargers you need, power rating (7 kW or 22 kW), installation type (wall-mounted or freestanding), and any business features like RFID access, MID metering, or built-in RCBOs. We'll build a quote for you. If you don't have your own electricians, we can connect you with an independent electrical team who will complete a site survey. They'll need photos of your consumer unit, fuse board, and cable routes, plus details about your requirements (payment systems, solar PV, battery integration, etc.). You'll then receive a detailed quotation covering hardware, installation, any civil works or cable trenching, and commissioning. Government grants are available for charging infrastructure, so remember to ask your installer to claim these on your behalf. Branded colour finishes are available on request for business clients.
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Do Simpson & Partners EV chargers support Ethernet connections?
Yes. Simpson & Partners EV chargers support hardwired Ethernet connections, providing a more stable and reliable alternative to Wi-Fi—particularly in areas with poor signal strength or network interference.
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If Octopus controls charging, will it always be off-peak?
Not necessarily. Octopus may charge your car at any time to optimise cost and carbon efficiency. Your bill will still reflect the lower smart charging rate.
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Can I be sure this charger will work with my home and my car?
Absolutely. All our chargers are designed to work with the UK’s standard electrical supply and with every EV connector type currently on the market. Before installation, our team or your qualified electrician will double-check that your setup is compatible. If you’re buying a Plus model, features like solar integration or the wireless Energy Manager will also be assessed for your home to ensure seamless operation.
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What’s the difference between the Basic and Plus chargers?
The Home Basic charger is our dependable, no‑fuss choice. It features a durable grey plastic cap, four front‑panel colour options, and includes a Wired Energy Manager as standard. The Home Plus charger offers more ways to personalise your setup, with a wider range of colours and the option of premium wood or metal lids. It’s also solar‑compatible and you can choose a Wireless Energy Manager if you prefer it over the wired version. In short, the Plus is ideal if you’re looking for extra style, smarter energy management, or solar integration. The Basic is perfect when you simply want a reliable, straightforward charger that gets the job done.
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What’s the difference between Tethered and Untethered chargers?
Tethered: The charger comes with a cable permanently attached, so it's quick and easy to plug in and go. This is ideal if you always use the same vehicle and want maximum convenience. Untethered: The charger has no fixed cable — you use your own instead. This gives you a neater look with no cable on show when not in use. You can also leave your cable plugged into the charger between charges if you prefer, giving you the best of both worlds.
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How does Simpson & Partners protect my data differently from other brands?
We combine privacy-first design with banking-grade security. Unlike others, we don’t collect personal details, and all data is anonymised. Plus, we use encrypted connections and UK-based secure servers to keep your information safe, just like your online banking.
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What’s the difference between a Wired vs Wireless Energy Manager?
A Wired Energy Manager is a hard-wired kit that monitors your home’s power draw, so your charger knows when to throttle EV charging to avoid overloading your main supply. A wireless Energy Manager gives you the same load-balancing benefits, but communicates over wireless — handy if you want cleaner install and simpler cabling. Both options protect your home electrical system while optimising charging.
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If I want two chargers, how will that work?
If you want 2 or more sockets, that's absolutely fine. Our Home Series wall mount options and the Freestanding home unit each come with 1 socket, so you'd need two separate units if you want two charging points. Our Business Series Freestanding Dual is designed with 2 sockets mounted back to back on one post. If you choose the dual 22kW option with a three-phase power supply, you can send up to 22kW to each socket. If you opt for the 7kW version on a single phase, you'll get 7kW per socket. Just keep in mind: if you install 2 separate 7kW chargers and you have a single phase power supply, the 7.3kW available will be shared between the two chargers when they're both in use.
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Will I need to make any electrical upgrades to my property?
It depends on your existing setup. A qualified installer will assess your consumer unit and electrical capacity during the survey. If upgrades are needed (such as a new consumer unit to meet safety regulations) costs are typically around £85 and can be included in your installation quote. Emma from Beaumont House recommends: "Check your electrics first. We have 3-phase, meaning we could install as many chargers as we wanted within our budget. We opted for two 22kW chargers initially but made the underground pipework suitable for further cables as I hope to install more in the future."
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What makes Simpson & Partners chargers different from the rest?
Simpson & Partners was born out of a genuine desire to combine timeless design and best practice engineering. Our team are focussed on providing high-quality EV chargers that look great, work great, connect with Octopus Energy tariffs and won't end up in the landfill. We are a small company and it's taken time and experience to engineer quality and design build into a modern day appliance.Unlike others, we design performance chargers for both home and commercial environments and are the only business that provides an integrated freestanding pedestal design that (in our opinion!) looks nice. We support our customers and installers with a trusted UK support team based at our Cotswold HQ. UK engineering best practises ensures that our chargers stand out for both reliability and future proof technology. ‍Our home wall mount and freestanding chargers have sold to the UK, Europe, Iceland, Switzerland, Australia and the Philippines. Our commercial chargers can be seen at car dealerships, boutique hotels, air b n b's, holiday homes rentals, high profile leisure complexes and high-security private car parks.
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What features should I look for in an electric vehicle charger for commercial use?
Choosing the right EV charging solution for your hotel, business, or facility means finding a system that serves your guests, staff, and visitors reliably while fitting your operational needs and budget. Simpson Partners' Commercial Series delivers elegant, commercial-grade AC charging designed specifically for hospitality venues, workplaces, apartment blocks, and visitor car parks. We work with you and qualified electrical engineers to tailor a charging solution that meets your requirements on time and on budget. Key Features to Consider: Charging Speed – 7–22 kW AC charging suits guests and staff who park for extended periods, ensuring vehicles are ready when needed. Flexible & Scalable – We offer dual socket pedestals, single socket wall mount models, and plinth-only models to suit your site layout and budget. Start with what you need today and expand easily as EV adoption grows among your guests and team. Our plinth-only option is a clever way to future-proof your charging: install the plinth infrastructure now alongside your active chargers, then add sockets later when budget allows. This cost-effective approach gets the groundworks done once, saving you money and disruption down the line. Easy Management – Our commercial chargers are OCPP-compliant, allowing seamless control through third-party specialist energy apps such as Fuuse, Tap, and Wevo. This means seamless integration if your site already has solar PV, battery storage, and daytime charging. Tap, for example, is a free app for landlords and businesses that cleverly bills users when they charge their car, with payments going straight into your bank account. Built to Last – Robust, weather-resistant designs withstand heavy use in outdoor and high-traffic environments. Future-Proof Compatibility – Universal connectors and open standards ensure your investment works with all vehicle types and avoids vendor lock-in.
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