Replacing an outdated BP Pulse charging unit with a new Hypervolt 3 Pro charge point for a property in Devoran, incorporating load monitoring technology to protect the home's electrical system whilst delivering reliable 7.4kW charging.
Electric vehicle ownership continues to grow across Cornwall, and with it comes the need for reliable, efficient home charging solutions. A homeowner in Devoran contacted us after experiencing ongoing issues with their existing BP Pulse charge point. The unit had become unreliable, and they wanted something more dependable that would work seamlessly with their home’s electrical setup.
After discussing their requirements, we recommended the Hypervolt 3 Pro, a 7.4kW tethered charge point that’s proven itself as one of the more dependable units on the market. The tethered design means the charging cable is permanently attached to the unit, so there’s no need to store a separate cable or worry about it being stolen. For this installation, we fitted a unit with a 7.5m cable in white, which suited both the property’s aesthetic and provided enough reach for convenient charging.
The installation involved several technical considerations. Removing the old BP Pulse unit was straightforward enough, but we needed to assess the property’s existing electrical infrastructure to determine the right approach for the new charger. The consumer unit had space for a new circuit, so we installed a 40A bi-directional circuit breaker dedicated to the charge point. This type of breaker provides protection in both directions, which is particularly useful for homes considering future battery storage or vehicle-to-grid technology.
One of the main concerns with any EV charger installation is preventing overload of the property’s electrical system. Draw 7.4kW continuously, and you can quickly approach the limits of a typical domestic supply, especially if other high-demand appliances are running simultaneously. To address this, we installed a CT clamp load monitoring system. This device constantly measures the property’s electrical consumption and communicates with the charge point to adjust its output accordingly. If the tumble dryer, oven, and kettle are all running at once, the charger automatically reduces its power draw to prevent tripping the main supply. Once those other loads reduce, the charger ramps back up to full speed.
The CT clamp itself needed to be installed at the consumer unit, but the Hypervolt charge point was being mounted on the front exterior wall. This meant running a data cable between the two locations. Rather than an internal route through multiple rooms, we took the cable externally. The property had a single-storey extension, so we clipped the data cable neatly up and over this structure, then along the rear wall to where it could enter the building near the consumer unit. Careful planning of the cable route meant it remained discrete whilst still being properly secured with appropriate fixings rated for external use.
Getting the cable routing right took some consideration. We wanted to avoid crossing windows or doors where possible, and we needed to keep the cable away from any areas where it might get damaged. The property’s layout actually worked in our favour here. The extension’s roofline provided a natural path, and the rear wall had enough clear space to run the cable without any awkward detours. We used UV-resistant cable clips spaced at regular intervals to keep everything secure and weather-tight.
WiFi connectivity is another factor with modern charge points. The Hypervolt 3 Pro connects to your home network, allowing you to monitor charging sessions, set schedules, and take advantage of off-peak tariffs through the accompanying app. During commissioning, we tested the WiFi signal strength at the installation location. The signal was adequate for reliable connectivity, so the homeowner would have full access to all the smart features without needing any additional networking equipment.
The electrical testing phase is non-negotiable on any installation like this. We carried out thorough testing of the new circuit, checking insulation resistance, earth continuity, and loop impedance to verify everything met current regulations. These tests form the basis of the Electrical Installation Certificate, which provides documented evidence that the work complies with BS 7671 wiring regulations. We also handle the Building Control notification, which is a legal requirement for this type of electrical work.
Working in Devoran presented its own considerations. The village sits on the Carnon River, and properties here vary quite a bit in age and construction. This particular home had a fairly modern consumer unit, which made the installation more straightforward than it might have been with older equipment. The external walls were rendered, which meant we could get a clean, secure mounting for the charge point using appropriate fixings that wouldn’t compromise the weather protection.
One aspect homeowners don’t always think about is future-proofing. The Hypervolt 3 Pro isn’t just about charging your car today – it’s also ready for tomorrow’s technology. The load balancing system means you could potentially add solar panels or home battery storage down the line without worrying about overwhelming your electrical supply. The charge point can integrate with these systems to prioritise renewable energy when it’s available.
The bi-directional circuit breaker we installed also opens possibilities for the future. As vehicle-to-grid technology becomes more widespread, cars will be able to feed power back into the home during peak demand periods. Having the right infrastructure in place now means adapting to this technology later will be much simpler.
After installation, we walked the homeowner through the charge point’s operation. The Hypervolt app provides detailed insights into charging sessions, including how much energy has been used, what it’s cost, and how the load balancing system is performing. You can also set charging schedules to take advantage of cheaper overnight electricity rates, which can make a significant difference to running costs over time.
The property now has a reliable charging solution that should serve them well for years to come. The old BP Pulse unit’s problems are behind them, and they’ve got a system that’s not only more dependable but also more intelligent in how it manages the home’s electrical load. For anyone in Devoran or the surrounding area considering an EV charger installation or looking to replace an aging unit, the Hypervolt 3 Pro represents a solid choice that balances performance, reliability, and smart functionality.
