How to Install a PlugStream Charge Point

Introduction

This guide covers the physical installation of a PlugStream Charge Point: mounting the unit, connecting the mains supply, confirming upstream protection, preparing the network route, and powering the charger ready for commissioning.

The leaflet supplied with each charge point links to this page. Keep this URL for the site installation steps, then continue into the Installer app article for commissioning, tests, evidence upload, and customer handover.

Installer app commissioning and handover

After the charger is mounted, wired, checked, and powered on, follow How to use the PlugStream Installer app. That article covers Bluetooth commissioning, network checks, photo evidence, charger tests, sign-off, and the customer handover QR/link.

Before proceeding, installers should be familiar with these guides:

Installation Video

Watch the full installation walkthrough below, or open the video on YouTube.

Safety and Electrical Requirements

Installation must only be carried out by an authorised installer. Isolate the supply before opening or working on the charge point, and complete all required electrical checks before energising the unit.

PlugStream includes built-in 6mA DC ground-fault protection to IEC 62955, but the charge point and upstream circuit must also be protected against AC ground faults.

Install and confirm:

a suitable upstream circuit breaker
a 40A Type A RCD upstream of the charge point
correct earthing and polarity
earth loop / impedance checks
PEN fault verification where required by the installation design
protective device and max supply values for installer app sign-off

Earth cable

Do not route the earth cable through the RCD module. This will impair correct operation.

Physical Installation Steps

1. Prepare the Site and Isolate the Supply

Confirm the customer, site address, installation position, network route, and access are ready.
Confirm whether site load management or an Aux CT is required.
Confirm the wall, pedestal, cable route, isolator, and consumer unit are accessible.
Isolate the supply and verify it is safe to work before opening the charger.

2. Mount the Charge Point

Remove the front cover by undoing the two Allen key bolts at the top and bottom.
Use the drilling guide from the Getting Started leaflet to mark the mounting holes.
Install the top two screws and hang the unit.
Check the unit is level and mounted at the agreed height. The minimum mounting height is 0.9 m from ground level.
Install the bottom two screws to securely fasten the unit.
Confirm the cable entry, seals, fixings, and enclosure are correctly seated.

For more detail, see Mounting the device and Installation height.

3. Connect the Mains Supply

Bring the supply cable into the charger through the approved cable entry.
Connect live, neutral, and earth to the correct terminals.
Tighten each terminal screw to the torque value printed on the PCB. Where marked, use 1.2 Nm.
Check the earth routing before closing the charger.

Power connections

4. Confirm Upstream Protection

Before power-on, confirm the upstream protective devices are installed, correctly rated, accessible, and labelled.

The Installer app will ask for the protective device rating and max supply value during sign-off, so keep these values available.

5. Prepare the Network Route

PlugStream supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and 4G with the optional mobile add-on card.

Choose and prepare one route before commissioning:

Ethernet: recommended for the most stable PlugStream Cloud connection. Connect and test the Ethernet route before handover.
Wi-Fi: confirm the SSID and password are available at the charger location. The Installer app can guide Wi-Fi setup over Bluetooth.
Mobile: confirm the optional mobile card is fitted and the site has usable signal.

For firewall, DNS, DHCP, and internet requirements, see Network setup and Network Requirements for PlugStream.

6. Capture Installation Evidence Photos

Capture these photos before closing the charger if the view will be harder to access later:

Photo	What to show
Charger front	A straight-on photo showing the installed charger body.
Serial / rating label	The product label with the serial and rating legible.
PCB wiring	The wired PCB, supply terminals, earth routing, and cable entry before the cover is closed.
Consumer unit / isolator	The protective device or isolator serving the charger.
Installed context	A wider shot showing the charger in its finished install location.

The Installer app can upload these photos during commissioning. If mobile upload is unavailable on site, photos can be deferred, but the installer warranty remains pending until the required evidence is uploaded.

7. Refit the Cover and Power On

Refit the cover and confirm the enclosure is secure.
Re-check isolation, polarity, earthing, protective devices, and any site-specific requirements.
Switch on the upstream circuit breaker when installation checks are complete.
Keep the charger label, isolation point, and test equipment accessible for app commissioning.

The status indicator will show:

rainbow pattern during self-test
pulsing white until an internet connection is established
solid blue once connected to PlugStream Cloud

For LED behaviour, see LED Status Guide.

Activation and network connection

A network connection and activation are required for PlugStream smart features such as remote control, scheduling, monitoring, installer evidence, and customer handover. The charge point can still operate as a basic charger without smart features, but the installer app workflow should be completed where installer commissioning and handover are required.

Continue to Commissioning

When the charger is mounted, wired, protected, checked, photographed, and powered on, continue with How to use the PlugStream Installer app.

The app will guide you through Bluetooth commissioning, customer assignment, firmware readiness, installation evidence, live checks, charge testing, electrical sign-off, and customer handover.

Support

If you have any questions or require assistance with installation, contact PlugStream Support:

0300 180 0403

support@plugstream.co.uk