Sourced fact
The installation contractor determines the route from the property, equipment and proposed-load information.
Installation · GB
Who decides the DNO route for a home chargepoint
The registered installer decides the DNO route. They classify the proposal as apply-to-connect or connect-and-notify and submit accurate technical information to the local DNO. Required apply-to-connect authorisation comes before installation, while the E3 connect-and-notify route requires notification within 28 days. Ask for the named DNO, route decision, reference and dated evidence, but leave classification, application and network work to the professionals.
Reviewed
Key facts and evidence
As of 13 August 2026, a GB home chargepoint connection must follow the route determined by the installer: apply-to-connect where DNO authorisation is required before installation, or connect-and-notify where notification follows within 28 days. The owner should retain named-DNO, route and reference evidence, but must not classify the connection or alter network equipment.
Sourced fact
Apply-to-connect requires DNO authorisation before the installation proceeds.
Sourced fact
Connect-and-notify requires the contractor's notification to the DNO within 28 days.
Sourced fact
The owner should retain the named DNO, route decision, reference and dated submission evidence.
Understand the GB apply-to-connect and connect-and-notify hand-off without trying to classify or submit the electrical proposal yourself.
Two routes, one professional decision
Apply-to-connect means the proposal needs DNO authorisation before installation. Connect-and-notify permits the qualifying connection route to proceed and requires the contractor to notify the DNO within 28 days. This page does not publish the technical criteria for a householder to self-classify.
What the owner should receive
Request the DNO's name, the installer-recorded route, an application or notification reference, the submission date and any DNO response or conditions. Match those records to the property, charger and final professional design, and retain them with the hand-over pack.
Return changes to the installer
A charger, load, supply or site change can affect the submitted proposal. Give changed information to the installer and wait for the professional route to be reconfirmed; an earlier reference is not evidence that a different proposal has been accepted.
What to do next
Use this page to check the evidence chain, not to decide which connection route applies.
Immediate action: Ask the installer to name the DNO, route and reference in writing before work begins.
- Pause installation when prior DNO authorisation is required but has not been issued.
- Pause if the installer will not identify the route, submit accurate information or provide dated evidence.
Do not infer from missing evidence
- Leave route classification, technical forms and every network-equipment decision to the registered installer and DNO.
- Keep the installation paused while required prior authorisation or requested amendments remain outstanding.
Professional hand-off
- The registered competent EV chargepoint installer should assess and submit the proposal, with the local DNO deciding matters within its network remit.
Questions this record can answer
What does the sourced evidence say about two routes, one professional decision?
Apply-to-connect means the proposal needs DNO authorisation before installation. Connect-and-notify permits the qualifying connection route to proceed and requires the contractor to notify the DNO within 28 days. This page does not publish the technical criteria for a householder to self-classify.
What does the sourced evidence say about what the owner should receive?
Request the DNO's name, the installer-recorded route, an application or notification reference, the submission date and any DNO response or conditions. Match those records to the property, charger and final professional design, and retain them with the hand-over pack.
What does the sourced evidence say about return changes to the installer?
A charger, load, supply or site change can affect the submitted proposal. Give changed information to the installer and wait for the professional route to be reconfirmed; an earlier reference is not evidence that a different proposal has been accepted.