An EV charger is valuable outdoor electrical equipment, and its cable contains copper that can attract opportunistic thieves. In 2026, the risk is not limited to a cable being cut and stolen. An unlocked chargepoint can also be tampered with, used by neighbours or visitors, or damaged on a driveway or in shared parking.
Security matters particularly in Redhill and Surrey. Victorian terraces and 1930s semis around Earlswood, St John’s, Linkfield and the town centre may have chargers close to the pavement. Shared or gravel driveways in Merstham, Meadvale, Whitebushes and Salfords can be difficult to secure. Flats, apartments and commercial sites around Holmethorpe, Salfords and the A23/A25 corridor may have charging bays exposed overnight.
As darker evenings arrive, the angle of the winter sun and longer periods of darkness make good placement, lighting and access control more important.
What are the real EV charger security risks?
The main risks for homeowners and businesses are:
- Cable theft: charging cables contain copper and can be cut quickly.
- Untethered cable theft: a loose Type 2 cable left in an unlocked socket is an easy target.
- Tampering: someone may press controls, unplug a vehicle or interfere with a live charger.
- Charger freeloading: a neighbour, visitor or unauthorised driver may plug in and use your electricity.
- Opportunistic damage: exposed equipment can be struck, pulled or vandalised on driveways and shared parking areas.
No app setting makes theft impossible. The strongest protection is layered: secure access settings, a sensible charging window, physical locks, safe positioning, lighting and CCTV.
The most effective protection for a home wallbox
1. Require authorisation before charging
Avoid leaving a charger permanently open and live. Depending on the model, use:
- A PIN or app authorisation.
- RFID tags for approved users.
- App-only mode.
- “Approve plug-in” controls.
- Remote stop and start notifications.
- A scheduled charging window rather than unrestricted access.
A charging schedule is not a complete security system, but it reduces the time when the charger can be used. For example, you may allow charging during a chosen overnight window while keeping unauthorised ad-hoc sessions disabled.
If a device supports load limiting, it can also reduce the benefit to a thief by restricting an unauthorised session to a low charging rate. This is a secondary measure, not a replacement for authentication.
2. Use a tethered cable or lock the socket and holster
A tethered cable is permanently attached to the charger, removing the loose cable that is most easily carried away. The vehicle normally locks the connector while the car is locked, but the charger still needs appropriate physical protection.
For an untethered unit, consider:
- Permanent socket-lock settings where supported.
- A lockable holster.
- A suitable cable lock when the cable is stored outside.
- Keeping the cable indoors when it is not required.
An untethered charger with a live, unlocked Type 2 socket is one of the easiest targets: a thief can bring their own cable, start a session if access is open, or remove a cable that has been left connected.
3. Turn on notifications and check usage history
Enable push notifications for charging sessions, interruptions and faults. Review the charger’s energy monitoring and usage history occasionally. An unexpected start time, unfamiliar session length or unexplained electricity use may show that someone else has plugged in.
Locked and unlocked cable states: Zappi, Ohme, Hypervolt, Easee and Wallbox
The word “locked” can mean two different things:
- The cable is physically locked into the charger.
- The charger is locked against starting a session.
Check the exact model and firmware, but these are the usual controls:
| Charger | What “locked” means | How to change the setting |
|---|---|---|
| Zappi | On an untethered Zappi, the socket lock normally engages when a cable is inserted. The separate PIN Lock Function controls charging and settings. | Set Lock Function on the unit under Other Settings, and manage user PINs through your myenergi account/app. Do not assume the PIN setting permanently secures a loose cable before charging starts. |
| Ohme | Ohme Home Pro is tethered, so there is no removable charger-side cable to unlock. “Locked” usually means Approve plug-in or locked local buttons. | In the Ohme app, use Settings → My charger → Approve each plug-in and enable Lock charger buttons. |
| Hypervolt | The Hypervolt app lock prevents a session starting; it does not physically lock the cable in the charger or vehicle. | Open the app, select Lock on the home screen or go to Charger Settings → Lock Charger. A pending lock may complete after the vehicle is unplugged. |
| Easee | The cable can be set to normal behaviour or permanently locked to the socket. Access control separately determines whether charging is open or requires RFID/app approval. | In the Easee app, choose the cable-lock behaviour and change access from open access to RFID/app-controlled access. |
| Wallbox | Compatible socketed units can have Charging Cable Lock enabled, while charger locking and RFID control separately prevent unauthorised sessions. | In the Wallbox app, select the charger, open Settings → Advanced Options, then change cable lock. Use the app or RFID controls for access. |
Always confirm the setting in the manufacturer’s current instructions. A software charger lock can stop electricity flowing, but it may not stop somebody unplugging or cutting an exposed cable.
Why physical placement still matters
Security begins before the charger is switched on. Where possible, position it:
- Away from the road and casual reach.
- On a wall visible from the house rather than a secluded side passage.
- Under a porch, carport or other weather-protected area where suitable.
- Within view of a doorbell or CCTV camera.
- In an area covered by motion-activated lighting.
- With no cable draped across a pavement or accessible boundary.
ADS Electrical can install controlled routes using suitable conduit or SWA where required, with a neat, protected connection back to the electrical installation. A lockable isolator also helps prevent casual interference with the supply, although it should remain accessible for safe maintenance.
When is a cable lock enough, and when do you need CCTV?
A cable lock may be enough when the charger is behind a closed gate, well inside a private driveway, visible from the house and used only briefly. It is useful for securing a loose cable between charging sessions.
You genuinely need a camera and a locked charger when:
- The chargepoint is close to the pavement.
- Parking is shared or open to visitors.
- The cable remains connected overnight.
- There has been previous theft or vandalism.
- The property is empty for long periods.
- Several users need controlled access.
CCTV should show the charger, vehicle and approach route rather than only the top of the wallbox. Good lighting improves both deterrence and usable footage.
If your cable is cut or damaged
Never use a cable that has been cut, crushed, exposed to water or damaged around the connector. Do not tape it up or attempt a DIY repair.
If it is safe to do so, stop the charger using its controls and isolate the circuit at the appropriate isolator or consumer unit. Do not touch exposed conductors. Arrange a qualified inspection and proper replacement before charging again. If there is smoke, arcing, fire or immediate danger, move away and call 999.
Tell your insurer promptly. Ask specifically whether the wallbox, fixed wiring, tethered cable and removable charging cable are covered, and whether there are security conditions. Keep photographs, the charger serial number, installation certificate, purchase information and app history. Report a theft through the police online service or 101; call 999 if it is happening or someone is in immediate danger. A stolen cable may be treated as a lower-value theft, but replacing it and restoring safe charging can still be expensive and disruptive.
Security for landlords and businesses with multiple bays
For landlords, offices, gyms, warehouses and commercial car parks, use individual access control rather than leaving every bay open. RFID tags can identify authorised tenants, staff or fleet drivers, while an OCPP-compatible back office can record sessions, users and energy consumption.
A practical specification may include:
- RFID or app authentication for each authorised user.
- Individual user records and prompt removal of lost tags.
- Remote stop and session notifications.
- OCPP back-office usage history.
- Lockable isolators and protected electrical routes.
- CCTV covering every bay and the approach.
- Written records for the charger, installer, insurance and any OZEV-related documentation.
Pre-winter EV charger security checklist
Before darker evenings become routine:
- Check the cable sheath, connector and holster for damage.
- Confirm the charger is not set to open access unless you genuinely need it.
- Test app notifications and remote stop controls.
- Review recent energy use and charging history.
- Enable a suitable charging window.
- Check that lighting covers the charger and vehicle.
- Confirm the camera view has not been blocked by plants, vehicles or seasonal decorations.
- Secure spare and portable cables indoors.
- Make sure the isolator is labelled and accessible.
- Save the charger serial number, installation certificate and insurance contact details.
Secure EV charging in Redhill and Surrey
ADS Electrical provides coordinated EV charging solutions Redhill for homes, landlords and businesses across Surrey. We can assess the safest charger position, install a suitable unit, route cables in protected containment, fit lockable isolators and coordinate CCTV or garden lighting as one project.
Whether you need a home charging point Surrey installation or security improvements for several commercial bays, our NICEIC Approved Contractor and OZEV-approved team can arrange a free site survey and fixed-price quote within 24 hours.
We cover Redhill, Reigate, Merstham, Salfords, Earlswood, Nutfield, Horley, Dorking, Caterham and surrounding Surrey areas. Standard installations are supported by a 24-month workmanship warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee. For urgent electrical issues, our 24-hour emergency call-out line is available on 07870 554498.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone use my EV charger without my permission?
They may be able to if the charger is set to open access. Enable app, PIN or RFID authorisation, turn on notifications and use a charging schedule to prevent unrestricted sessions.
Is a tethered cable safer than an untethered cable?
It removes the loose cable from the charger socket, which reduces one theft opportunity. It is not theft-proof, so physical placement, vehicle locking, lighting and CCTV still matter.
Does a charger app lock physically lock the cable?
Not always. Hypervolt and Ohme, for example, primarily use app authorisation to stop charging. Easee and compatible Wallbox models provide specific cable-lock settings. Zappi behaviour depends on its socket lock and PIN configuration.
What should I do if my EV cable has been cut?
Do not use it or repair it with tape. Stop and isolate the charger if safe, keep clear of exposed conductors and arrange a qualified inspection and replacement.
Is CCTV necessary for a home charger?
Not always. A private, gated, well-lit charger may only need a physical cable lock and access control. CCTV is strongly advisable where the unit is near a pavement, shared parking area or an unobserved driveway.
Can a business control who uses several charging bays?
Yes. RFID, app authentication and compatible OCPP back-office systems can restrict access and record who used each session. Lockable isolators and CCTV add physical protection.
What records should landlords keep after an installation?
Keep the installation certificate, charger serial number, installer details, photographs, warranty information, insurance correspondence and relevant OZEV records. These can help with maintenance, claims and future access-control changes.