Wallbox Registration: All You Need to Know

Buying a wallbox is something you can do with a few clicks online. Installation is also a piece of cake, whether you decide to go for a mobile charger (normally you can just plug it into the red CEE socket) or a stationary (find a professional electrician). In many cases, it also makes sense to get professional support when buying a mobile wallbox, so the wiring and the RCD can be checked, for instance.

But what’s important to consider between these two steps is the registration of the wallbox. Do you need any kind of approval? If so, where should you do it? You’re not the first one to ask. We have an answer for you right here. 

Whether you need to register your wallbox depends, first of all, on your country. But keep in mind, that rules might differ within the country as well. For instance, in Switzerland, you need to follow a different procedure according to the canton (region) you live in. In Austria, while general regulations apply everywhere, there might still be some specific requirements in your area. So, it never hurts to double-check. 

Since 2019, you do need to register a wallbox in Germany, whether it’s stationary or mobile. This rule is mentioned in §19 Niederspannungsanschlussverordnung (Low Voltage Connection Ordinance). Sometimes it is claimed that mobile charging stations or mobile wallboxes are exempt from this regulation. But this is completely wrong.

To be more precise, you need to:

• register a wallbox if it’s up to 11 kW
• receive approval for the installation of a wallbox if its power output is higher than 11 kW

Let us make it clear. The regulation states that registration of a wallbox with a charging capacity of over 3.7 kW is mandatory. But basically, this means that you need to report nearly any wallbox that is sufficient for regular charging.

With §14a EnWG and the associated mandatory grid-friendly management of charging stations, the obligation to obtain approval should actually no longer apply since January 2024. However, many customers told us that their grid operators still insist on authorisation of the wallbox.

To register your installed wallbox with a maximum charging capacity of 11 kW or to apply for approval of your wallbox with a higher power outcome, you need to get in touch with the local grid operator. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of grid operators in Germany. Therefore, the procedure can vary greatly. Pay attention to the fact that the grid operator is not your electricity provider. The electricity provider takes care of the electricity supply, selling you the electricity, while the grid operator maintains and expands the electricity network. You can find out who your grid operator is by checking the electricity meter and the annual bill. Of course, your electricity supplier, with whom you have an electricity supply contract, can also give you this information.

Normally, you can find an online form to fill out and send for registration or approval or you can contact your local grid operator and ask about the exact procedure. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of grid operators in Germany. The details can therefore vary greatly. However, registration often requires the help of an electrician.

The registration of a wallbox is free of charge. 

If you are only required to register your wallbox, you can put it into operation immediately after registration. Regarding approval of more than 11 kW charging stations the network operator is given a maximum of two months to respond to your request. When it comes to such matters, there’s no average. You can have the wallbox approved one week later or wait a full two months. After receiving the approval, you have four months to put the wallbox into operation.

Starting in 2024, the network operator can't say no or delay the connection just because they think their network might be too overloaded. They can only say no if there's a real danger to the safety or reliability of the power grid.

Connections and fuses in your building should meet safety rules, and the circuit should be able to handle the wallbox's power. So, as you figured, you might have a visit from people checking your electrics. If the network operator discovers safety problems like bad wiring, for instance, installation of the wallbox will not be approved. It is up to the homeowner whether to fix these issues or not. Once the safety measures are taken care of, you can ask for approval again.

Living in Germany? According to §14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), from January 1, 2024, it's compulsory for newly installed EV charging stations with a nominal output of over 4.2 kW to be controllable by the grid operator. This kind of control is possible, e.g. with a ripple control receiver, a device that helps regulate the electricity flow from the grid to the appliances in the building.

Before you register your wallbox, you need to talk to your grid operator about managing its power supply with a ripple control receiver. Your electrician can help you with this and with the implementation. Without grid-compatible control, you can neither register your charging station nor have it authorised. This means you cannot put it into operation. By the way, by allowing the power grid to control your devices, you can receive a reduced network fee. We explain how the grid-friendly management of the go-e Charger works in accordance with §14a EnWg in another blog article.

Controllable by the grid operator…how?

The grid operator monitoring the electricity consumption in your area can temporarily reduce the charging current. This may happen if too many people are using various energy-consuming appliances (e.g., heat pumps, boilers, washing machines, etc.) simultaneously. 

1. Make sure your house is ready to handle the wallbox, possibly with some help from professionals. 

2. Figure out which wallbox suits you best. For instance, it could be the go-e Charger Gemini/Gemini 2.0 or Gemini flex/Gemini flex 2.0. 

3. Make sure you have a ripple controller installed so that the wallbox can be controlled by the grid operator in your area. 

4. Get the okay from the network operator for the wallbox installation. 

5. You receive approval or rejection in the event of possible security deficiencies within two months.    

6. Fix any problems they find and show proof to the network operator. 

7. Buy your wallbox and either hire an electrician to install it or just plug it into the CEE red socket if it's a mobile one, like our go-e Charger Gemini flex or Gemini flex 2.0.

8. Inform the network operator about the commissioning of the wallbox. 

1. Ensure your house is prepared to accommodate the wallbox, possibly with assistance from professionals. 

2. Find the wallbox that best meets your needs, such as the go-e Charger Gemini/Gemini 2.0 or Gemini flex/Gemini flex 2.0.

3. Ensure you have a ripple controller installed so the grid operator can manage the power supply to your wallbox.

4. Buy your wallbox and either hire an electrician to install it or just plug it into the CEE red socket if it's a mobile one.

5. Register the wallbox by filling out a form on your network operator’s website or reaching out to them in any other possible way. The installation of a home wallbox up to 11 kW cannot be rejected. 

6. Enjoy convenient home charging!

If you choose a stationary wallbox with more than 3.7 kW charging capacity, you must notify the grid operator about the installation and, in some cases, obtain approval. The same applies to any mobile wallbox, such as our go-e Charger Gemini flex or Gemini flex 2.0, as these intelligent charging cables also provide more than 3.7 kW charging capacity.

However, note that in Austria, the requirements for registering and approving wallboxes can vary between federal states and even between municipalities. This is not only about registration with the grid operator but can also involve compliance with construction regulations, for example.

It's best to check with your local municipality to find out whether your wallbox needs to be registered or even approved.

The good news is that in most cases, the electrician can handle this for you if you hire them to install the wallbox.

1. Make sure that the electrical system in your house is sufficient for the wallbox you intend to buy. For instance, for the go-e Charger to function properly, an RCD type A must be installed on the building side. It’s best to hire a professional who will check everything and let you know in case any structural changes or upgrades are needed. 

2. If you live in a residential building with several residential units and would like to install a wallbox in your garage, you will probably need the permission of the other tenants. This may depend on local regulations. Don’t forget to inform the property management about the project and explain the advantages. Owners of private houses, obviously, do not have to deal with such things.

3. Fix any issues that might have arisen when the professional was checking your electric system. 

4. Report the planned wallbox installation to the network operator. 

5. Buy the charger of your choice and hire an electrician to install it. 

6. Enjoy charging your electric car from the comfort of your home.

When installing charging points for electric vehicles, it's essential to account for both technical and legal prerequisites. The electrician is mandated to notify the network operator about the intended charging stations. Typically, a technical connection application and an installation notice are necessary.

In Switzerland, the permit process for installing a wallbox is regulated differently in detail in the cantons. 

The main reason for wallbox registration is security. It helps the network operators make some predictions regarding how much power is needed in certain areas at certain times. The more households decide to install their own wallbox, the more crucial the issue gets. The information you send to your network operator while registering allows the company to take care of the power grid's stability and prevent it from overloading.