What Cable, Breaker and Isolator Do You Need for a 7kW EV Charger? (Australia)
Last updated June 2026. Written for licensed electricians and homeowners planning an EV charger install. Electrical work in Australia must be carried out by a licensed electrician — this guide explains what's involved and the parts you'll need, not a DIY method.
How much current does a 7 kW EV charger draw?
A 7.0–7.4 kW single-phase charger pulls about 32 A continuously (230 V). Because EV charging is a long, sustained load, the circuit is sized for continuous duty — so the cable and protection are chosen with comfortable headroom rather than the bare minimum.
What size cable do I need for an EV charger?
For a typical 32 A single-phase charger on a short-to-medium run, 6 mm² TPS is the usual pick. Long runs, bunched cables or hot roof spaces can push you to 10 mm² to keep voltage drop and derating in check. The table below is a starting point only — the final size comes from an AS/NZS 3008 calculation for your run length and install method.
| Charger | Approx. current | Typical cable* | Typical protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 kW (1φ) | ~16 A | 2.5 mm² | 20 A Type A RCBO |
| 7.0–7.4 kW (1φ) | ~32 A | 6 mm² (10 mm² long runs) | 32–40 A Type A RCBO |
| 11 kW (3φ) | ~16 A/phase | 4–6 mm² (5-core) | 20 A 3-pole Type A |
| 22 kW (3φ) | ~32 A/phase | 6–10 mm² (5-core) | 32–40 A 3-pole Type A |
*Indicative only. Actual size depends on run length, install method, grouping and ambient temperature per AS/NZS 3008. For the full method see our cable sizing chart for Australia.
6.0 mm² TPS Twin & Earth — 10 m Cut
The usual choice for a 32 A single-phase EV circuit. Buy by the cut, or save on a 100 m drum.
$90.70 View product →What breaker / RCBO does an EV charger need?
EV circuits need both overcurrent protection and the right kind of RCD (earth-leakage) protection. In practice that means a Type A RCBO sized to the circuit — commonly 32 A or 40 A for a 7 kW charger. A plain Type AC device is not suitable for EV charging.
There's one extra wrinkle: EV chargers can produce smooth DC fault currents that blind ordinary RCDs. AS/NZS 3000 addresses this by requiring 6 mA DC fault detection on the circuit. Many wall chargers have this DC detection (RDC-DD) built in, so a 30 mA Type A RCD upstream is enough; where the charger doesn't, a Type B RCD is used instead. Your electrician will confirm which applies from the charger's manual and the current Wiring Rules.
New to the differences? Our explainer on RCD vs RCBO vs MCB and choosing a circuit breaker covers the basics.
Do I need an isolator for an EV charger?
Yes — a means of isolation lets the charger be safely switched off for maintenance or in an emergency. For an outdoor or carport install this should be a weatherproof (IP-rated) isolator mounted in an accessible spot near the unit. A 2-pole 32 A isolator suits a typical single-phase 7 kW charger.
Weatherproof Isolator Switch — 2 Pole 32 A
IP-rated isolation for outdoor and carport EV installs.
$9.50 View product →Single-phase or three-phase for an EV charger?
Most Australian homes are single-phase, and a 7 kW single-phase charger adds roughly 40 km of range per hour — plenty for overnight charging. If the property already has three-phase, an 11 kW or 22 kW charger is an option, but it needs a 5-core cable and a 3-pole RCBO, and the switchboard has to have spare capacity. Your electrician will check the main switch and supply before recommending three-phase.
The install rules in short (AS/NZS 3000)
- Dedicated circuit — the charger gets its own circuit back to the board; it can't share with power points or lights.
- Correct RCD protection — Type A plus 6 mA DC detection (or Type B), as above.
- Cable sized to AS/NZS 3008 — for current capacity, voltage drop and short-circuit performance.
- Accessible isolation — weatherproof where exposed.
- Licensed electrician only — EV supply equipment must be installed and tested by a licensed electrician; many networks also require notification.
What you'll need from ARCK
We stock the wiring side of the job at trade prices: TPS twin & earth cable, building wire and flex, RCBOs and weatherproof isolators. Browse the full cable range or call the trade counter for a hand picking the right parts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install my own EV charger in Australia?
No. Hard-wired EV charging equipment must be installed by a licensed electrician. You can plan and buy the parts, but the connection, testing and certification have to be done by a licensed professional.
Is 6 mm² cable enough for a 7 kW charger?
For most 32 A single-phase installs on a short-to-medium run, yes — 6 mm² copper is the common choice. Long runs, bundled cables or hot roof spaces can require 10 mm² to control voltage drop. The exact size is an AS/NZS 3008 calculation.
Do I need a special breaker for an EV charger?
Yes — a Type A RCBO (not Type AC), sized to the circuit, with 6 mA DC fault detection either built into the charger or provided by a Type B RCD. This protects against the DC fault currents EV charging can produce.
Can I run an EV charger on a normal power point?
A 10 A plug-in lead (about 2.3 kW) can trickle-charge, but it's slow and the socket isn't designed for hours of continuous load. A dedicated 7 kW circuit is far faster and safer for daily charging.
Need a hand picking the parts? Call the trade counter on (02) 9890 9693 or drop in to 589 Church St, North Parramatta. Order online for free Click & Collect, with metro delivery from $19.90 calculated at checkout.