Field guide
EV charging site survey: method, equipment and sample report
The site survey drives the whole quote on an EV charging project. Here is the full run-through of a survey, the kit to take with you, and the placement study report format Linkerman produces as you leave the site.
What a site survey has to deliver
- A confirmed position for every charge point, with measured distances back to the supply point.
- A measured cable route, with access constraints and the builder's work to allow for.
- An electrical record of the distribution board: available capacity, protection devices, spare ways.
- Structured quantities per work package, ready to feed the quote.
- A placement study report you can share with the client and the site team.
Procedure
The survey, step by step
Running the same order every time is what removes return visits. Each step ends with a measured figure, not an impression.
- 01Step 01
Scoping before you travel
Agree the brief with the client: number of charge points, target power, use case (fleet, staff, public), and planned expansion.
- Number and type of charge points expected
- Target power per point and total load
- Use case and charging profile
- Expansion planned in the medium term
- Site access, passes, intervention slot
- 02Step 02
Supply point and distribution board
Open the plant room and record everything that caps available capacity, before discussing charger positions.
- Agreed supply capacity and main breaker rating
- Metering arrangement and earthing system
- Spare ways in the board
- Existing protection devices and outgoing cable sizes
- Whether a dedicated sub-board is required
- 03Step 03
Charger placement in mixed reality
With the headset you place chargers and enclosures at full scale, on site. You confirm clearances and day-to-day use before anything is fixed.
- Position of each charger at full scale
- Manoeuvring clearance and accessibility
- Cable distance per charge point
- Position of enclosures and ancillary equipment
- Signage, impact protection, lighting
- 04Step 04
Cable routes and builder's work
Measure the real cable route and record every access constraint, indoors and outdoors alike.
- Measured route length per point
- Surfaces crossed
- Wall penetrations, core drilling, openings
- Trenching and reinstatement constraints
- Clashes with existing services
- 05Step 05
Client sign-off on site
The client sees the result at full scale, on their own site. Decisions are made during the survey, not after the quote lands.
- Positions confirmed by the decision-maker present
- Options compared on the spot
- Caveats and open points recorded
- Next step and site contact
- 06Step 06
Placement study report
Markers, photos, measurements and quantities are pulled into one exportable report, ready to circulate internally and with the client.
- Markers and photos tied to positions
- Quantities per electrical and civils package
- Shareable PowerPoint export
- Survey history kept on the site file
Kit
Equipment checklist
Prepare a survey like a site visit. This list covers recording, measuring and traceability.
Measuring and recording
- Apple Vision Pro headset with the Linkerman app
- Laser distance meter
- Tape measure and measuring wheel for long routes
- Clamp meter and voltage tester
- Camera or phone for general views
Access and safety
- PPE: safety boots, insulating gloves, helmet, hi-vis
- Head torch for plant rooms and basements
- Keys and passes for electrical rooms
- Valid electrical competency certification
Paperwork and follow-up
- Site plan or floor plan
- Latest available electrical inspection report
- Datasheets for the shortlisted chargers
- Contact details for the site and works leads
Sample report
Sample survey report format
This is the structure of the placement study report generated from the survey. The same template is used for every site, which keeps files comparable.
- 1. Identification
- Client, site address, survey date, surveyor, file reference.
- 2. Brief
- Number of charge points, target power, use case, planned expansion.
- 3. Existing supply
- Supply point, agreed capacity, distribution board, protection devices, spare capacity.
- 4. Chosen layout
- Position of each charger and enclosure, full-scale views, clearances, options ruled out.
- 5. Cable routes
- Measured lengths, surfaces crossed, penetrations and openings, civils constraints.
- 6. Quantities
- Quantities per package: cable, protection devices, mounting, civils, signage.
- 7. Open points
- Caveats, pending decisions, information to confirm with the client.
- 8. Next steps
- Next action, contact, items needed to price the job.
The report exports to PowerPoint and stays attached to the site file. Pre-priced quotes straight from the survey are coming soon.
EV charging site survey FAQs
- How long does an EV charging site survey take?
- It depends on the site, the number of charge points and the length of the cable routes. The point of the method is to leave the site with everything needed to price the job, so a second visit is not required.
- Who needs to attend?
- The technician carrying out the survey and, on the client side, whoever can sign off the positions. Full-scale sign-off during the survey is what removes late changes.
- What if the available capacity is not enough?
- The supply point is recorded before placement precisely so this shows up early. Positions and power per point are then adjusted during the survey, with the client.
- Does the report replace installation drawings?
- No. It is a placement study report for pricing and works preparation. It documents confirmed positions, measurements and quantities.
- Does the method work indoors and outdoors?
- Yes, in underground car parks, plant rooms and outdoors. The constraints recorded differ; the report structure stays the same.
See the method on your own site
Demos are on-site only, at your offices or on a live site: a team member travels to you, you try the headset and you run through an installation.