By the SightShield team · · 3 min read
A new kind of parking problem
Electric cars and scooters are now common in Bangalore apartments and office parking. That brings new questions for associations and facility managers: who used the shared charger, who damaged the socket, who unplugged someone else’s car, and what happens if a battery overheats in a closed basement at night. Good camera coverage, access control and fire detection answer most of them.
Typical risks
| Risk | Example |
|---|---|
| Theft | Portable chargers, charging cables and connectors stolen from cars and wall boxes |
| Vandalism | Damaged sockets, chargers and cable holders |
| Misuse and disputes | Non-residents or wrong flats using a shared charger; unplugging others |
| Blocking | Non-EVs parked in charging bays |
| Fire | Rare but intense battery fires, especially with damaged or modified two-wheeler batteries |
CCTV coverage for charging bays
- One camera per row of chargers, angled to see each charger, the connector and the car’s number plate.
- Good lighting in the bay so colour footage is clear at night.
- Coverage of the basement entry and ramp for vehicle movement.
- Recording retained at least 30 days so disputes raised later can be checked.
- Line-crossing or intrusion alerts after midnight in visitor parking if cable theft is a problem.
Access control and billing
Smart chargers that need an RFID card or app login stop unauthorised use and record who charged and how much energy they used, which makes billing fair in shared parking. Combine them with RFID or number-plate access at the gate so only residents and registered visitors reach the charging area. For associations, a written EV charging policy covering booking, time limits, payment and responsibility avoids most disputes.
Boom barriers and vehicle access →Fire safety near charging points
- Use certified chargers installed by a licensed electrician with proper earthing and protection devices.
- Make sure smoke or heat detection covers the charging area and is connected to the building fire alarm.
- Keep fire extinguishers suitable for electrical fires nearby, and train guards on the response plan.
- Discourage charging of modified or damaged two-wheeler batteries, and charging from household extension boards.
- Consider thermal cameras for large basement charging areas, as an early warning layer.
A typical apartment setup
A 200-flat complex in Whitefield installs eight shared chargers in one basement bay. Two cameras cover the bay from opposite ends so every charger and number plate is visible. Chargers need an app login linked to the flat number, and the association bills energy monthly from the charger logs. A heat detector over each pair of chargers is connected to the building fire panel, and a CO2 extinguisher is mounted at the bay entrance. Disputes over who unplugged whose car dropped to almost nothing once residents knew the bay was covered.
Offices and commercial parking
Offices with employee and visitor charging should integrate chargers with employee ID or app access, record usage per user, and cover bays with cameras. Commercial parking operators often add number-plate recognition to link a vehicle’s entry, charging session and payment.
Planning checklist for associations
- Decide charger locations with the electrician, the security team and the fire safety contractor together.
- Plan camera positions and lighting before chargers are installed.
- Choose chargers with user authentication and usage logs.
- Write and circulate a charging policy.
- Review camera coverage after each new charger is added.
How we help
We add CCTV, access control and fire detection to parking areas and can coordinate with your EV charger installer so cables, cameras and detectors are planned together.
Security for apartments →Quick answers
Do EV charging areas need CCTV?+
It is strongly recommended in shared parking to prevent theft and misuse and to resolve disputes.
How do we stop outsiders using our apartment charger?+
Use chargers that need RFID or app login, and control vehicle access at the gate.
Are EV fires common?+
They are rare, but battery fires are intense, so fire detection and a response plan near charging areas are sensible.
What camera angle is best for a charging bay?+
One that shows the charger, the plugged-in connector and the vehicle’s number plate together.