Use A 13A Socket To Charge A Type 2 EV At Home Or At Any 3 Pin 13A Socket
The Type 2 to 3-pin charger, also referred to as a home charger, domestic socket charger, or mains socket charger, offers adjustable current settings, allowing EV charging up to the recognised safe limit of 10A. Due to the limitations of charging your EV when using a 13A socket, this charger is only recommended as a backup or emergency charger. We recommend that an electrician checks that your 13A socket is suitable for EV charging.
Adjusting the charger’s current to 6A, 8A, and 10A, enables compatibility with sockets requiring less than 10A. This feature therefore allows connection to solar panels/PV systems. Additionally, it is suitable for EVs that require a variable current charger, enabling the EV to reduce the current intake.
The 3-pin charger is designed for plugging into a 13A 3-pin socket. The 10A setting represents the maximum current an EV should draw from a 13A socket.
When using a 13A socket for prolonged EV charging (charging for more than 4 hours), the lower 6A and 8A settings are available, minimizing the heat impact on the mains socket. This is important for 13A sockets without a dedicated circuit connection. Or when a qualified electrician has not certified the circuit and socket.
Most chargers sold in the UK are restricted to 10A for safety reasons. Charging at this current significantly diminishes the risk of the 13A socket overheating. Consequently, we will not offer for sale any 3-pin charger capable of charging at 13A.
Is This Type 2 To 3 Pin 10A Charger Suitable For My EV / PHEV?
Choosing The Right Charger
Charging an EV with a 13A socket may cause thermal damage if the socket overheats due to damaged or faulty wiring or if the electrical circuit is overloaded.
For this reason, we strongly recommend having an electrician inspect the intended socket for EV charging to certify its suitability. This assessment should encompass factors such as the set current (6A, 8A, or 10A), charging duration (e.g., 4 hours at a time), and the frequency of EV charging (e.g., daily).
We understand that, at times, charging your EV with a socket certified by an electrician may not be feasible. In such instances, we recommend using the lower amp setting of 6A. It is also a good idea to ensure that both the plug and socket are not becoming excessively hot during the EV charging process.
Avoid using an extension lead or adapter with this 3 pin charger. Plug the charger directly into the socket. Ensure that water does not come into contact with the prongs of the 3-pin plug or enters inside the Type 2 plug. Keep the charger dry when not in use. Before usage, be sure to read the user booklet included with the charger.
To use this 3-pin charger, your EV must have a Type 2 socket. Refer to the photo of a Type 2 socket on this page and match it to your EV.
If you are still not sure, click the button below to find your EV/PHEV. This will enable you to verify if your vehicle is equipped with a Type 2 socket. Additionally, please review the information at the top of this page under “Please Read Before You Buy”. This information will help you to avoid the most common reasons for returning a 3-pin charging cable.
Do You Want A Charger With Multiple Adapters?
If you’re in search of a flexible EV charger compatible with various power sockets, then consider our multi-adapter charger. The charger supports charging from both 1 Phase and 3 Phase sockets, and provides a current range of 6A to 32A.
This charger allows connection to a variety of outlets. For instance, the 3 pin and 5 pin Commando sockets, the 13A mains socket, and the 16A Euro (Schuko) socket. You have the flexibility to choose the specific adapters you need for your charger. Furthermore, it incorporates a charging timer, enabling charging to start anywhere from 1 to 10 hours after being plugged in. When using the 3 pin UK plug adapter, the charger will automatically select a safe 10A charging mode.
For a detailed breakdown of the maximum currents provided by the multi-adapter charger when used with different adapter/power outlets, refer to the table below:
| Adapter & Outlet | Max kW |
|---|---|
| 3 Phase CEE 32A | 22kW |
| 3 Phase CEE 16A | 11kW |
| 1 Phase CEE 32A | 7,4kW |
| 1 Phase CEE 16A | 3,7kW |
| UK 13A | 2,2kW |
| Schuko 16A | 3,7kW |
The maximum current displayed in the above table will not necessarily align with the current that the EV/PHEV can accept. In other words, the vehicle can only accept up to the maximum current of its onboard charger (OBC).
EV Cable Bag And Case
We provide a canvas cable bag (suitable for cables up to 10M) to store this charger when not in use. The bag can also be upgraded to a cable carrier case made from EVA material, which has improved waterproof and impact protection. The EVA case has an elasticated strap in the bottom compartment and elasticated mesh pocket in the top to allow convenient storage of two cables. The EVA case can carry 2 cables if each cable does not exceed 10 metres length (20M total length) and are neatly wound. You can replace the canvas cable bag with an EVA case by selecting the option available in the basket or on the checkout page.
Type 2 To 3 Pin Variable Charger (10A) Features
IP55 protection for the control box. TUV approved.
Certification: UKCA, CE.
Charging Timer: The charger will charge your EV from 1 to 10 hours after being plugged in. Thus enabling charging during off peak electricity rates.
Type A and Type B residual current fault detection: 30mA AC + 6mA DC.
Built in fault detection: Over voltage / under voltage, over current and surge protection.
PCB Overheating protection: The charging current will automatically reduce if the circuit board in the device box exceeds 75 degrees.
3 amp settings: 6A, 8A and 10A.
LED display: Real time charging information
Type 2 To 3 Pin Variable Charger (10A) Technical Data
| Charging cable type | 3-pin (Type G) 13A socket to Type 2 (IEC 62196-2) connectors |
| Lengths available | 5Metre, 8Metre |
| Rated current | 6A, 8A, 10A |
| Certification | CE, UKCA, TUV tested |
| Cable from control box to power outlet | TPE 3×2.5+2×0.5mm. Length including plug: 90cm |
| Cable to Type 2 vehicle plug | TPU 3×2.5+1×0.5mm |
| Control box dimensions | 235mm (H) x 105mm (W) x 65mm (D) |
| IP grade | Control box: IP55. Plugs when connected to sockets: IP55 |
| Operating voltage | 220V-240V AC |
| Leakage protection | AC leakage 30mA. DC leakage 6mA |
| Working temperature | -30°C to 50°C |
| Flame retardant | UL94 V-0 |
| Insulation resistance | 10MΩ |
| Altitude | -≤2000m |
