Although there is more and more information about charging electric cars, there is still a lot of confusion about charging with a charging cable in a regular socket. What is clear everywhere is that it is not recommended, but that it is possible at the same time. If you do not want or cannot (yet) invest in a charging station at home, a mobile charging station or charger that you can plug into a socket is an ideal solution. That is why we have collected all the information you need on this page when you want to plug a charging cable into a regular socket.
Charging cable in the wall socket is generally not recommended
When it comes to charging cables in sockets, alarm bells go off everywhere. It would be extremely dangerous with a high risk of fire. The electric car would also have to be connected to the charger for days to be fully charged. These are stories that quickly make you lose heart when you just want to be able to charge via a wall socket.
The reason why this is discouraged by default is due to the risk associated with charging via a wall socket. However, if you take the time and attention to do this correctly, you can simply charge via a normal wall socket using a charging cable. Make sure that you check all the points below before you start charging. To make this easier, you will find a concise overview at the bottom of this page with the points that you really need to have checked. Then you will also know for sure that you can safely charge with a charging cable in a normal wall socket.
There are charging cables that can simply be plugged into your wall socket
Most charging cables and mobile chargers have a type 1 (J1772) or a type 2 (Mennekes) connection for the car side. They usually have the same plug for the source point, or a CEE plug. You can't get either of these plugs into your wall socket with any decency. What you need is a mobile charger with a Schuko connection. That's the same plug as your vacuum cleaner and your coffee machine.
For the sake of completeness: in these cases you no longer speak of a charging cable, but of a mobile charger , a mobile charging station or even a granny charger. These charging solutions are specially developed to be used with normal sockets.
Preferably do not use an adapter to connect a charging cable with a different plug to a wall socket. The more couplings, connections and adapters you have between the connection point and the car, the greater the risk of problems (and charging loss).
Can you use any outlet to charge your EV?
Absolutely not. In fact, the choice of the socket is probably the most important point when it comes to being able to charge with a charger via a socket. Damaged, outdated or poorly secured sockets cannot be used for charging the electric car. The enormous amount of voltage that flows through the contact will cause the socket to melt.
In addition to determining the correct socket, it is at least as important to look at the connection and the group to which the contact is connected. You want the highest possible voltage and you want to prevent overload. That is why we recommend using the charging cable (mobile charger or charging station) on a socket with the maximum power and a group that is as empty as possible.
The reason for this is quite simple. If you were to connect a charger to a group with the washing machine and the kettle, there is a good chance that the fuse will blow when all consumers demand power at the same time. If the consumption is balanced, it will indeed take more than a day before the battery of your car is fully charged.
If you do not have a free group or a socket that can supply the maximum power for the mobile charger, and at the same time you do not want or cannot invest in a charging station? Then call an electrician and tell him that you want a socket on a separate connection to charge your electric car. The expert will then know immediately what to do.
Be sure to check out these products before making a choice
Do you need a special socket to be installed to be able to charge optimally and safely? Then we have a number of handy options for you in our range. With the CEE wall socket you always charge safely and it can charge up to a capacity of 32A. Keep in mind that you need a reinforced connection (and often a new group) for this.
Don't have 32A and don't want to have it installed? Then look at the 16A wall socket that is particularly suitable for charging the electric car. This model can be used up to 16A (as opposed to the usual 10A) and is particularly safe so that you can charge without any problems.
Both products significantly increase the charging speed, but at the same time, in most cases an electrician will be needed to connect these contacts to a new or empty group in the meter cupboard.
Important points to keep in mind when charging via a wall socket
Charging via a power outlet is possible, but no matter how you look at it, there are still disadvantages. Via an average power outlet, you can charge at a maximum of 3.7 kW, which is relatively little with current electric cars. However, since most cars are not used all night, this is no reason to panic. Certainly not when you can charge during the day at work, for example.
Check the socket regularly when you use it daily for charging. One wrong move can quickly cause damage, as can wear of the socket itself. If you keep this in mind together with the points below, it is perfectly possible to charge with your charging cable via a socket. However, at the same time, a charging station at your home or business premises is always a better option (but this is not always possible).
A simple step-by-step plan so that you can easily charge via a power outlet
- Only choose a mobile charger or mobile charging station with a Schuko connection and avoid using adapters.
- Only use new, undamaged (and preferably checked) sockets.
- Ideally, the outlet should be on an empty group behind a high amperage
- Preferably choose a mobile charger or charging station with a capacity that is higher than the maximum capacity of the socket. This way you can always charge optimally.
- When charging for the first time, stay close to the power outlet so that you can intervene if something unexpectedly goes wrong.
If in doubt or uncertain, always call an electrician. They are now well-acquainted with the requirements and possibilities when it comes to charging electric cars via normal sockets and can always give you customized advice. Of course, you can also send us a message, so that we can provide you with personal customized advice and recommend the right charging solution.
Order a charging cable with Schuko connection for your regular socket today
Are you looking for a charger that you can plug directly into your wall socket? Then you will find a wide range of charging solutions with Schuko plug that you can always use safely. Look especially at the specifications and mutual differences. Some models are equipped with numerous features that can make charging even easier.
Can't find the right charging cable, charging station or charger? Please contact us so that our experts can help you personally.
