Electric car charging either using a domestic or a heavy- ...

Equipping your space with a charging socket for electric vehicles offers numerous benefits. It is typically more affordable than installing a dedicated home charging station and is easier to set up, especially if you are renting. This option is highly effective as it allows you to charge your electric vehicle (EV) using either a standard power outlet or a heavy-duty socket!

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There are various types of sockets with distinct charging characteristics for electric vehicles. In this article, we'll clarify everything to help you select the best option for your needs.

Charging with a Domestic Socket

The standard power socket commonly found in France is the Schuko socket, often referred to as the domestic socket. This socket is ubiquitous and, depending on your electrical setup, can be widely accessible.

Domestic sockets typically provide 16A in residential settings, but 32A variants exist for appliances needing more power. Charging an electric vehicle through a standard domestic socket is possible, but certain precautions must be taken since charging an EV is not the same as charging a smartphone!

Tips for Charging Your Car with a Domestic Socket

1. Ensure Your Electrical Installation is Secure

   It is crucial to verify that the socket you intend to use for your vehicle is in good functional condition, as using a damaged socket can pose safety hazards and potentially harm your electrical setup.

2. Charge from a Dedicated Line If Possible

   While finding a power socket at home is easy, securing one on a dedicated line can be challenging. Nevertheless, utilizing a dedicated line is vital for optimal charging. Under ideal conditions, an electric vehicle can charge up to 2.3kW from a standard socket. Installing a Schuko socket on a dedicated line maximizes charging efficiency and prevents other household sockets from tripping during the charging process.

3. Utilize a Charging Cable Designed for Domestic Use

   When it comes to standard domestic sockets, there are various terms, such as home charging cable or occasional use cable, which refer to cables suitable for this type of socket. Generally, car manufacturers provide these cables along with the vehicles. They are rated at 10A or 8A, varying by car make, and serve as essential equipment for electric vehicles since their ease of use is user-friendly.

   In France, cables designed for domestic sockets are limited to a maximum of 10 amperes to comply with the mode 2 standard for electric vehicle charging.

As illustrated, the domestic socket is a relatively straightforward charging method. While it's advisable to install a dedicated line, this option is the most economical for charging an electric vehicle. However, don't expect rapid charging speeds, as this method tends to be the slowest available.

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Heavy-Duty Sockets for Electric Vehicles

Several options exist beyond the domestic socket that enhance safety during charging. Let's examine the primary heavy-duty sockets compatible with electric vehicles available in France.

The Green'up Socket

Legrand's patented Green'up socket, designed for electric cars, is mounted on a dedicated line and allows charging times to be twice as fast, supporting up to 3.7kW. To utilize this option, you will need either a Green'up charging cable or a cable designed for the 3.7kW rating.

The Green'up socket offers significant benefits, including the capability for safe long-duration charging, such as overnight, and charging that is faster than using a domestic socket with special equipment.

While the Green'up socket may appear costly, you can opt for DIY installation to save on expenses. These sockets are sturdy and resilient, suitable for both indoor and outdoor setups, preferably in sheltered areas for optimal weather resistance.
Prices for Green'up sockets range from €30 to €200 depending on the model. A complete ready-to-install package—including the mount, heavy-duty socket, and circuit breaker—costs around €180.

Similar priced heavy-duty sockets for electric vehicles are offered by other brands, including Schneider's Mureva heavy-duty socket.

The P17 (CEE17) Heavy-Duty Wall Socket

Though sometimes criticized for not adhering to standards, the P17 (CEE17) heavy-duty wall socket is a viable alternative to the Green'up socket and is legal in France. Primarily used for industrial purposes, the P17 socket is a robust option that minimizes overheating risks compared to standard sockets.

The CEE17 16Amps single-phase wall socket provides an equivalent charging power to the Green'up socket, but it does lack child safety features. Implementing protective measures during installation is necessary to ensure that the socket is only operational when in use and is out of reach of children (overhead installations advisable).

Utilizing the CEE17 16A single-phase wall socket for electric vehicle charging allows for effective charging at a rate of 3.7kW over several hours on a 16A circuit.

Installation of a CEE17 heavy-duty wall socket should be carried out by a qualified professional if exceeding a power rating of 3.7kW. It can be integrated with an already installed Green'up socket without any changes required to the existing electrical setup.

The strength of the CEE17 heavy-duty wall socket lies in its availability in multiple versions, offering a three-phase rating of up to 32 amps, which translates to charging power of up to 22kW. However, using these more powerful models necessitates a dedicated electrical circuit and safety protections. Hence, selecting a CEE17 heavy-duty wall socket that aligns with your requirements, based on your electrical installation and vehicle, is recommended.

Comparing Different Charging Socket Options

Now you understand the pros and cons of both domestic and heavy-duty sockets for electric vehicle charging. If you're frequently charging an EV at home and can't install a charging point, a heavy-duty socket is advisable for faster charging than a domestic socket. Regardless of the option you choose, installation on a dedicated line is recommended to enhance charging efficiency and minimize the impact on other devices when used simultaneously.

We hope this charging socket guide provides you with the necessary insights to select the most suitable socket for your needs.

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