Electric car charging either using a domestic or a heavy-duty socket
Electric car charging either using a domestic or a heavy-duty socket
Being equipped with a charging socket for electric vehicles presents a number of advantages. It is less expensive than installing a home charging station and easier to install when you are a tenant. This solution has everything going for it – as it allows you to charge your EV either with an ordinary power outlet or a heavy-duty socket!
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There are a number of different types of sockets with different charging characteristics for electric vehicles. We'll explain everything to help you make the most suitable choice for your needs.
Charging using a domestic socket
The standard power socket in France is the Schuko socket, often referred to as the domestic socket. This socket is found everywhere and, depending on your electrical installation, can be widely available.
While domestic sockets are mainly 16A in houses and flats, 32A sockets are available for appliances requiring more power. The domestic socket can be used to charge an electric vehicle, provided you take a few precautions as an electric car cannot be charged in the same way as a smartphone!
→ Tips to charge a car with a domestic socket
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Check that your electrical installation is in good condition
Using a damaged socket could be dangerous for your safety and could damage your electrical installation, so it is vital to check that the socket you are going to use for your vehicle is in good working order.
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Preferably, you should charge your vehicle from a domestic socket on a dedicated line
While it's easy to find a power socket at home, it's sometimes difficult to get one with a dedicated line. However, using a socket with a dedicated line is crucial to ensure better charging power. An electric vehicle can charge up to 2.3kW on a standard socket under the best conditions. By installing a Shcuko socket on a dedicated line, you will optimise the charging power and prevent all the sockets in your house from tripping in the event of a power cut while your vehicle is charging.
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Use a charging cable for occasional use for domestic sockets
Home charging cable, charging/charge cable for occasional use, cable for domestic socket, 8A charging cable, 10A charging cable: these are all names given to cables suitable for standard domestic sockets (schuko).
This charging cable is often supplied by car manufacturers when vehicles are delivered. Its power is limited to 10A or 8A, depending on the car make. It is the basic equipment for electric vehicles because it can be used easily by everyone.
In France, cables for domestic sockets are limited to a maximum of 10 amperes to comply with the mode 2 standard for charging electric vehicles.
As you can see, the domestic socket is the easiest charging solution. Although it's advisable to install a socket with a dedicated line, it's the cheapest option for charging an electric car. However, you shouldn't expect fast charging speeds, as this is the slowest charging system.
Heavy-duty sockets for electric vehicles
There are a number of alternatives to the domestic socket for enhanced safety when charging. Let's take a look at the main heavy-duty sockets available in France that are compatible with electric vehicles.
→ The Green’up socket
Legrand has developed a patented charging socket for electric cars called "Green'up". This socket is installed on a dedicated line and allows charging times of up to 2 times faster, thanks to a charging power of up to 3.7kW. You'll need either a Green'up charging cable or a charging cable that can withstand the 3.7kW rating.
The main advantages of the Green'up socket are that charging can be carried out safely over a long period of time, at night for instance, and that it is faster than using a domestic socket with special equipment.
The Green'up socket may seem expensive, but it can be installed yourself to cut costs. Green'up sockets are robust and hard-wearing, so they can be installed both indoors and outdoors, preferably in sheltered places for best all-weather performance.
Green'up sockets are available at prices ranging from €30 to €200, depending on the model. A complete, ready-to-install pack with mount, heavy-duty socket and circuit breaker costs around €180.
Other brands sell heavy-duty sockets for electric vehicles at a similar price to the Green'up socket, such as the Mureva heavy-duty socket from Schneider.
→ The P17 (CEE17) heavy-duty wall socket
There is an alternative to the Green'up socket, which is sometimes criticised for not meeting standards, but which is not illegal in France: the P17 (CEE17) heavy-duty wall socket.
Mainly installed for industrial use, the P17 socket is a heavy-duty socket that allows electrical appliances to be plugged in without the risk of overheating compared with a standard socket.
The CEE17 16Amps single-phase wall socket is nothing more than the equivalent of the famous Green'up socket in terms of charging power. The only difference is that it has no child protection. To make the CEE17 socket safe, you'll need to install specific protection when you install it so that you can switch it off when it's not in use and so that it's out of children's reach (overhead installation).
By using the CEE17 16A single-phase wall socket as an electric car charging socket, you can charge your vehicle at a power of 3.7kW for several hours on 16A current.
The installation of a CEE17 heavy-duty wall socket should be carried out by a qualified professional above a power rating of 3.7kW. It can also be fitted to a Green'up socket, which has already been installed by a professional, without modifying the electrical installation.
The strength of the CEE17 heavy-duty wall socket lies in the fact that it is available in several variants, with a three-phase rating of up to 32 amps, giving a charging power of up to 22kW. However, these more powerful models require an electrical circuit and dedicated protection in addition to the safety protections.
To take advantage of accelerated charging using a charging socket, it is therefore advisable to choose a CEE17 heavy-duty wall socket suited to your needs, depending on your electrical installation and your vehicle.
Comparison of different sockets for charging an electric car
You are now aware of the advantages and disadvantages of home sockets and heavy-duty sockets for charging an electric vehicle. As you will have realised, installing a heavy-duty socket is necessary when you charge your vehicle at home on a regular basis and it is not possible to install a charging point, or if you want to charge faster than using a domestic socket. In all cases, installing a socket on a dedicated line is recommended to improve vehicle charging performance and reduce the impact on other appliances when used simultaneously.
We hope this charging socket guide gives you all the information you need to choose the most appropriate socket for your vehicle.
UPS connections explained: Everything about plug ... - IT-Planet Blog
Unexpected power failures can cause major damage. UPS systems (uninterruptible power supply), which protect your electronic devices from sudden power failures, can help to prevent this. To increase the performance of your UPS system, you need special types of connection to ensure a reliable power supply.
Difficulties arise when the plug of the UPS does not fit into your wall socket or the plugs of your devices are not compatible with the UPS connections. To avoid such complications and choose the right connections, we will introduce you to the various plug connections, plug types and connections in this blog post.
Basics of UPS systems
The importance of UPS for device protection
UPS systems are crucial for protecting electronic devices by stabilizing the power supply and preventing power failures. They ensure the continuity of IT infrastructures and are available in various designs. Please contact us using the inquiry form for a quote.
Function and areas of application of UPS devices
UPS systems provide a reliable power supply through battery operation in the event of a power failure. They protect against data loss and voltage fluctuations. UPS devices are indispensable for companies and critical facilities such as hospitals and data centers. Find out more about the effects of power outages and surges on IT security in our blog post “Power failure and overvoltage in IT hardware: what are the consequences for IT security?”.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website schuko wall socket.
Different UPS classes and their functions
UPS systems are divided into 3 classes (online, offline, line-interactive) in order to meet individual requirements. Find out more in our ups guide “UPS guide: How to find the right UPS system for your requirements” to find out which UPS class is suitable for your needs.
Advantages of plug connections for UPS systems
- Adaptation to UPS systems: specially developed UPS connectors for connections
- Efficient capacity utilization: UPS connectors maximize the capacity of your UPS system by being able to supply multiple devices during power outages.
- Extended connection options: Backup a greater number of devices via the UPS
- Reliable protection: quality and resilience of UPS connectors ensure long-term protection for devices
- Function of plug connections: simple connection between devices (plug with pins and matching socket)
Important UPS connections in detail
Electrical connectors consist of a male part with contact pins and a female part with contact openings. The male part can be a plug, which is located at the end of a cable, or a built-in plug, which is permanently integrated into a device housing. The female part, on the other hand, is either a coupling at the end of a cable or a socket that is permanently installed in a device housing. Plugs and couplings are therefore used to connect devices and extend cables.
Connection options include IEC plug connections, NEMA connections or socket strips. There are also combined solutions, which allow more variability, for example socket strips with Schuko sockets and IEC sockets. Due to the many plugs and sockets available, we offer you an overview of the various plug connections below.
IEC plugs and sockets
IEC C13/C14
These connections are most commonly found in office applications, data centers and IT infrastructures. They are mainly used for smaller servers and peripheral devices such as computers, monitors or compact UPS systems. The C13 plug (right in the picture) is plugged into a C14 socket (left in the picture) and can support up to 10 amps at 250 volts.
Advantages and disadvantages:
+ Standardized (IEC )
+ Widely used in electrical appliances and UPS systems
+ Safety interlock
– Require adapters for regions without IEC standard
– Limited load capacity
– High space requirement
IEC C19/C20
These connections are specially designed for devices with higher power requirements. They are often used for high-performance servers and network equipment as they can support higher current loads. These connections are often found in servers, network switching devices and larger UPS systems. Here, the C19 plug (left in the picture) is plugged into a C20 socket (right in the picture) and can support up to 16 amps at 250 volts.
Advantages and disadvantages:
+ Standardized (IEC )
+ High reliability
+ Integrated in many devices
– Requires adapters for regions without IEC standard
– Little flexibility
Suggestion: The C39 output of Eaton Rack PDU G4 is also a game changer, maximizing flexibility and ease of use by combining C13 (10A) and C19 (16A) on a single output. We also offer PDUs from Eaton in our online store.
IEC-309, 16A
The IEC-309, 16A connector is a robust choice for connecting UPS systems. With a current rating of up to 16 amps, they are ideal for small and medium-sized applications where a reliable power supply is crucial. These connections are particularly common in data centers, server rooms and industrial environments.
Advantages and disadvantages:
+ Compactness and manageability
+ Simple installation
+ High reliability and durability
+ Less expensive than 32A version
– Limited power capacity (only for up to 16 amps)
– Not suitable for large data centers with high power requirements
IEC-309, 32A
The IEC-309, 32A connector is suitable for applications with higher energy requirements and offers a higher current capacity. With a design for up to 32 amps, they are primarily used in larger data centers and industrial systems.
Advantages and disadvantages:
+ Higher current capacity (up to 32 amps)
+ Reliable power supply
+ Versatile application possibilities
– Difficult installation due to bulkiness
– More expensive than 16A version
– Not suitable for smaller applications (too powerful)
Schuko plug (earthing contact plug)
SCHUKO plugs are a common standard for electrical plug connections in Europe, especially in Germany and Austria. They are characterized by their earthing contact and high level of safety. These plugs are designed for currents of up to 16 amps and voltages of 230 volts and are used in private households, offices and industrial environments.
Advantages and disadvantages of Schuko plugs:
+ Robust construction
+ Easy to use
+ Integrated in many household and office appliances
– Not standardized outside Europe
– Requires adapters for international use
NEMA connections
NEMA 5-15
The NEMA 5-15 connection is one of a series of power connections designated by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. It is the most commonly used connection type in the Americas, particularly in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as in parts of Asia. These connections are standard in homes and offices and support a current rating of 15 amps at 125 volts.
NEMA 5-20
The NEMA 5-20 connection is designed for applications with higher current requirements and, like the NEMA 5-15 connection, is widely used in America. It enables a current of up to 20 amps at 125 volts and is used in more specialized environments.
Advantages and disadvantages of NEMA connections:
+ Robust construction
+ Simple procurement
+ Widely used in North America
– Regionally limited
– Requires adapters for international use
Terminal block connections
Terminal block connectors are often used in larger systems, particularly in industrial applications and large UPS systems. They are designed to handle very high currents and voltages and offer the flexibility to adapt to different cable sizes and types. Depending on the type and model, the current and voltage ratings can vary. In industrial applications, terminal block connectors are often designed for higher current ratings, typically from a few amps up to several 100 amps at voltages from a few volts up to several 100 volts.
Advantages and disadvantages of terminal block connections:
+ High flexibility and adaptability
+ Suitable for customized installations
– Complex installation
– Less user-friendly than standard connectors
Installation and maintenance of UPS connections
Preparation and planning for installation
- Demand analysis: Determine which devices need to be connected to the UPS and determine the total power requirements.
- Compatibility check: Ensure that the selected connections are compatible with the devices and the UPS by checking the voltage, current and regional standards.
- Layout planning: Develop a plan for the arrangement of the UPS and the connected devices to ensure efficient cabling.
Maintenance of the UPS connections
- Routine inspection: Carry out regular visual inspections of the connections and cables to detect possible signs of wear or damage.
Common problems and their solutions
- Loose connections → Solution: Check and tighten plug connections to avoid interruptions and overheating.
- Cable break → Solution: Replace damaged cables to ensure safety.
- Corrosion → Solution: Clean or replace corroded connectors to resolve connection issues and failures. Find out more about IT cleaning in our blog post “IT cleaning - its time requirements and aspects to consider”.
- Overheating → Solution: Monitoring the load distribution to avoid overloading the UPS and connected devices.
Importance of correct UPS connections in your company
In this blog post, we have introduced you to the most important connector types and their specific applications. From IEC and NEMA connections to terminal block connections - each connection has its own advantages and disadvantages that need to be carefully weighed up depending on the application.
By choosing the right UPS connectors, you maximize the efficiency and reliability of your power supply, prevent outages and protect your valuable IT infrastructure from damage. Also pay attention to standards and certificates as well as other regional safety standards to ensure the safety of your connectors. Remember that thorough planning and regular maintenance are essential to ensure the long-term functionality and safety of your UPS system.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of white single socket. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.