Using UK EV granny chargers in Europe and Scandinavia

Using a UK granny charger abroad can be a confusing minefield, with a range of different sockets which look deceptively similar, yet may be incompatible even when they physically fit together! 

Standard travel adaptors must never be used with EVs, as they are only suitable for temporary low current applications, and often dangerously do not connect the earth contact. Our range of weatherproof travel adaptors are made in our UK workshop to enable a granny charger with a UK 13A plug to be connected to domestic sockets across Europe and Scandinavia.

What type of adaptors are there?

There are 4 types of adaptors for using UK EV granny chargers abroad: 

EV granny charger indoor travel adaptors 

  • Connection must be indoors or undercover.
  • Suitable for all EV granny chargers.

EV granny charger weatherproof travel adaptors 

  • Connection may be outside. 
  • Suitable for all EV granny chargers. 
  • The socket enclosure houses a high quality single socket.

ModulEV Modular granny charger extension and travel adaptor system

  • If you require adaptors for more than two types socket, the ModulEV range may provide a more cost and space effective flexible solution.
  • Uses a unique modular power connector, to enable UK EV granny chargers to be connected to any socket in Europe and Scandinavia.
  • Suitable for all EV granny chargers.

Tesla Compatible Travel Adaptors ONLY if you:

  • Have a Tesla.
  • Would like faster charging rates.
  • Already have the Tesla 16A commando plug lead for the Tesla granny charger. This was briefly supplied as standard in 2019, but is now an optional extra from the Tesla Shop for £35. The correct adaptor is pictured below, and has a blue plug which is 42mm in diameter.

If you need to charge your EV using a socket at a campsite, marina or other industrial premises, please see our EV weatherproof industrial socket adaptors.

If you are planning to visit the UK with a European/Scandinavian EV domestic charger, please see our adaptor range.

I'm travelling to France/Germany - What adaptor will I need and how does it connect up?

The picture below illustrates a typical application; an EV charger with a UK 13A plug is connected to a German Schuko socket using the EV weatherproof Schuko/French universal adaptor. 

The Schuko/French universal adaptor has a CEE7/7 plug, which is compatible with both the French (grey on the map) and German (light blue) sockets used in Albania, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy (modern installations only), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and Ukraine 

Domestic Sockets

As already detailed, adaptors with a Schuko/French universal plug provide the widest coverage. The table below details the most common domestic and industrial 230v single phase sockets in use across the Europe and Scandinavia. If you are not sure which adaptor you require, we're always happy to advise.

Schuko

French

Universal Schuko/French Adaptor

The universal CEE 7/7 adaptor fits both Schuko and French types sockets and is the main adaptor required for the majority of Europe and Scandinavia. Rated at 230v 16A.

N.B. The Tesla (pre 2019) Tesla Gen 1 charger is the only unit which is sensitive to polarity - please purchase the Universal Schuko/French adaptor with polarity reversal switch.

Traditional Italian Socket

New Bipasso Socket

Italian Adaptors 10A and 16A

Historically Italy has had its own specific socket, available in 10A and 16A versions. However, many buildings now have the Bipasso/Schuko socket, which can be used with both Italian and Schuko plugs.

The universal Schuko/French adaptor will therefore work anywhere in Italy where the Bipasso/Schuko socket is available. However the challenge may be in older buildings, where only traditional Italian sockets are provided. 

Whilst many sockets in Italy will accept both 10A and 16A plugs, some will only accept one type, so for complete peace of mind both adaptors would be required. Alternatively just the 10A version could be used as it will fit both sockets, although please note that with the 10A, adaptor charging will be limited to 10A and this must be dialled down on your EV.

Swiss Adaptor

Switzerland and Liechtenstein use their own specific socket, available in 10A and 16A versions. 10A plugs can be inserted into 16A sockets, but the reverse is not possible. 

For complete peace of mind both adaptors would be required. Alternatively just the 10A version could be used as it will fit both sockets, although please note that with the 10A, adaptor charging will be limited to 10A and this must be dialled down on your EV.

Danish Adaptor

Denmark and Greenland use their own 16A socket. Whilst the socket looks similar to a Schuko/French socket, they must not be used together. Although they will fit, the earth will not be connected, which is extremely hazardous for EV charging. The Danish adaptor must be used for these sockets.

From 2008 French sockets were allowed to be fitted in Denmark, with Schuko sockets supported from 2011. The universal Schuko/French adaptor will therefore work in Denmark where either of these sockets are fitted. Data on their prevalence is not available, and so it is likely that in many places a Danish adaptor will still be required.

Industrial Sockets

IEC 60309 (Commando) connectors have become the standard for electrical connections in commercial and industrial premises across Europe since their introduction in the 1960s.  

 

 43mm diameter

Campsite and Marina Hook Ups - 230v 16A Blue Sockets (IEC 60309)

Enables connection to the blue 16A sockets which are found at campsites and marinas across Europe.

N.B. The Tesla gen 2 UMC was briefly supplied with a 16A plug adaptor in 2019, which can be connected to 230v 16A sockets directly for faster charging rates. The adaptor can be purchased from Tesla Shop.

57mm diameter

230v 32A Blue Sockets (IEC 60309)

Enables connection to blue 32A sockets which are commonly used in industrial locations and power installations at temporary sites.

N.B. The pre-2019 Tesla gen 1 UMC and Audi E-tron are supplied with a 32A plug adaptor, which can be connected to 230v 32A sockets directly, for much faster charging rates.

56mm diameter

415v 16A Red Sockets (IEC 60309)

Enables connection to these sockets, which are commonly used in industrial locations and power installations at temporary sites. The adaptor is only compatible with 5 pin sockets (L1, L2, L3, N And E), as EVs require a neutral connection.

63mm diameter

415v 32A Red Sockets (IEC 60309)

Enables connection to these sockets, which are commonly used in industrial locations and power installations at temporary sites. The adaptor is only compatible with 5 pin sockets (L1, L2, L3, N And E), as EVs require a neutral connection.

N.B. The Tesla mod 1 UMC and Audi E-tron are supplied with a 32A plug adaptor, which can be connected to 415v 32A sockets using our 415v 32A to 230v 32A adaptor, for faster charging rates.

Safely Using Sockets Abroad

Why is an earth connection so important?

EVs require an earth connection to operate safely. An earth connection ensures that if there is a fault and an external metal part becomes live, the earth wire safely conducts the electricity away, tripping the circuit breaker or blowing the fuse. For example, imagine charging an electric car. If an earth connection is present, then if there were to be a fault and the metal body of the car became live, electricity would flow down the earth wire, quickly cutting off the power. If there was no earth connection, the car would remain live. If you were to touch it, electricity would flow through your body to the ground, with potentially fatal consequences.

You must always ensure that the adaptor you use connects the earth pin. Also, never assume that just because a socket has a visible earth receptacle/pin, that it is actually wired to earth. The only way to find out is to use a socket tester.

Should I worry about polarity?

The UK electrical system is polarised. The earth pin on 13A plugs is at the top, they can only be inserted one way and the live is always wired to the right receptacle (as you face a socket). As the live is always connected one way, many appliances are wired with this in mind. For example, a switch may only turn on/off the live wire.

Whilst polarity is a major issue, as far as we are aware, only the Tesla Gen 1 Universal Charger/UMC is affected by reverse polarity. If you have any other type of EV charger, it should not be an issue.

Useful Sources of Information

The IEC provide the definitive guide to which plugs and sockets are used in every country of the World.

The Digital Museum of Plugs and Sockets provides the most comprehensive resource on the internet, particularly for rare connectors.

If you are unable to find the plug or socket that you are looking for, we are always very happy to provide advice.