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.
These heavy duty adaptors are made in our UK workshop for high current permanent applications such as EV charging.
Typical Application
The picture below illustrates a typical application; an EV charger with a UK 13A plug is connected to a Schuko socket using the EV indoor Schuko/French universal adaptor.
If you intend to use the adaptor outside, our weatherproof range is more suitable. If you require more than 2 types of adaptors, the ModulEV range of modular adaptors may provide a more cost and space effective flexible solution.
Choosing the Correct Adaptor
The Schuko/French universal adaptor pictured in the example has a CEE7/7 plug, which means that it is compatible with both the French (grey on the map) and German (light blue) sockets. It can be 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.
The adaptor is available with a range of other plugs for countries on the map which are not coloured light blue or grey. If you are not sure which adaptor you require, we're always happy to advise.
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Schuko
French
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Universal Schuko/French Adaptor The universal CEE 7/7 adaptor fits both Schuko and French sockets and is the main adaptor required for the majority of Europe and Scandinavia. Rated at 230v 16A. Tesla (pre 2019) - The Tesla Gen 1 charger is the only unit which is sensitive to polarity - please purchase the weatherproof polarity reversal switch unit. |
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Traditional Italian Socket New Bipasso Socket
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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. Found in Chile, Eritrea, Italy, Libya, Maldives, San Marino, Syrian Arab Republic and Uruguay. |
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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. Found in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Maldives and Rwanda. |
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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. Found in Bangladesh, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Guinea, Madagascar, Maldives, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Senegal. |
The Electrical Safety First website provides a useful resource to check the type of sockets used in any county worldwide. For more technical information, the Digital Museum of Plugs and Sockets provides a fascinating resource.
If you require an adaptor which is not listed, please do get in touch, as we can make adaptors for almost any international socket, many from stock.
Specification:
- Tough rubberised single Permaplug trailing single 13A socket.
- 0.3m of the following diameter cable:
- 1.5mmsq - universal Schuko/French adaptor (16A), Danish adaptor (16A), Italian adaptor (16A), Swiss adaptor (16A)
- 1mmsq - Italian adaptor (10A), Swiss adaptor (10A)
- Industrial specification H07RN-F rubber cable, specifically manufactured for harsh environments with high mechanical, chemical, water and UV resistance. Flexibility and performance is retained over a wide temperaturee range (-25 to 55°C). Find out what’s so special about our cables.
- PAT tested.
