[Number64]

The red plug I've shown at the top apparently comes in 16A, 32A and 64A versions. What is the difference? Not sure what the one at work is. Are they interoperable?

Nope. They get physically bigger with rating. (Also 63A not 64A).

 

[donald]

Nope. They get physically bigger with rating. (Also 63A not 64A).

Thanks, yes, just figured that, do you know the physical diameters of each current rating?

 

[Number64]

You can find that on Farnell. Something like www.farnell.com/datasheets/5935.pdf

I have some 16& 32A 230V blue commandos at home for an EVSE "project in waiting". The 32A get a bit big when you go IP67 with the locking ring....

 

[ecodrive]

(Notifications weren't coming through, sorry for slow reply!)

It's important to understand that any fuse or circuit breaker protecting a fixed socket also has to protect the portable cable (for any appliance, not just EVs) so the regs should ensure that any 16A socket (red or blue) is protected by fuse(s) or circuit breaker(s) no higher than 20A. A 32A socket would be protected normally by 32A breaker and a 63A by a 63A breaker.

A 3-pin outlet should not be connected to anything higher than a 32A socket/breaker and the fuse in the plug provides additional protection for the flex.

The red and blue plugs/sockets are available in 16A, 32A and 63A versions. They are different sizes and are not interchangeable because of the different fusing required. This is what is clever about the new 'Type 2' ("Mennekes") plug and socket system. One size for 16A, 32A and 63A and it uses electronics to work out the rating of the cable.

I don't have the regs to hand, but unshuttered sockets are not allowed in UK homes. Until recently even the Type 2 socket charging points weren't allowed, but that has been relaxed since they are not live until properly connected to an EV.

The orange 'trailing socket' above is not bad quality and gives a good seal. As noted, the RCD is somewhat redundant but does protect the 3-pin socket if you should use it for anything else.

The EVconnectors product will not (should not) run any higher than 10A. If it can (or you do run it higher) you will cause damage to the plug and/or socket. Early EVs in the UK were shipped with 13A EVSE and were melting plugs and sockets within a few charges.

 

[ecodrive]

@MrPudding I suspect that Ratio disabled the 16A function when shipping it to the UK. I can't find any mention of it intelligently detecting a 16A supply. Their units with a Schuko (European domestic) plug are only 6A/10A. I think that you have one of those units - but with a 16A plug.