Grounding protection (also known as earth protection) is a critical safety feature in electric vehicle (EV) charging systems that prevents electrical shock and protects both users and equipment. It ensures that any fault current—such as leakage or a short circuit—is safely directed to the ground (earth) rather than through the vehicle or user. All Voldt® charging cables and adapters are equipped with integrated grounding protection that meets CE and TÜV standards.
Why grounding is essential for EV charging
When you charge your EV, the charging system operates at high voltages (usually 230V single-phase or 400V three-phase). If there is a fault in the cable, plug, or vehicle inlet, dangerous voltages could be exposed. Grounding protection ensures that such faults are instantly detected and the circuit is safely disconnected. This protects not only people from electric shock but also the EV’s sensitive electronics.
How grounding protection works
Grounding protection in Voldt® products works in conjunction with built-in fault detection systems. When the cable is connected, the internal electronics continuously monitor for proper grounding. If the system detects that the grounding is missing, weak, or faulty—such as in the case of a broken earth wire—the charging process will not start or will immediately shut down. In Mode 2 charging cables (like the Voldt® mobile charger), a built-in control box with an integrated RCD (Residual Current Device) adds an extra layer of protection.
Grounding compliance in Europe and the UK
In the UK and EU, grounding (earthing) is a legal requirement for all fixed and mobile EV charging equipment. Voldt® products are built in Europe and conform to all local electrical safety standards. This includes compliance with IEC 62752 for Mode 2 devices and IEC 61851 for Mode 3 cables. For portable charging with domestic sockets (like the Voldt® Type 2 to UK plug charger), grounding becomes even more crucial due to the variability of household wiring. That's why Voldt® only offers fully grounded, tested, and certified cables that ensure safe operation in any environment.
