Type 2 - 16A red commando socket| 3 phase | Adjustable 8A - 16A | 11kW charging cable

Yes, a mobile EV charging cable such as the Voldt® mobile charger can be set to delay charging when connected to a CEE power socket or a normal household socket. This feature is particularly useful when you want to start charging during off-peak electricity hours or when energy tariffs are lower. Delayed charging helps reduce costs and eases the load on the power grid, especially in areas with dynamic electricity pricing.

The Voldt® mobile EV charger is equipped with an intuitive delayed charging function. You can easily set it up in a few steps. The delay can be set in 1-hour increments, up to a maximum of 10 hours. Here's how to do it:

How to activate delayed charging on your Voldt® mobile charger:

• Plug the charger into a power socket (CEE or Schuko).
• Connect the charging cable to your electric vehicle.
• Turn on the charger (the display will light up).
• Press and hold the setting button for 3 seconds to activate a 1-hour delay.
• For each additional hour of delay, press and hold the setting button again for 3 seconds.
• Example: Pressing and holding 3 times = 3-hour delay.
• Once you reach the desired delay time, stop pressing the button.
• The countdown will begin, and charging will start automatically after the set delay.

This function is available on both household (230V Schuko, approx. 2.3–3.0 kW) and industrial (CEE 16A/32A, up to 22 kW) sockets, depending on the model. While the delayed charging function behaves the same across socket types, the actual charging speed will depend on the power source and your EV’s onboard charger. With Voldt®, you get flexible, efficient, and safe charging tailored to your schedule.

Yes, CEE 16A and CEE 32A sockets differ significantly in power capacity, physical dimensions, applications, and cabling. The most important distinction is the maximum current each can handle: a CEE 16A socket supports up to 16 amps, while a CEE 32A socket is designed for 32 amps. This means a CEE 32A connection can deliver nearly double the electrical power, which is essential for high-demand applications such as industrial machinery or fast charging of electric vehicles.

Physical size and compatibility

One of the most noticeable differences is the physical size of the plug and socket. A CEE 32A socket is substantially larger and sturdier than a 16A socket. The 32A version typically has an outer diameter of around 70 mm compared to approximately 50 mm for the 16A. The pins are also thicker and spaced further apart. These differences are intentional to prevent mismatching: a 32A plug will not fit a 16A socket and vice versa, improving safety for higher-power connections.

Technical capacity and cabling

A CEE 16A socket is usually used for 230V (single-phase) or 400V (three-phase) applications and can deliver up to 11 kW. The CEE 32A socket can deliver up to 22 kW, making it ideal for more power-intensive setups like the Voldt Type 2 mobile charger with CEE 32A plug. This also means thicker cabling is required — typically 6 mm² for 32A vs. 2.5 mm² for 16A — to handle the higher current safely.

Applications and installation

CEE 16A sockets are common in camping grounds, garages, or for lighter mobile uses. CEE 32A sockets are used in industry, food trucks, construction sites, or high-capacity EV chargers. Their larger size means they’re also physically more robust and often waterproof (IP44 or IP67). Proper installation in the UK must include appropriate fuses and RCDs in line with BS 7671 wiring regulations.

The steps between 8A and 16A for a mobile charging cable are: 8A, 10A, 13A, and 16A. These are standard settings on adjustable mobile charging cables, such as those from Voldt, allowing you to adapt the charging power to the available power supply and location.

Why are these steps selected?

Each step (8A, 10A, 13A, 16A) corresponds to common circuit breaker levels and domestic grid standards across Europe. 8A is the most conservative option and is useful for older installations. 10A is a moderate step that fits most household sockets. 13A is common in the UK, where plugs are fused at 13A. The 16A setting offers the fastest charging rate where a dedicated circuit or heavy-duty socket is available.

Practical use of adjustable current levels

Adjustable charging cables like the Voldt Type 2 mobile charging cable allow manual or digital selection of current. This is essential when charging at locations with limited power or shared circuits. Lower current avoids tripping breakers, while 16A enables faster charging if the grid can handle it.

Safety and compatibility

Correct current settings are crucial for safe charging. Voldt cables include thermal sensors and overload protection, and they shut off automatically in unsafe conditions. Make sure the selected current matches your electrical system, and check if you're on a 1-phase or 3-phase setup. Some countries have different rules for 16A connections, so always verify local requirements.

The difference between Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3, and Mode 4 charging lies in the level of communication and safety between the electric vehicle (EV), the charging cable, and the power source, as well as the type of current used (AC or DC). Each mode represents a different way of delivering electricity to an EV, with increasing levels of control and safety from Mode 1 to Mode 4.

Mode 1 charging is the most basic and outdated form of EV charging. It involves a simple cable that connects an EV directly to a standard household socket (AC), with no built-in communication or safety features. The cable lacks a control box, so there's no way to verify if the vehicle is drawing power safely. As a result, Mode 1 is rarely used for modern EVs due to high risks such as overheating, electric shock, and potential fire hazards. It is also not compliant with many international safety standards, and is banned in several regions.

Mode 2 charging improves on Mode 1 by adding an In-Cable Control and Protection Device (IC-CPD). This allows the charging cable to plug into a standard socket (usually Schuko or BS 1363) while integrating basic safety functions like temperature monitoring and earth leakage protection. The IC-CPD enables limited communication between the cable and the vehicle, typically restricting the current to safe levels (usually up to 10 A or 13 A). This makes Mode 2 a practical solution for occasional or emergency charging at home, but it’s not ideal for regular use due to slower charging speeds and stress on domestic wiring.

Mode 3 charging involves dedicated EV charging stations connected to the AC grid, using a Type 1 or Type 2 connector and enabling full communication between the EV and the charging infrastructure. These stations can deliver higher current levels (typically up to 32 A or even 63 A), resulting in faster charging. Mode 3 setups include advanced safety protocols such as automatic power cut-off, dynamic load management, and secure identification. This is the standard mode for public AC charging points and home wallboxes across Europe, especially using Type 2 connectors in accordance with IEC 61851.

Mode 4 charging is used exclusively for DC fast charging. In this mode, the AC to DC conversion happens within the external charger, not inside the vehicle, allowing for much higher power delivery—typically from 50 kW up to 350 kW. It requires heavy-duty connectors like CCS (Combined Charging System) or CHAdeMO and involves constant, high-level communication between the vehicle and the charger for current regulation, battery monitoring, and thermal management. Mode 4 is ideal for quick top-ups on motorways or commercial fleets and is governed by standards like IEC 61851-23 and IEC 62196-3.

In summary, Modes 1 and 2 are for basic or household charging (AC), Mode 3 is the most common AC charging method with integrated safety and communication, and Mode 4 is used for rapid DC charging with full system integration and high power delivery.