Type 2 - 16A blue commando socket | 1 phase | Adjustable 8A - 16a | 3.7kW | EV 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.

A CEE (commando) power outlet is fundamentally different from a regular household socket, particularly when it comes to extending charging cables for electric vehicles (EVs). While a standard socket in most European homes supplies 230V at 10–16 amps, CEE outlets are designed to handle much higher power loads—typically 400V at 16A, 32A, or even 63A. This allows them to safely deliver the higher currents required for efficient EV charging, without the overheating risks commonly associated with standard sockets when used under continuous high loads.

CEE outlets are industrial-grade connectors, easily recognized by their round, rugged design and multiple pins—for example, separate pins for three-phase power, neutral, and earth. This configuration ensures a much more stable and secure connection, which is crucial for EV charging. Normal household sockets are not built to sustain prolonged high current draw, and using them with extension cables for EV charging can result in significant voltage drop, cable overheating, or even fire hazards. That’s why CEE connections are often recommended for heavy-duty charging scenarios, especially in outdoor or semi-permanent setups.

When extending an EV charging cable using a CEE power outlet, it's vital to use a high-quality extension lead rated for the appropriate amperage. The cable should have the correct wire gauge—typically 2.5 mm² for 16A and 6 mm² for 32A—and be heat-resistant, weatherproof, and compliant with relevant safety standards. Brands like Voldt® offer mobile EV chargers and extension cables specifically designed for use with CEE 16A or 32A outlets, supporting charging speeds up to 22 kW. This setup greatly enhances safety, efficiency, and reliability compared to using standard household sockets.

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.

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.