CEE socket to recharge the electric car at home

Charging your electric car at home, compared to using public charging stations, is an increasingly popular choice for those who want to manage charging times independently and optimize costs. A home charging solution offers greater convenience and allows you to plan your trips more efficiently, taking advantage of time slots when electricity is cheaper.

Among the different charging methods, the CEE socket stands out as a reliable and safe solution. Commonly used in industrial settings, it can also be installed at home to manage your electric car’s charging in a more stable way compared to traditional domestic outlets. Its technical features make it particularly suitable for handling high power without the risk of overheating or overload, making it ideal for residential use when fast charging is not a priority.

In this guide, we’ll discover what a CEE industrial socket is, how it works, its qualities that make it a competitive choice for home charging, and the key factors to consider in order to make the most of this home solution.

What is a CEE industrial Socket?

The CEE socket, also known as the IEC 60309 connector, is an international standard defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to ensure safety and interoperability in industrial electrical connections. The abbreviation CEE, commonly used to refer to this type of connector, stands for Commission on Rules for the Approval of Electrical Equipment, the European body that helped promote electrical safety standards. But what features make CEE sockets so recognizable and efficient in various operational applications?

• Durability and resistance to weather conditions: CEE sockets are designed to operate safely even in harsh environments, such as outdoor settings or areas exposed to rain, dust, and chemical agents. This feature makes them reliable for both domestic and industrial use.

• Specific colors to identify voltage: Each CEE socket has a color that indicates its operating voltage, making it easier to recognize. Blue sockets (230V) are ideal for residential or outdoor applications, while red sockets (400V) are perfect for more intensive industrial use.

• Wide range of amperage: CEE sockets are available in different configurations, with current ratings from 16A to 125A, allowing you to choose the most suitable solution based on power requirements and charging speed.

• Superior safety: Compared to traditional Schuko domestic sockets, CEE sockets are designed to handle high continuous loads and offer enhanced safety thanks to more robust materials and anti-overheating systems, preventing deterioration and ensuring stable and reliable charging.

How does charging with a CEE socket work?

Charging with a CEE socket is a practical and safe solution for those who want to charge their electric car at home or in professional settings without complications. To use it at home, the domestic electrical system must be properly sized to handle the vehicle’s charging load, but the process itself is quite simple.

The CEE socket connects to a portable Mode 2 charging cable equipped with an integrated control device (Control Box) that monitors the current flow and protects against overloads or current leakage. Depending on the type of socket, charging speed and time will vary.

• Blue CEE socket: Designed for single-phase connections (230V), typical of domestic systems. It’s available in 16A and 32A versions, allowing for charging at 3.7 kW or 7.4 kW. This means that a 40 kWh battery can be fully charged in about 10-12 hours at 3.7 kW or in 5-6 hours at 7.4 kW. It’s the ideal choice for overnight charging or when high-speed charging isn’t necessary.

• Red CEE socket: Designed for three-phase connections (400V), typically found in industrial environments or homes with a three-phase system. With power levels up to 22 kW (32A), it reduces charging time to about 2-3 hours for a battery of the same capacity, offering a much faster charging experience.

While the blue socket is perfect for standard domestic use, the red socket is the best choice for those who need faster charging and have an electrical system suitable for industrial-level power.

What are the possible disadvantages of a CEE socket?

The CEE industrial socket can be a convenient and advantageous choice for those who don’t want to install a wallbox but still want the comfort and autonomy of home charging. However, there are some drawbacks:

• No smart management: Unlike wallboxes, CEE sockets do not allow for intelligent charging management (scheduling, remote monitoring, or consumption control).

• Requires a compatible portable charging cable (Mode 2): A specific cable with an integrated safety device (Control Box) is necessary.

• Limited power in single-phase versions: The blue socket (3.7-7.4 kW) is suitable for overnight charging but not ideal for those who need to recharge their car quickly during the day.

• Electrical system check: It’s essential to ensure that the electrical system is properly sized to avoid overloads, especially for high-power three-phase versions. For this reason, despite the solution’s practicality and simplicity, it is recommended to consult a specialized technician for installation.

Tips for a safe installation

Installing a CEE socket for home electric car charging requires attention and technical expertise to ensure safety and compliance with current regulations.

The first step for a proper installation is to contact a qualified electrician who can assess the existing electrical system and verify that it can support the required power for charging the car. This is crucial to avoid short circuits, overloads, and other problems related to improper use. The electrician will need to check:

• The capacity of the meter and available power: In some cases, it may be necessary to increase the contractual power with the energy provider.

• The cable cross-section: Cables that are too thin can overheat during charging; therefore, appropriately sized cables are required based on the power demand.

• The presence of protection devices, such as residual current devices (RCDs) and circuit breakers, to protect both the system and the user from possible electrical faults.

Finally, it’s essential to choose the blue CEE socket with the voltage that best suits your home charging needs.

A Convenient and Safe Choice for Home Charging

The CEE socket can make home charging faster, safer, and more efficient, supporting the transition to green mobility right from your home. Versatility, practicality, and convenience make this solution a valuable ally for everyday charging needs, offering the solidity and robustness of an industrial-grade device.

However, the long charging times and less advanced technological features compared to more modern charging devices affect its competitiveness in the electric landscape.

Despite these limitations, the CEE socket remains a concrete and reliable solution for those seeking a simple and functional alternative—a practical starting point for embracing electric mobility.