What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of schuko wall socket

'Schuko' is the German abbreviation for 'Schutz-Kontakt', or 'protective contact'. It is generally used for standard household sockets such as your coffee machine and TV. With this "contact" you can power your devices when you are using them, but you can also use it to charge your electric car when you are not using your EV (electric vehicle).

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Not always to the fullest

But what many do not know: in the private sector the Schuko plug is used less often than the Mode 3 charging cable. A Mode 3 charging cable is the charging cable that always comes with your electric vehicle and which has those special electric vehicle plugs. A Mode 1 or Mode 2 Schuko charging cable with the familiar socket connection is unfortunately not always supplied as standard. But in practice it is very desirable.

Some only use the Schuko charging cable in emergencies. That is, if there is no charging station nearby but there is a wall socket. A maximum of 3.7 kW charging power can be delivered from a wall socket, which means that it takes several hours to charge a battery pack. But to prevent overheating of the plug or an electrical fire in old power cables, various Schuko cables are protected with a control box (ICBB) to deliver a maximum of 2.3 kW (10 ampere). The best and fastest solution is to always use a (home) charging station if possible.

Advantages of Schuko and EV

Charging via a Schuko plug has the main advantage that you do not have to spend money on installing a home charger. If you only charge your EV at home very sporadically, for example because you can charge it at work, usually charge it at a public charging station or if you do not have your own driveway, this could be an option.

Another advantage of a Schuko charger is the fact that you always have a back-up solution available. Although it takes much longer to charge, it also allows you to charge an EV in places where there is no charging station, such as when on holiday at the campsite or at your holiday home.

Disadvantages of charging your EV with a Schuko

In order to keep the length of the unguarded connection cable as short as possible and for safety reasons to prevent driving over the cable, the ICCB (In-Cable Control Box) is placed right behind the Schuko plug. This is something you have to watch out for, e.g. with higher placed sockets. The weight of the ICCB can damage a badly mounted socket when hanging on the cable.

Using ICCB and a Schuko socket means a longer charging time compared to charging at type 2 charging stations. Several electric car manufacturers therefore call the ICCB charging option with Schuko 'emergency charging' or 'granny charging'.

Overheating when using external reels

When charging electric vehicles via a Schuko connection with a standard extension cable or reel, the extension cable reel can overheat. The heat released in the cable could lead to a fire. This is particularly the case with reels where the cable is too thin and remains rolled up on the reel. Be aware of this when you use an external reel for charging your electric car.

Have you wondered why we find different standards for plugs and sockets in different countries? What type of socket you choose doesn't just depend on technical performance, but also has an impact on safety of use and compatibility with appliances. In today's article we will compare the two most common types of sockets used in Europe: French (type E) and schuko (type F).

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit schuko wall socket.

Electrical sockets - what are they actually?

Electrical sockets, or more commonly known as contacts, are a key component of any electrical installation, allowing electrical appliances to be connected to a power source. Although they may look similar at first glance, sockets differ depending on the country in which they are used. In Poland, French sockets (type E) and schuko sockets (type F) are most commonly used; although they perform the same function, they differ in design and the way they are earthed.

French sockets, or E-type sockets

Type E sockets, also known as French sockets, are the most popular type of socket in Poland. They have two holes for the phase (L) and neutral (N) conductors, as well as a grounding pin, which is positioned above the holes.

Characteristics of E-type sockets:

• Earthing: These sockets have a pin which is used to connect the earthing (PE) wire. Earthing is a key element to ensure safe use.
• Load: French sockets are compatible with a current load of up to 16A.
• Fitting plugs:
  • Type C (CEE 7/16 and CEE 7/17): The wide version (CEE 7/17) supports up to 16A, while the narrow version (CEE 7/16) supports up to 2.5A. Both versions fit ungrounded sockets.
  • Unischuko (type E/F): These are dual plugs that fit both French and German (schuko) sockets, having a pinhole and side plates.
• Mismatched plugs: Plugs that do not have a grounding pin hole will not be compatible with a French socket.

E-type sockets are not only used in Poland, but also in the Czech Republic, Belgium, Slovakia and France.

Schuko sockets, or F-type sockets

F-type sockets, also known as schuko sockets, are the standard in many European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands and Croatia. They differ from French sockets mainly in the way the earthing is implemented.

Characteristics of F-type sockets:

• Earthing: In F-type sockets, earthing is implemented by means of two spring-loaded plates placed on the sides of the socket. The earthing works similarly to type E, but does not use a pin.
• Load: Like French sockets, schuko sockets work with loads up to 16A.
• Symmetry: Schuko sockets are symmetrical, meaning that the plug can be turned 180° and the socket will function correctly.
• Fitting plugs:
  • Type C (CEE 7/16 and CEE 7/17): As with French sockets, these plugs fit into ungrounded sockets.
  • Unischuko (type E/F): Dual plugs that fit both types of sockets (E and F), fitted with a pinhole and side plates.
• Mismatched plugs: Plugs that do not have suitable recesses on the sides for the earthing plates will not fit schuko sockets.

Comparing French and schuko sockets - what to look out for?

The choice between a French and schuko socket depends mainly on local standards and the compatibility of electrical appliances. Here are some aspects to consider:

• Compatibility with appliances: In most cases, modern appliances have unischuko (E/F) plugs, which fit both types of socket. However, older devices may require specific sockets.
• Technical issues: E-type and F-type sockets have the same technical characteristics in terms of current load and safety. In practice, they differ mainly in the way earthing is implemented.
• Usability: F-type sockets are more versatile as they allow the plug to be connected in any direction (180° inversion) without affecting performance. In contrast, French sockets (type E) with a grounding pin offer a secure connection so that the plug fits precisely into the socket, but do not have the same flexibility in installation as type F sockets.

How do you safely connect an electrical socket?

Whether you opt for an E or F type socket, it is important that the connection is made according to safety rules. Here are some key steps to follow:

1. Switching off the current: Before starting any installation work, make sure that the current has been switched off on the circuit where you will be working. This can be checked using a voltage tester.
2. Wiring connection: Standard sockets have three wires:
   • Brown/black (L) - phase wire.
   • Blue (N) - neutral wire.
   • Green/yellow (PE) - earth wire.
3. Connection of wires to terminals: Connect the phase wire to the left terminal, the neutral wire to the right terminal and the earth wire to the terminal on the earth pin or plates (depending on the type of socket).
4. Assembling the enclosure: Once the wires are connected, carefully fasten the socket enclosure, making sure that all components are tight and secure.
5. Testing: Once the socket has been assembled, switch on the electricity and check for correct operation using a tester or connecting a simple device such as a lamp.

Choosing an electrical socket: French or schuko?

The choice of the right electrical socket - French or schuko - depends mainly on the country's standards and the needs of the user. Both types of socket have their advantages and disadvantages, but what they have in common is a high level of safety and compatibility with a wide range of appliances. Regardless of the choice, it is worth paying attention to professional installation to guarantee safe use of the electrical installation.

Flat Plug from HLT - a flat plug for maximum space utilisation

If you are looking for a solution to maximise the space between your furniture and the wall, HLT offers an innovative product - the Flat Plug. Thanks to its flat design, the Flat Plug enables the aesthetic and practical positioning of electrical appliances in rooms with limited space. The plug is compatible with E-type sockets, making it ideal for most Polish flats and houses. What's more, it has an earthing connection, which ensures safe use.

Thanks to the Flat Plug you don't have to give up placing furniture close to the wall, which allows for better space management, especially in living rooms, bedrooms and offices.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website white single socket.