The Practical Guide to Type 2 EV Charging Cables

Type 2 is the 7-pin IEC 62196-2 (often called “Mennekes”) AC charging interface used across the UK/EU. A Type 2 charging cable connects your car’s Type 2 inlet to either a home wallbox or a socketed public post.

If a post is tethered (has a fixed lead) you don’t bring a cable; if it’s socketed (just a Type 2 outlet), you need your own Type 2-to-Type 2 cable.

Two cable types
• Type 2 ↔ Type 2 (Mode 3): daily charging at workplace and most socketed public AC posts; also useful if your home wallbox has a socket.

• 3-pin (UK) → Type 2 “granny” lead (Mode 2): occasional, low-current top-ups from a domestic socket. Treat it like an emergency tool, not a high-duty solution. Avoid old outlets, extension reels left coiled, or long sessions at 13 A; warm plugs or softening cable jackets are a stop sign.

Power and phases
AC power is limited by two things: your car’s onboard charger (OBC) and the supply.

On single-phase (230 V), power ≈ 230 V × current (A) ÷ 1000 → 32 A ≈ ~7.4 kW.

On three-phase, power ≈ √3 × 400 V × current ÷ 1000 → 16 A ≈ ~11 kW, 32 A ≈ ~22 kW.

• OBC 7.4 kW: single-phase 32 A is the ceiling; three-phase posts won’t make it faster.

• OBC 11 kW: needs three-phase 16 A to reach ~11 kW; single-phase tops out near 7 kW.

• OBC 22 kW: needs three-phase 32 A and a site that actually provides it.
A 22 kW post doesn’t guarantee 22 kW on your dash; your OBC decides the maximum.

One-screen decision table

Materials and durability
• Jacket: TPE/TPU or robust rubber with low-temperature flexibility (–30 °C), UV/oil resistance for outdoor public charging.

• Strain relief: deep, one-piece boots at both ends to protect against repeated bending.

• Bend life: ≥10 000 cycles is a practical reference for frequent public-site use.

• Contacts: silver/nickel-plated, low contact resistance, controlled temperature rise at 32 A continuous.

Protection and compliance
• Ingress protection: IP55–IP66 (note that mated vs unmated ratings differ; keep caps on when not in use).

• Impact: IK10 housings resist drops and knocks in car parks.

• Standards & marking: IEC 62196-2 Type 2, CE/TÜV marks, unique serial for traceability.

• Care: keep pins clean/dry, don’t twist under load, store in a ventilated pouch.

If you want an engineered, field-tough assembly, see the Workersbee Type 2 EV Connector for the plug side we integrate into many Mode 3 cables (durable latch, clean pin plating, strain-relief geometry tuned for high duty).

FAQ
Do I need to bring my own cable to public AC posts?
If the post is socketed with a Type 2 outlet, yes—bring a Type 2-to-Type 2 cable. Tethered posts already have a lead.

Is 22 kW always faster than 7 kW?
Only if your car’s OBC supports 22 kW and the site is three-phase 32 A. Otherwise charging caps at your OBC limit.

What cable length should I buy?
Measure the inlet-to-post path and add 1–1.5 m. 5 m for short, neat runs; 7.5 m as the default; 10 m for awkward bays.

Can I use a 3-pin “granny” (Mode 2) lead every night?
It’s fine for occasional 10–13 A top-ups. For regular or high-duty charging, use a Mode 3 Type 2-to-Type 2 cable and a proper EVSE.

Is it safe to charge in heavy rain?
Yes—if your equipment and cable are rated (e.g., IP55–IP66) and the connector is properly latched. Don’t use damaged plugs or cracked jackets.

Where Workersbee fits
• For everyday AC posts and wallboxes, our Workersbee Type 2 EV Connector is designed for repeat plug-in cycles with a positive latch feel, low contact resistance, and robust strain-relief—ideal for building reliable Type 2 to Type 2 cables for 16 A and 32 A service.

• For home and travel, the Workersbee Type 2 Portable Charger pairs a compact control box with interchangeable mains plugs and a Type 2 lead, giving you a safe Mode 2 option for occasional top-ups without guessing about current limits or thermal cut-offs.

If you’re sourcing for fleets or public networks, request an OEM/bulk quote with wire gauge, jacket material, IP/IK targets, and bend-life requirements, and we’ll propose a Workersbee build that’s durable, IP-rated, and easy to live with.