Set the current within the lowest verified permitted limit in the charging path. This may come from the socket, adapter, circuit, portable charger, cable, car or local rules. The number on the screen is a maximum, not a target.
Convert amps into charging power
On one phase, approximate input power is voltage × current. On three phases, use three times the phase-to-neutral voltage × current. The table assumes nominal voltage and power factor close to one.
These are calculations, not endorsed charger settings.
| Current | One phase at 230 V | Three phases at 230 V each |
|---|---|---|
| 6 A | 1.4 kW | 4.1 kW |
| 8 A | 1.8 kW | 5.5 kW |
| 10 A | 2.3 kW | 6.9 kW |
| 13 A | 3.0 kW | 9.0 kW |
| 16 A | 3.7 kW | 11.0 kW |
| 20 A | 4.6 kW | 13.8 kW |
| 25 A | 5.8 kW | 17.3 kW |
| 32 A | 7.4 kW | 22.1 kW |
Do not choose a setting from this table alone. The socket type and circuit decide which rows are available.
Treat household socket settings as conditional
A European household socket may be marked 16 A. EV charging is different because the load can continue for hours. No single current makes every household socket suitable for EV charging.
The socket must still be firm, correctly earthed and in good condition. Prefer a dedicated circuit. Do not use an extension lead or multi-way adapter. Ask an electrician to inspect old or unknown wiring.
A lower setting cannot repair a fault
Stop charging if a plug becomes unusually warm or hot. Do not merely reduce the current and continue. Have loose, burnt or discoloured parts replaced and the circuit checked.
Match CEE settings to the socket
IEC 60309 industrial sockets are identified by current, voltage, phases and key position. A blue 16 A socket is commonly single-phase 230 V. A red five-pin socket is commonly three-phase 400 V and may be rated 16 A or 32 A.
The socket marking is only one ceiling. The circuit, plug, adapter, cable, supply, product instructions or local rules may impose a lower limit. A 16 A plug should not fit a 32 A socket directly because their physical sizes differ.
Three-phase current must also be available from the building. A 32 A charger on a 32 A socket may still overload a small main connection when other household loads are running. Dynamic load management or a lower manual setting can preserve headroom.
Understand all the current limits
The portable charger signals an allowed current to the car. The car then decides what to draw. Its onboard charger may limit current by phase or total power.
The cable and any supply-side adapter have limits too. Use only a complete adapter system listed for that charger model. Confirm in its documentation how the system enforces the plug’s current limit.
Your electricity supply may impose another ceiling. Grid rules in some areas limit large single-phase loads. An electrician can check the service, breaker and phase arrangement.
Should you turn the current down?
Do not rely on a lower manual setting to make an unassessed shared circuit suitable. Follow the charger instructions and the limit established for the installation. Stop completely for damage, unusual heat or repeated faults.
Choose only as much current as the session needs. Stay within the verified lowest limit of every part, the assessed installation and local rules.
A practical method
- Identify the socket and read its marked rating.
- Confirm the circuit and breaker with an electrician when uncertain.
- Check every plug, manufacturer-listed supply adapter and cable rating.
- Check the car’s AC input limit.
- Select the lowest maximum found in those steps.
- Watch a new setup for heat or fault messages.
Save separate settings only if the charger clearly identifies each location or adapter. Otherwise check the current every time you move it.
Frequently asked questions
What amp setting should I use on a household socket?
There is no universal safe setting. Follow the charger instructions and local rules. The permitted value depends on the socket, circuit, charging equipment and electrical assessment.
Is lower current always safer?
Lower current reduces electrical load, but it cannot make damaged wiring or an unsuitable circuit acceptable. Stop for unusual heat or faults and have the installation checked.
Can I set 32 A on a red CEE socket?
Only when the socket, plug, cable, circuit protection and supply are all rated for 32 A. A 16 A CEE socket must not be used above 16 A.
Why does the car draw less than my setting?
The setting is the maximum current offered. The car can request less because of its onboard charger, battery condition, schedule or another internal limit.
