Reinforced socket for electric car: Guide 2023

More and more French drivers are opt for electric motorization with an ecological, but also economical concern, the price of fuels having suffered brutal increases in recent months.

The reinforced socket to recharge your electric car

If you have an electric vehicle, you may be wondering which load solution to your home. The reinforced socket increases the load power of an electric vehicle on a domestic socket. Green Up, Witty, Mennekes, Balls, there are many reinforced models. Explanations in this article.

Summary

What is a reinforced taking ?

Reinforced socket is like a conventional electrical outlet. The difference lies in the fact that it is more secure and more efficient. This type of intake offers a power of 3.2 kW or 14 to against 2.3 kW (10 A) for a standard socket. The power, slightly higher than the classic socket, allowsOptimizing the charging time for electric vehicles by 35 %. Count 200 km of autonomy for a recharge night. Equipped with a differential circuit breaker, the reinforced socket limits the risks of overheating within the domestic electrical network. On the other hand, its installation requires the intervention of an authorized and specialized professional.

What is the difference between a reinforced socket and a charging station ?

The main difference between a reinforced socket and a charging station is charging time. Recharge your electric vehicle with charging equipment such asa wallbox will be faster than with a reinforced socket.

Comparison of different types of reinforced socket

Reference	Tension	Load power	Price
Green Up	230 V (monophase) – 14 A	3.7 kW	71.39 euros including tax
Hager Witty	250 V (monophase) – 16a	3.2 kW	72 euros including tax
Mennekes	230 V (monophase) – 32 A	22 kW	35.09 euros including tax
Balls	380 V (three -phase) – 32a	22kw	35.09 euros including tax

Green Up of Legrand: Green’Up socket is The most common Reinforced sockets. Hager Witty: Hager Witty reinforced socket is a loading solution for electric and hybrid cars rechargeable. It is designed to be used indoors or outdoors. Mennekes: this Mennekes wall outlet can deliver to 32a single -phase.
Balls socket: this socket is ideal if you want to connect a mobile terminal to your three -phase house network.

The advantages and disadvantages of a reinforced socket

Advantages

The price : You will find a reinforced socket Between 60 and 150 euros. Compared to the charging stations, the investment is therefore less. Its reasonable price allows you to easily invest in a charging solution. The performance : Compared to a standard electrical outlet, it Increases the load power. The electric vehicle is therefore loaded with electricity much faster. Security : Reinforced socket offers a higher security than domestic socket . Indeed, it avoids the risks of overheating and overvoltage. Ease of installation : Reinforced socket must be installed in 80 cm high . Its implementation is carried out by an approved electrician one which will control the operating powers of the socket. Simplicity of use : Reinforced socket can be controlled remotely through a smartphone. You can for example Program the use of hollow hours taking To save on your electricity bill. The plug is triggered to recharge your vehicle and then goes out automatically to avoid the risk of overheating once the recharge has been made.

The inconvenients

Limited performance : The charging time is reduced compared to a domestic electrical outlet, however its load capacities are much less important than with a charging station. Obligation to use a certified electrician : Despite its simplified installation, the fact of duty Call on a certified electrician Increases the cost of commissioning.
Use with a regular cable : Reinforced socket cannot operate without a specific cable to connect to your electric vehicle. Not all manufacturers provide this cable that can be difficult to find on the market.

What power to choose ?

Choosing a reinforced socket for recharging your electric vehicle is conditioned by the use you have of your car. A domestic socket has a fairly low power, the consequence is the relatively long loading time. Allow 10 to 12 hours to obtain full recharging. The use of a reinforced socket makes it possible to gain autonomy: approximately 35 % compared to a conventional domestic socket. Despite the fact that it is more efficient than a simple electrical outlet, the reinforced socket does not make it possible to obtain the same results as a charging station such as a wallbox. Motorists who do not need great power for their vehicle will be satisfied with this load mode. Reinforced socket is also highly appreciated for people with two vehicles or who do not use their cars every day.

Reinforced socket for electric car: Guide 2023

What could be more practical and economical than recharging your electric car directly at home ? Among the possible options: install a reinforced socket in your garage or outside your accommodation. What are the advantages and prices of this charging system ? Are there any aids to equip ? Spotlight.

You drive an electric car ?

What is a reinforced socket for electric car ?

The electric car is more and more popular. In order to be able to recharge it safely and at home, many users now choose to install a reinforced socket at home. A practical device and specially adapted to this use.

The boom of electric cars

In 2022, more than 1.5 million electric vehicles (VE) were registered in Europe. 2.59 million if you integrate hybrid vehicles. The market share of the VEs therefore increased from 10.3 to 13.9 % (source: jato).

More and more French drivers are opt for electric motorization with an ecological, but also economical concern, the price of fuels having suffered brutal increases in recent months.

The choice of electric car is also explained by the ban on new heat -engine cars in the European Union by 2035.

The solution of reinforced home taking

Most electric car holders opt for a home charging solution. This is a practical solution since there, the charge can be carried out at any time, especially during off -peak hours. In electricity contracts, the price per kilowatt hour is first defined, which allows households to better control their budget.

To directly recharge your car at home, different technical options are possible. Among them: the installation of a reinforced socket for electric car.

This device looks like an ordinary socket, but it is specially designed for recharging electric vehicles .

In practice, this installation can be placed in different places, especially in a garage or outdoors, on a wall or on a dedicated terminal.

Reinforced socket for electric car: what advantages ?

Reinforced socket allows you to load your electric car by avoiding the dangers linked to overheating the circuit. It is also a device that offers a slightly faster load than a standard socket.

Electric car: a secure socket

Major asset of reinforced sockets: these allow to supply an electric or rechargeable hybrid car, safely. Because if it is technically possible to recharge your automobile using an ordinary socket, it is a solution that must remain temporary, because it is more dangerous.

If the electrical network is not powerful enough or if it is defective, there is a risk of overheating. An electrical circuit is indeed provided to support a precise electrical demand. If it is too asked, for example when too many devices are connected at the same time, there is a risk of overload . Then followed a chain reaction. The internal circuit warms up, which can cause the melting of the plastic sheath of the cables. If combustible materials are nearby, they can quickly set fire ..

Advantage of reinforced sockets: they have a differential circuit breaker . These sockets are connected to the electrical panel thanks to a special line insulated from the rest of the electrical installation and the circuit breaker automatically cuts the current as soon as there is the slightest risk of overheating.

This system protects your electrical installation and your accommodation. Which therefore allows your electric car to take care.

A slightly faster vehicle recharge

3.2 kW against 2 kWh

The domestic socket limits the intensity of the load to 10a, just over 2 kWh. According to Engie, the loading of a car on this type of intake is relatively long: it takes more than 20 hours to recharge a 50 kWh battery.

The reinforced socket offers an intensity of 14 A (3.2 kW). The load is therefore slightly faster than if you use a standard domestic outlet.

Reinforced sockets with optimized performance

Some reinforced sockets offer higher charging power to the average. This is the case, for example, of the Witty reinforced socket marketed by the Hager group.

Its patented technology makes it possible to deliver a maximum power of 3.7 kW without overheating of the catch. What recharge compatible vehicles up to twice as quickly . For example, the battery of a Renault Zoé can thus be loaded with 80% in 15 hours of connection.

Other innovative models offer optimized performance with very practical features. From your smartphone, you can program this grip to fill up on energy during off -peak hours, where recharging your vehicle costs less.

You can also follow your consumption, cut food from a distance, as well as have access to a load sessions history. Specific data that you can transmit to your employer if it covers your transport costs.

The Hallio figure: 43 %

According to a recent Opinionway survey for Electra, specialist in fast -car recharge for electric car, 43 % of the holders of a thermal vehicle plan to replace it with an electric car. 18 % of respondents claim to do so from 2025.

Estimate all your aids and benefit from complete support

Reinforced taking for vehicle recharge: are there risks to use ?

Reinforced socket is a secure device. But to avoid any risk of fire, always be sure to use the right extension and respect the right gestures concerning the connections.

Use an appropriate extension: the right safety reflex

Reinforced socket is therefore specially designed for recharging electric cars. The use of this equipment protects you from a large part of the risks of short circuits, overheating and fire .

However, to be completely protected, you must absolutely take care to use an adapted extension, at home as on the go.

In the absence of sufficient information, many users recharge their car with an ordinary extension. A recent British study conducted by Electrical Safety First indeed reveals that 75 % of electric car owners would use this system . However, recharging your electric car using a standard extension can be dangerous. This product is not provided for this use and the risks of overheating are important.

In addition, if you use a conventional outdoor extension, in case of rain, you risk a short circuit, or even the electrocution if the cable is cut or damaged. A strongly discouraged practice ..

Extension: these dangerous gestures to avoid

Another bad habit very dangerous and yet frequent: plug in several catches to reach a vehicle parked further in the street. A gesture that seems harmless and can quickly lead to overheating and fire.

Also avoid loading your electric car by leaving the extension to the reel . Because the interior turns are no longer sufficiently ventilated to be cooled. The insulation loses its effectiveness, which can melt it, cause a short circuit and a fire departure.

In addition, always making sure to unroll the charging cable of your electric car, you will not lose charging power. Thus, the accumulator’s filling duration will not be longer than usual.

Use the extension provided by the electric car manufacturer

To recharge your electric car serenely, always be sure to use the extension supplied by the car manufacturer at the time of purchase. Thicker, this cable can be used safely outdoors and supports intensive use.

Most manufacturers automatically provide. If you don’t have one, remember to equip yourself without delay !

What is the price of a reinforced socket for electric vehicle ?

According to EDF, a budget must be provided between 60 and 150 € for the purchase of a reinforced socket. Add the price of the installation by an authorized professional. The overall price of the operation then climbs around 300 € .

Note, the installation of a reinforced socket for electric car is subject to VAT at the reduced rate of 10 %, directly applied to the quote.

Please note, the installation of this equipment must be carried out by a qualified electrician, who will scrupulously control the operating powers. What guarantee serene and completely safe use on a daily basis.

Take part in the energy transition in all serenity

What a difference between reinforced socket and charging station for electric cars?

Another system currently offered on the market: the charging station or “wallbox”. Like reinforced socket, this system is specifically designed for the load of electric vehicles. Many brands like Schneider, Legrand or Hager now offer a wide choice of electric charging stations.

Major advantage of the charging station: it allows you to power its electric car with even faster energy ! According to Engie, the average charging time goes from 10 hours to only 3.5 hours. This system is therefore 3 times faster than reinforced socket .

In practice, to place a charging station at home, you must have an earth intake – which can be installed during the work – and ensure that all your electrical installation is well up to standards.

The type of electric terminal recommended will depend on many criteria, including:

• THE vehicle type,
• THE kilometers Daily traveled
• Or the electrical installation (single -phase or three -phase).

Since 2017, be aware that it is compulsory to go through an IRVE technician (electric vehicle recharge infrastructure) for the installation of this type of terminal. This authorized technician moves to your home to place the charging station safely and to guide you in its daily use.

On the price side, count a total budget between 1,000 and 2,000 € for the equipment and the installation of a charging station.

This operation is eligible for a tax credit in the amount of a maximum of € 300, accompanied by a VAT at 5.5 % directly applied to the quote, for individual houses of more than 2 years.

To budget the upstream operation, you have the possibility of carrying out a pre-visit, during which a specialist is responsible for carrying out an electrical diagnosis. Thus, you can more precisely anticipate the cost of the work.

How to choose between reinforced socket and terminal ?

Each device, its advantages and disadvantages ! On the one hand, the reinforced socket is cheaper and is easily installed . On the other, the electric terminal offers optimal loading time, but takes a little more time to be set up, for a higher price.

The installation of a charging station may involve the revision of your electrical contract accordingly. Contact your energy supplier to increase the power of your meter if necessary. An IRVE certified technician may, if necessary, check the compliance of your electrical installation on site.

You hesitate between these two solutions ? To help you choose, take stock by taking into account different criteria:

• Your budget,
• THE recharge time different solutions,
• There power of your electric meter,
• THE options Offered by devices (remote control, programming, consumption monitoring, energy saving options, etc.).

I install a charging system at home, with Helio !