Yes, you can technically charge your EV using a standard outdoor socket in Ireland. But it’s slow, inefficient, and not recommended for regular use. For safety, speed, and long-term reliability, a dedicated home EV charger is the much better choice.
How It Works
Every EV sold in Ireland comes with a portable charging cable (sometimes called a “granny cable”) that can plug into a standard 3-pin domestic socket. When connected, your car begins charging using the same power you’d use for household appliances.
However, this method is limited to around 2.3 kW, meaning a full charge can take 20–30 hours depending on your battery size.
Why It’s Not Ideal for Regular Charging
1. Safety Concerns
Standard sockets aren’t designed to handle continuous high electrical loads for long periods. Prolonged charging can lead to overheating, tripped circuits, or in extreme cases, fire risks. Especially in older homes with outdated wiring.
A dedicated wall charger, installed by a qualified electrician, includes safety protections such as:
- Load balancing
- Fault detection
- Weatherproofing for outdoor use
- Automatic shutoff if issues arise
2. Extremely Slow Charging Speeds
A standard socket provides about 10 km of range per hour of charge. By contrast, a 7.4 kW home charger delivers up to 35 km of range per hour, making it five times faster.
If you drive daily or rely on your car for commuting, a dedicated charger will save hours every week.
3. Energy Inefficiency
Granny cables and 3-pin sockets can waste more electricity as heat, making them less efficient. A proper charger maximises the energy delivered to your EV, helping reduce waste and lower long-term costs.
4. Lack of Smart Features
Standard sockets can’t take advantage of smart charging features such as:
- Scheduling for cheaper night-rate electricity
- Integration with solar panels to charge using free energy
- Remote monitoring through smartphone apps
Modern smart chargers from brands like Ohme and Zappi automatically manage when and how your EV charges for maximum efficiency.
When It’s Okay to Use a Standard Socket
Occasional or emergency use is fine, for example:
- While waiting for your home charger installation
- On holiday or at a friend’s house
- For plug-in hybrids with smaller batteries
Just ensure you’re using:
- A dedicated outdoor-rated socket
- A short, heavy-duty extension lead (if required)
- A dry, well-ventilated area away from trip hazards
The Benefits of Installing a Home EV Charger
At WattCharger, we install SEAI grant-approved home chargers that combine speed, safety, and smart control.
With a dedicated charger, you can:
- Fully charge most EVs overnight
- Track energy use through an app
- Optimise charging for off-peak hours or solar integration
- Claim €300 back through the SEAI EV Home Charger Grant
Final Verdict: Upgrade for Safety and Convenience
While a standard outdoor socket will get the job done in a pinch, it’s not a long-term solution. Investing in a home EV charger gives you faster charging, peace of mind, and a smarter, safer way to power your vehicle every day.
Blog Author: Rowan Egan