The rise of electric vehicles in the UK has prompted many drivers to ask whether they can simply charge their EVs using a standard 3-pin household plug. Technically, yes — you can charge your electric car from a standard 13-amp plug socket. But should you? At RCD Electrical, our advice is clear: while it's possible, it’s not ideal. In this article, we explore the practicalities, limitations, and risks of 3-pin plug charging, and why a dedicated EV charger is the smarter route.
How Does 3-Pin Plug Charging Work?
A 3-pin plug – the same type you’d use for a kettle or toaster – delivers a maximum of 2.3kW of power. That’s a very slow charging rate compared to a dedicated EV charger. To give you perspective, a typical electric vehicle with a 60kWh battery may take over 24 hours to fully charge via a 3-pin plug.
This type of charging is often referred to as “granny charging”, as it’s generally used as a backup option or in emergency situations — not for daily charging.
Safety Risks of Long-Term 3-Pin Charging
At RCD Electrical, safety is our number one priority. Household sockets are not designed for continuous high current over long periods. Using a 3-pin plug to charge your EV overnight, regularly, can overheat the socket, damage wiring, or even increase fire risk.
We’ve seen many installations where older sockets or non-RCD-protected circuits pose serious hazards when used for car charging. That's why our team always carries out a full assessment before advising clients on any type of EV charging method.
Why Install a Dedicated EV Charger Instead?
Here’s why our experts at RCD Electrical recommend a professionally installed EV charger:
-
Speed – A standard home charger delivers 7kW, reducing full charging time to around 8 hours.
-
Efficiency – Less energy loss, stable current, and better performance overall.
-
Safety – Built-in protections, proper circuit design, and NICEIC certification.
-
Smart Features – Timed charging, load balancing, app control, and solar integration.
Not only do these features make your daily EV experience smoother, but they also protect your property and electrical system.
Portable EV Chargers: A Middle Ground?
Some EV owners opt for portable chargers that still plug into standard sockets but include built-in temperature sensors and cut-off features. While these are somewhat safer than basic 3-pin plugs, they’re still not ideal for regular, long-duration use. RCD Electrical can assess whether a portable option is safe in your specific home environment, but we typically recommend moving toward a wall-mounted charger for regular use.
Do I Need Special Permissions to Install an EV Charger?
In most cases, you do not need planning permission to install a domestic EV charger. However, it must be installed by a qualified electrician. RCD Electrical handles the entire process, from choosing the right model to certified installation and testing.
Our team ensures that all installations are compliant with NICEIC standards, fully tested, and registered, giving you peace of mind and guaranteed long-term performance.
Our Commitment at RCD Electrical
At RCD Electrical, we understand that transitioning to electric driving is a big step. Our mission is to make that step as safe, seamless, and efficient as possible. Whether you’re looking to upgrade from 3-pin charging, plan a future-proof installation, or simply want advice tailored to your property, we’re here to help.
Call us today on 02034882928
Email: info@rcdelectrician.co.uk