Outdoor EV sockets are IP66-rated weatherproof 13A, 16A or 32A Commando sockets, designed for permanent outdoor mounting and continuous EV charging loads. The right answer if you want occasional 3-pin charging from outside without trailing extension leads from indoors — and a much safer option than running a granny charger from a kitchen socket.
Why you need one
The most common cause of UK EV charging fires is misuse of indoor 13A sockets and household extension leads for sustained EV charging. Standard household ring-final circuits are designed for intermittent loads (kettle on for 3 minutes), not continuous full-current draws (granny charger at 10A for 8 hours overnight). Even when the charger has built-in temperature sensing, the socket and circuit it's plugged into often don't.
A dedicated outdoor EV socket on its own circuit fixes this. The socket is sized and sealed for outdoor exposure; the circuit is sized for continuous full-load current; and the BS 7671 18th Edition requirements (Type B RCD, dedicated MCB) are met properly.
Socket types we stock
- 13A IP66 outdoor socket — UK 3-pin outdoor outlet, weatherproof. For granny chargers up to 10A continuous. £40-80.
- 16A Commando blue plug socket — round 3-pin industrial outlet, traditional caravan-hookup spec. For 3.6kW continuous charging. £60-120.
- 32A Commando blue plug socket — larger industrial outlet for 7.4kW Type 2 cables (with appropriate adapter). £100-180.
- Schuko (continental EU) socket — for visiting EU EVs with Schuko Mode 2 cables. £40-70.
BS 7671 18th Edition requirements
UK wiring regulations (BS 7671 18th Edition Amendment 2) require:
- Dedicated circuit — the EV socket must be on its own MCB, not shared with other domestic loads.
- Type B RCD protection — see our Type B RCD range. Built into some smart sockets; otherwise added separately in the consumer unit.
- IP66 minimum for permanent outdoor exposure to UK weather.
- Cable rated for continuous load — typically 4mm² or 6mm² T&E (or equivalent), depending on circuit length.
When this is the right answer vs a wallbox
An outdoor socket is the right answer if:
- Occasional charging — second car at home, holiday let, visiting EVs.
- Don't yet own an EV — installing future-ready outlets before buying the car.
- OZEV grant ineligible — landlord, etc., where wallbox install isn't viable.
For daily charging at home, a proper home wallbox is faster (2-3× the speed) and more cost-efficient over the lifetime. Wallbox install is typically £799 + £499 fitting, vs £150-250 for a socket + £200-400 fitting — but the wallbox saves time every charge cycle.
Pairing with the right cable
- 13A socket + 3-pin granny charger — the standard occasional-charge setup. See granny chargers.
- 16A Commando + Type 2 to Commando cable — 3.6kW occasional charging. See Type 2 to Commando cables.
- 32A Commando + Type 2 to Commando cable — 7.4kW occasional charging. Specialist option.
Brands we stock
UK-spec outdoor sockets we trust:
- MK Electric — UK-made, IP66, the volume premium choice.
- Schneider Electric — German engineering, commercial-grade.
- Hager — Type B RCBO + integrated socket option, all-in-one solution.
- BG Electrical — UK-made, value option.
Installation
Outdoor socket install requires a qualified electrician working to BS 7671 18th Edition. Self-install is unsafe and breaches the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Bundle with our installer network at checkout.
What we stock
- 13A IP66 sockets (3-pin UK).
- 16A and 32A Commando blue plug sockets.
- Schuko (EU 2-pin) sockets.
- Mounting plates and IP66 enclosures.