Are all Type 2 charging cables the same?

No. Every Type 2 cable uses the same seven-pin connector defined by IEC 62196, but that’s where the similarities can end.

Cables differ in current rating, length, sheath material, conductor quality, connector construction, certifications, and warranty cover.

Some of these differences affect charging speed. Others affect safety, durability, and how long the cable lasts. Here’s what to look for.

Current rating: 16A vs 32A

The current rating determines the maximum charging speed the cable can deliver on a single-phase supply.

A 32A cable works with both 16A and 32A chargers. It charges at whatever rate the charger provides, never more.

A 16A cable on a 32A charger will limit your charge speed to 3.6kW. Always buy 32A unless you have a reason not to.

Sheath material: TPU vs PVC vs TPE

The outer sheath is what protects the internal conductors from weather, abrasion, and UV exposure. Not all sheaths are the same.

EN 50620 is the European standard governing EV charging cable construction. It specifies TPU as the sheath material. Cables using PVC or TPE do not meet this standard.

PVC stiffens badly in cold weather, making the cable difficult to coil and handle during winter months. TPE is lighter and softer but degrades faster under sustained outdoor exposure.

If you charge outdoors year-round, the sheath material will make a noticeable difference within a couple of years.

Conductor and pin quality

Inside the sheath, the conductors should be multi-strand flexible copper rated to EN 60228 Class 5. Multi-strand copper bends repeatedly without fatiguing.

Cheaper cables sometimes use thinner gauge copper or copper-clad aluminium (CCA). CCA is lighter but has higher electrical resistance, which generates more heat under load.

At the connector end, the contact pins should be copper alloy with silver plating. Silver plating reduces resistance at the contact point and protects against corrosion.

Unplated pins will oxidise over time, especially if the cable is stored outdoors or used in wet conditions. Oxidised pins create resistance, which generates heat.

Connector housing

The connector housing is the plastic body you grip when plugging in and unplugging. Quality varies widely.

Look for polycarbonate or ABS plastic with a matte finish. Glossy plastic scratches easily and tends to be thinner and more brittle.

The IK rating tells you how impact-resistant the housing is. IK10 means the connector can withstand a 20-joule impact, equivalent to a drop from about 40cm onto a hard surface.

Cheaper connectors may not state an IK rating at all. If it’s not listed, it likely hasn’t been tested.

IP rating

The IP rating tells you how well the cable and connectors are protected against dust and water.

IP54 or IP55 is standard for a Type 2 cable. The rating typically increases when the connector is plugged into the vehicle or charger, because the connection is sealed.

A cable that doesn’t state an IP rating is a warning sign, just like a missing IK rating.

Certifications

All Type 2 cables sold in the UK must carry UKCA or CE marking. Both are currently accepted in Great Britain.

Beyond the legal minimum, independent certifications tell you how thoroughly the cable has been tested.

A cable with UKCA and CE has met the legal minimum. A cable with TÜV and CB on top has been independently verified to a higher standard.

We’ve written separate guides on UKCA certification, TÜV certification, and CB certification if you want to understand each in more detail.

Length and weight

Type 2 cables are commonly available in 5m, 7m, and 10m. Longer options up to 15m, 20m, and 30m also exist for unusual setups.

A 32A single-phase cable weighs roughly 0.5kg per metre plus the connectors. At 7 metres, expect around 4kg. At 10 metres, around 5kg.

Longer cables are heavier, bulkier to store, and cost more. Most drivers find 7 metres is the best balance for home and public charging.

Warranty

Warranty periods vary from 12 months to three years depending on the manufacturer.

A short warranty isn’t necessarily a problem, but a longer one usually reflects confidence in the product. Our cables come with a three-year warranty covering manufacturing defects.

So, are they all the same?

Not even close. Two Type 2 cables can look identical and perform very differently over time.

The connector fits the same socket. The seven pins match the same layout. But the materials, construction, testing, and certification behind the cable are what separate a product you can trust from one that might let you down.

If you want a cable that’s built to EN 50620, independently certified, and backed by a proper warranty, we can help.