What Cable Do You Need for an Andersen Charger?

An Andersen home charger is untethered, which means the cable is not permanently attached: you supply your own lead and store it away when you are done. For almost every UK car that lead is a Type 2 to Type 2 cable, rated to match your Andersen unit's power (usually 7.4kW single phase, sometimes 22kW three phase). Pick a length that reaches your car's charging port comfortably, then plug the charger end into the Andersen socket and the car end into your inlet. That is the whole setup.

At a glance: what an Andersen charger needs

Why is an Andersen charger untethered?

Andersen designed its chargers to look tidy, so the cable tucks away rather than hanging from the wall. That untethered design is the reason you provide the lead. The benefit is a clean, discreet unit and the freedom to swap cable lengths or replace a worn lead without touching the charger. The trade off is a small extra outlay for the cable and the habit of coiling it away after each charge. If you would rather never handle a cable, a tethered wallbox suits you better, but you lose that flexibility.

What connector does the cable need?

Both ends are Type 2 for the vast majority of cars. Type 2 (Mennekes, 7-pin) has been the UK standard on every EV and plug-in hybrid sold since 2018, so a Type 2 to Type 2 lead fits almost everything on the road today. The only exception is an older, pre-2018 car with a Type 1 inlet, such as an early Nissan Leaf or early Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Those need a Type 2 to Type 1 cable instead, because the car end must match the car's socket.

What power rating should the cable be?

Match the cable to the weaker of your charger and your car. Most UK homes are single phase, so an Andersen unit will typically deliver 7.4kW (32A), and a 32A single-phase cable is all you need. If your property has a three-phase supply and your car accepts it, a 22kW (32A three-phase) cable lets you use the full speed. Remember the rule: a cable only delivers what the weakest link allows. A 22kW lead on a single-phase home still charges at 7.4kW, so it is future-proofing rather than extra speed.

How long should the Andersen cable be?

Five metres suits most driveways where the charger sits near where you park. Choose 7m or 10m if the car parks further away, if the charging port is on the opposite side to the wallbox, or if you sometimes reverse in and out. Longer cables reach more positions but weigh more and cost more, and they take up more room when coiled. Measure the real distance from the Andersen unit to your car's inlet, then add a metre or two of slack so the lead is not stretched tight.

Can I use one cable for home and public charging?

Yes. The same Type 2 to Type 2 lead that works on your Andersen charger also works at untethered public and workplace points, which are common at car parks, supermarkets and on-street posts. Those points expect you to bring your own cable, so one good lead covers both. You do not need a separate cable for rapid DC chargers: those are always tethered with the cable built in, so you simply plug the attached connector into your car.

Frequently asked questions

Does an Andersen charger come with a cable?

No. Andersen chargers are untethered, so the cable is not included and you buy it separately. This keeps the unit tidy and lets you choose your own length and power rating. For most cars you want a Type 2 to Type 2 lead rated to your unit's output, usually 7.4kW on a standard single-phase home supply.

What cable fits an Andersen A2 or A3?

Both use a standard Type 2 socket, so a Type 2 to Type 2 lead fits them for almost every modern EV. Choose the current rating to match your supply, 32A single phase for 7.4kW or 32A three phase for 22kW, and a length that reaches your car's inlet with a little slack to spare.

Will a 22kW cable charge my car faster on an Andersen unit?

Only if both your home supply and your car support three-phase 22kW charging. Most UK homes are single phase, so the unit delivers 7.4kW and a 22kW cable still charges at 7.4kW. In that case the higher-rated cable is future-proofing, not extra speed. Check your supply and your car's onboard charger before paying more.

What if my car has a Type 1 inlet?

Then you need a Type 2 to Type 1 cable, because the car end must match your car's socket. Type 1 is found on some pre-2018 cars such as early Nissan Leaf and early Outlander PHEV models. The charger end stays Type 2 to plug into the Andersen unit, but the car end changes to Type 1.

How long should my Andersen cable be?

Five metres works for most driveways. Go for 7m or 10m if you park further from the unit, if your charging port sits on the far side of the car, or if parking positions vary. Measure the real distance from charger to inlet and add a metre or two so the cable is never stretched tight.

Can I use the same cable at public chargers?

Yes. Untethered public and workplace points expect you to bring your own Type 2 lead, so the cable you use at home works there too. You never need to bring a cable for rapid DC chargers, as those have their cable permanently attached to the unit.

An Andersen charger is a good example of an untethered setup, so the same advice applies to any hidden-cable wallbox: buy a quality Type 2 lead, match the power to your supply and choose a sensible length. To compare the two wallbox styles before you commit, read our guide on tethered vs untethered wallboxes, and for the wider picture on picking a lead for any untethered box see what cable you need for an untethered home charger. When you are ready to buy, browse our Type 2 charging cables by power and length.