What Cable Do You Need for an Untethered Home Charger?

An untethered home charger has a socket rather than an attached lead, so you supply your own Type 2 to Type 2 cable. For almost every UK car that is a Type 2 lead at both ends, rated to match your wallbox's power, usually 32A for 7.4kW single phase or a three-phase cable for a 22kW box. Pick a length that reaches your car's inlet with a little slack, typically 5m for a driveway or 7m to 10m for awkward parking. Buy one good lead and it also works at untethered public points.

At a glance: choosing a cable for an untethered charger

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, and every untethered home charger has a Type 2 socket, so a Type 2 to Type 2 lead is the default. The only exception is an older, pre-2018 car with a Type 1 inlet, such as an early Nissan Leaf or early Outlander PHEV. For those the car end must be Type 1, so you buy a Type 2 to Type 1 cable, since the car end always matches the car's socket.

What power rating should the cable be?

Match the cable to your wallbox, then remember your car sets the ceiling too. Most UK homes are single phase, so the box delivers 7.4kW (32A) and a 32A single-phase cable is right. If you have a three-phase supply and a 22kW box, and your car accepts three-phase AC, a 22kW (32A three-phase) cable lets you use the full speed. A cable only delivers what the weakest link allows, so a 22kW lead on a single-phase home still charges at 7.4kW: that is future-proofing, not extra speed.

How long should the 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 parking positions vary. Longer cables reach more spots but weigh more, cost more and take up more room when coiled. Measure the real distance from the socket to your car's inlet, then add a metre or two of slack so the lead is never stretched tight against the connectors.

Does build quality matter?

Yes, because the cable carries up to 32A repeatedly, often outdoors. Look for a lead with a sturdy jacket that stays flexible in cold weather, well-moulded connectors that click home firmly, and a clear power and current rating printed on it. Type 2 connectors are designed to be safe to unplug and are weather-resistant when mated, so a well-made lead should shrug off UK weather in normal use. A solid warranty is a good sign of a manufacturer standing behind the build.

Can one cable cover home and public charging?

Yes. The Type 2 to Type 2 lead that works on your untethered home 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 never need a cable for rapid DC chargers: those are always tethered with the cable built in, so you plug the attached connector straight into your car.

Frequently asked questions

What cable do I need for an untethered home charger?

A Type 2 to Type 2 lead for almost every car, rated to your wallbox. Use 32A for a 7.4kW single-phase box or a three-phase cable for a 22kW box if your car accepts it. Choose a length that reaches your car's inlet with slack, usually 5m for a driveway or 7m to 10m for awkward parking positions.

Is the cable included with the charger?

No. An untethered charger has a socket rather than an attached lead, so the cable is bought separately. That is what untethered means. The upside is you choose the length and rating, and can replace or upgrade the lead later without touching the wallbox, unlike a tethered unit where the cable is fixed.

What current rating should I choose?

Match it to your box and car. A 32A cable suits a 7.4kW single-phase home, which covers most UK properties. If you have a three-phase supply and a 22kW box, and your car accepts three-phase AC, choose a 32A three-phase cable. A cable only delivers what the weakest link allows, so higher ratings on a single-phase home are future-proofing, not extra speed.

How long should the lead be?

Five metres works for most driveways. Choose 7m or 10m if you park further from the socket, if the charging port is on the far side of the car, or if parking varies. Measure the real distance and add a metre or two of slack. Longer leads reach more spots but are heavier and take more room to store.

What if I have an older Type 1 car?

Then buy a Type 2 to Type 1 cable, because the car end must match your car's inlet. 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 wallbox socket, but the car end changes to Type 1 to fit your car.

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 a cable for rapid DC chargers, as those always have their cable attached to the unit. One good Type 2 lead therefore covers home and untethered public AC charging.

An untethered charger gives you the freedom to pick the perfect lead, so match the connector, power and length to your car and driveway. To nail the length before you buy, read our guide on what length EV charging cable you need, and if you are still choosing between wallbox styles see tethered vs untethered wallboxes. When you are ready, browse our Type 2 charging cables by power and length.