Classic power adapters for e-mobiles prohibited

All plug adapters for e-vehicles that lead from weaker sockets to larger couplings are prohibited with immediate effect. The ruling of the Administrative Court of St. Gallen of July 13, 2016, which is now legally binding, confirmed the previous decision of the Swiss Inspectorate for Heavy Current.
Switzerland thus makes a landmark ruling on the safety of e-vehicles.

In principle, you can charge e-vehicles at any power outlet. There are a number of mobile charging stations for this purpose, which are usually equipped with a large red industrial plug on the mains side. By means of adapters, users should be able to connect them to almost any socket. But that's over now! Because it is precisely these adapters that pose a considerable safety risk - also because they are often plugged together in adventurous chains.

Too high currents lead to overheating

The problem: With the adapters, you can easily draw 32 amps from a weaker designed socket (e.g. Schuko, built for a maximum of 13 amps continuous load). This can lead to overheating of sockets and supply lines and easily end in a fire. The risk is also increased because the adapters function for decades and may at some point be used for other purposes with potential danger. This is because, as adapters with commercially available plugs and couplings, they are "free to use".

For charging electric cars, therefore, from now on only specially developed plugs that do not occur elsewhere and are tested exactly according to the standard are permitted - and at the same time they must automatically limit the correct amperage in the charger. The danger posed by the old adapters is obvious on closer inspection. In retrospect, it is difficult to understand why these adapters were not banned long ago. Now the only question is whether a responsible Europe will also enforce this ban - hopefully soon enough before an accident occurs.

Text: Juice Technology