Two portable chargers sit side by side. Their cables look much the same thickness. One has a blue 32 A industrial plug; the other has a red 16 A plug. If 32 is twice 16, why doesn't the first cable look twice as thick?
The numbers describe current, while the two connections draw on different electrical supplies. In this comparison, blue is single-phase and red is three-phase. Voltage and the number of phases also affect the power available for charging. The cable's outer diameter tells a different part of the story.
What the markings tell you
The colour is a useful first clue. The voltage, current rating and contact configuration identify the particular connection in front of you.
| Example | Marked supply | Contact arrangement | Charger in this comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue connection | 220–250 V, 32 A, single-phase | 2P+E: live, neutral and earth; 3 contacts | PC200 Pro-7K4, CEE 32 A single-phase configuration |
| Red connection | 380–440 V, 16 A, three-phase | 3P+N+E: three phases, neutral and earth; 5 contacts | PC200 Pro-11K, CEE 16 A three-phase configuration |
These are two specific configurations. Blue connectors, for instance, come with different current ratings. Rheidon's published range lists the PC200 Pro-7K4 as single-phase, up to 32 A, and the Pro-11K as three-phase, up to 16 A.
Why can the cables look so similar?
Picture a slice through each cable. Inside the outer sheath are several conductors. Each conductor has a cross-sectional area, measured in mm²; the outer diameter describes the whole cable you can hold in your hand.
A higher-current single-phase configuration may use larger power conductors. A lower-current three-phase configuration has more of them. Those different arrangements can produce cables that look similar from the outside, even though their construction differs.
The overall thickness reflects the complete cable. The number of conductors and the size of each one help explain what is inside.
Where might you come across either connection?
For an Irish driver, a CEE connection is something to check at a specific location, such as a workplace, workshop or campsite with a suitable supply. The markings on the available socket and the electrical installation behind it help establish the charging options there.
The car has a say, too. Its onboard AC charger sets how much AC power it can accept. With a three-phase supply and an 11 kW portable charger, the power delivered also depends on that limit.
The blue and red connections in this guide illustrate two different ways a portable charger can receive power. If you would like to see how Rheidon handles different connections in one range, the PC200 Pro series offers compatible Quick-Switch adapters, including a Type G option for Ireland.
