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Need Help? Find Answers to Common EV Charging Questions

Welcome to the EV-Cables FAQ page — your go-to guide for everything related to our EV charging cables, chargers, and accessories.

We understand that choosing the right product for your electric vehicle can raise a few questions, whether you're buying your first cable or upgrading your current setup. That’s why we’ve put together clear, helpful answers to the most common questions we receive — from product compatibility and specifications to shipping, returns, and warranty information.

If you're not sure where to start, you're in the right place. Let’s make EV charging simpler, together.

Payment, Stock & Notifications – What You Need to Know

This section covers some of the most frequently asked questions about payment options, stock availability, and product notifications. From accepted payment methods to understanding when an item is in stock — or how to get notified when it’s back — here’s everything you need to make your purchase smooth and hassle-free.

Do you offer a price match on EV cables?

Yes, we do. We offer a price match promise on all our EV charging cables. If you find the same product, made to the same specification, with identical certifications and comparable service conditions, we’ll do our best to match that price.

Is there a minimum order value for EU deliveries?

No, we do not have a minimum order value for deliveries to EU countries.

However, please note that we operate under a Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) scheme. This means that local taxes and customs charges are not included in your order and will be collected by your local customs authority upon delivery.

While we ship VAT-free from the UK to EU destinations, VAT and any applicable import duties will be charged in your country before or at the time of delivery. These charges vary depending on your local regulations.

We recommend checking with your local customs office for more details to avoid any surprises.

Do you sell EV extension cables?

In short, no — and for good reason.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard explicitly prohibits the use of extension cables to connect an electric vehicle (EV) to an EV supply equipment (EVSE). According to the IEC:

“A cord extension set or second cable assembly shall not be used in addition to the cable assembly for the connection of the EV to EVSE.”

Using an EV extension cable could result in non-compliance with safety standards and may even invalidate your vehicle’s warranty in the event of a claim.

To eliminate risk and uphold the highest safety standards, we choose not to sell EV extension cables. While we understand the demand, we remain committed to only offering safe, certified, and regulation-compliant products.

How do I know if my item is in stock?

If you can add the item to your shopping cart, then yes — it’s in stock.

Our stock levels are centrally managed and updated in real time across all our sales channels to ensure accuracy.

That said, we’re only human — and on rare occasions, a stock error may occur. If this happens, we’ll be in touch as quickly as possible to put it right. Thanks for your understanding.

Why can't I add an item to my shopping cart?

If you can add the item to your basket, then yes — it’s in stock.

Our stock levels are centrally managed and updated in real time across all our sales channels to ensure accuracy.

That said, we’re only human — and on rare occasions, a stock error may occur. If this happens, we’ll be in touch as quickly as possible to put it right. Thanks for your understanding.

Do EV cables come with a carry bag?

Yes — all plug-to-plug EV charging cables include a FREE cable storage bag. The bag size is selected based on the cable length, and in most cases, cables up to 20 metres (or 15 metres for 3-phase cables) will fit in our standard carry bag.

Please note that this offer does not apply to tethered cables, wall chargers, or accessories, unless specifically stated on the product page.

Need an extra bag? Additional cable carry bags are also available to purchase directly from our website.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

You can also choose to pay securely via PayPal if that’s more convenient for you.

How do I leave a review?

We’d love to hear your feedback! All reviews are handled securely through Trustpilot, an independent review platform.

After your purchase, you’ll receive an invitation via email from Trustpilot to leave a review of your experience with EV-Cables. The process is quick and simple — just follow the link in the email and share your thoughts.

Leaving a review not only helps future customers, but also supports our small UK-based business as we continue to grow and improve.

Your feedback really does make a difference — thank you!


Shipping, Tracking & Dispatch

Wondering when your EV charging cable will arrive or how to track it? This section answers common questions about delivery times, dispatch processes, and tracking updates for all EVSTOR orders. Whether you're purchasing from the UK or internationally, we make it easy to stay informed every step of the way.

How much does delivery cost?

We aim to be fully transparent with our delivery charges.

For UK mainland orders over £100, delivery is free. Orders under this threshold will see delivery costs calculated at checkout.

For customers in the Highlands and Islands, an additional surcharge may apply due to increased carrier costs. This uplift is charged at cost with no added markup.

You can view full details on our shipping charges here.

When will my item(s) be dispatched?

We aim to dispatch all orders on the same day when placed before 12:00 midday (UK time), Monday to Friday. Orders placed after midday will typically be dispatched the next working day.

During busy periods, dispatch times may be slightly longer, but we always work to get your order out as quickly as possible.

Please note: UK bank holidays and public holidays are excluded from our dispatch schedule. For example, an order placed after midday on Friday may be processed and dispatched on the following Monday — or on Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday.

Do you offer international delivery?

Yes, we ship to most international destinations.

Shipping costs for available countries are automatically calculated at checkout, based on your location and order size. If you don’t see a shipping option for your country, please get in touch with us — we’ll be happy to provide a quote and update the shipping options to accommodate your order.

We're always working to make EV-Cables products available wherever you are.

When will I receive my order?

For UK mainland deliveries (excluding Highlands and Islands), we use a next business day service as standard for all orders over £100. If you require delivery on a Saturday, you can select this option at checkout (where available).

For customers in the UK Highlands and Islands, delivery usually takes 48 to 72 hours due to extended transit times.

For international deliveries, smaller parcels are handled by Royal Mail and passed to local carriers. Delivery times vary depending on the destination and local postal services.

For larger international parcels (over 2kg), we ship via FedEx, with typical delivery times of 3–5 business days. This does not include any time spent with customs or delays caused by import tariffs and fee settlement.

Which delivery campanies do you use?

At EV-Cables, we know that a great purchase experience doesn’t end at checkout — and that includes reliable delivery. That’s why we only work with trusted carriers to ensure your order arrives safely and on time.

For UK deliveries, we use Royal Mail or DHL, depending on the size and weight of your order. The most suitable option is automatically selected during checkout.

For international orders, we use Royal Mail or Fedex, depending on the size and weight of your order. The most suitable option is automatically selected during checkout.

Please note: customs duties or local taxes may apply and are the responsibility of the customer.

How can I track my order?

Once your order is placed, we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.

You’ll receive a confirmation email when your order is received, followed by a shipping notification email once it has been dispatched. This shipping email will include a tracking link to the relevant courier’s website, allowing you to follow your delivery in real time.

If you haven’t received your tracking details or need assistance, feel free to contact our customer support team.



Warranty & Returns

Have a question about returning a product or what's covered under warranty? This section explains everything you need to know about our EV cable warranty periods, what’s included, and how to return a product if something isn’t quite right. We’re here to make sure you feel confident in every purchase.

What if I oredered the wrong item or want to return my purchase?

We understand that mistakes happen. Under the Distance Selling Regulations, you’re entitled to cancel your order within 14 days of purchase. You then have a further 14 days to return the goods to us. Once we’ve received the item, we aim to process your refund within 14 days.

Please note:

  • Return shipping costs for unwanted or mistakenly ordered items are your responsibility.
  • Items must be unopened, unused, and in their original packaging.
  • Custom-made or personalised goods cannot be returned unless faulty.
  • We reserve the right to reject returns that are used, damaged, or missing packaging.
  • We also cannot refund items that are lost in return transit, so we strongly recommend using a tracked service with adequate insurance.

Before sending anything back, please contact us first so we can guide you through the return process.

For full details, refer to our Terms and Conditions.

Do you provide a warranty?

Yes, we do.

All of our plug-to-plug, tethered and portable EV charging cables come with a 2-year warranty as standard, covering manufacturer defects.

Accessories are covered by a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defects from the date of purchase, as shown on your invoice.

What’s not covered:

Our warranties do not apply in cases of:

  • Misuse or accidental damage
  • General wear and tear
  • Water damage or corrosion resulting in charging failure

If you have any questions about your warranty or think you may need to make a claim, feel free to get in touch with our team — we’re here to help.

How to return a faulty product under warranty?

If your item develops a manufacturing fault within the warranty period, we’re here to help.

Please contact us first so we can assist with troubleshooting and, if necessary, begin the returns process.

Once returned, the item will be examined either by us or the manufacturer. If a fault is confirmed, we will either repair the product or replace it with a like-for-like item. If the original product is no longer available, we’ll supply a comparable alternative of equal quality.

For full details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions, and always get in touch before sending anything back under warranty.


EV Cable Storage & Maintenance


Proper care and storage of your EV charging cable are essential for safety, performance, and long-term reliability. In this section, you’ll find practical tips on how to store your cable correctly, avoid water damage, and keep it in top condition between charges.

What's the best way to store my EV charging cable?

We do not recommend storing your EV charging cable coiled up outdoors, especially if the plug ends are left hanging loose or resting on the ground.

When stored this way—like a hosepipe—water can collect and gradually enter the base of the charging plug, increasing the risk of corrosion over time. This can compromise performance, shorten the cable’s lifespan, and may void your warranty due to signs of water damage.

Best Practices for EV Cable Storage:

  • Store indoors whenever possible to protect against moisture and temperature extremes.
  • If used or stored outdoors, secure the connectors in dedicated wall-mounted sockets to keep them upright and shielded from pooling water.
  • Never leave connectors hanging or lying on the ground, where they are more vulnerable to water ingress and dirt.

Taking a few simple precautions will help you maintain the condition of your cable and ensure reliable charging for years to come.


Technical Support & Product Info

 
This section covers key information about our EV charging products, including technical specifications, safety features, and general EV charging guidance. Whether you're looking to understand power ratings, built-in protections, or how the product performs in real-world conditions, these FAQs are designed to help you get the most out of your purchase.
 

What is 6mA DC leakage protection, and why is it important?

6mA DC leakage protection is a built-in safety feature in EV chargers that helps detect and prevent electrical faults while charging your electric vehicle.

This protection is important because:

  • It meets UK safety regulations for EV charging equipment.
  • It protects your home’s electrical system by preventing faults that could trip circuit breakers.
  • It can save you money by removing the need for expensive electrical upgrades or additional protective devices.

For safe, compliant, and cost-effective charging, all of our portable EV chargers at EVSTOR include built-in 6mA DC leakage protection as standard.

Why is my single-phase EV charging cable rated at 32A / 7.6kW when most homes can’t reach that?

Great question. Our single-phase EV charging cables are rated at 32A, 250V AC, delivering up to 7.6kW—which reflects their maximum manufacturing capacity, not necessarily the real-world output you'll see at home.

In the UK, most residential properties operate on a single-phase 230V supply, which typically limits EV charging output to around 7.2kW at 32A. So, while your cable is technically capable of 7.6kW, the actual power delivered is usually slightly lower due to the constraints of your household electrical system.

That said, this higher-rated capacity ensures that the cable can comfortably handle your EV’s demands, even if there's a brief spike or fluctuation in power. It also provides a buffer of safety and performance, giving you a robust, future-ready solution that meets both UK regulations and the needs of your vehicle.

Can I use a hard timer or plug-in switch to control my portable EV charger?

It’s not recommended to use a hard timer, plug-in switch, or any external device that simply cuts power to a portable EV charger. While it might seem like a convenient way to schedule charging — for example, to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates — doing so can interfere with the way your EV and charger are designed to operate, potentially leading to long-term issues or even safety risks.

EV charging involves a structured communication process between the vehicle and the charger. This includes a series of electronic “handshakes” managed by the Control Pilot (CP) wire, which helps coordinate charging status, current levels, and readiness between the two. If you introduce a hard stop (such as a timer cutting power abruptly), it disrupts this handshake, and the system doesn’t have a chance to shut down properly.

Over time, this can lead to:

  • Charging errors or lockout conditions that require manual resets

  • Incomplete or failed charging sessions

  • Stress or wear on the charger or your vehicle’s onboard systems

  • Safety concerns, including possible electrical faults or overheating

Instead of using an external timer, we recommend the following safer and more reliable alternatives:

  • Use the built-in scheduling features available on many EVs or some smart portable chargers. These are designed to manage charging times safely while maintaining proper communication with the vehicle.

  • Upgrade to a smart charger, which allows you to schedule charging through an app or interface while still preserving safe operation protocols.

  • Speak to a qualified electrician or your EV manufacturer if you're unsure about your setup or want help finding the best solution for timed charging.

In short, using a hard timer might seem like a simple fix, but it introduces unnecessary risk and could impact the longevity and safety of your EV charging system. Always allow the vehicle and charger to manage the charging process together as intended.

Can I use a 3-phase cable on a single-phase charger?

Yes. A 3-phase cable will work perfectly on a single-phase charger, but it will only charge at single-phase speeds.

Can I use a single-phase cable on a 3-phase charger?

Yes. A single-phase cable can be used with a 3-phase charging point, but it will only draw power from one phase—so charging speed will be limited to single-phase rates.

What’s the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 charging cables?

Type 1 cables—found on some older or imported vehicles—support single-phase charging only and have a 5-pin design with a latch clip. Type 2 cables, now the standard across the UK and EU, feature a 7-pin design with a rounder shape and locking mechanism. They support both single-phase and three-phase charging, enabling faster charging and greater compatibility with modern EVs.

Do I need a 22kW cable if my home charger is only 7kW?

If your car supports faster charging and you plan to use public or workplace chargers, a 22kW-capable (3-phase) cable is a smart choice. Otherwise, a 7kW single-phase cable may be sufficient.

Do portable EV chargers need PEN fault protection when used on a PME (TN-C-S) system?

Generally, no. Current UK regulations require PEN fault protection for fixed EV chargers installed outdoors on PME (TN-C-S) systems. For portable chargers (Mode 2) used indoors or via a weather-protected socket, PEN protection is typically not required.

Do portable EV chargers detect PEN faults?

No. Portable EV chargers do not usually detect PEN faults. They include built-in safety features like RCD protection, overcurrent protection, and temperature monitoring, but they will not disconnect specifically in the event of a PEN fault.

Is it safe to use a portable EV charger on a PME system?

In most cases, yes — especially when used indoors or with a weather-protected socket. Portable chargers are treated differently from fixed chargers under current UK wiring regulations. However, it’s always best to confirm with your electrician as individual setups may vary and safety standards are subject to change.

Can EV charging cables be buried underground?

No, EV charging cables—particularly those with TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) jackets—are not suitable for direct burial underground. These cables are designed for above-ground use and exposure to weather but are not built to withstand continuous contact with soil, moisture, or underground pressures. Burying a EV cable can lead to premature degradation, water ingress, mechanical damage, and potential electrical failure.

Cables that have been buried underground are not covered under warranty. Damage resulting from improper installation, including burial, is considered misuse and falls outside of the warranty terms. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and safety regulations to ensure correct installation and maintain warranty protection.

 
 
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