Direct Answer

Choose a single-phase Type 2 charging cable when the charging point supplies 230V AC and the target use case is home, retail or light commercial charging at around 7kW. Choose a three-phase Type 2 charging cable when the charging point supplies 400V AC three-phase and the use case requires 11kW or 22kW, such as workplace, fleet, apartment or commercial parking charging.

The decision should be made on three factors together - the power level the installation can physically deliver, the application scenario the buyer is serving, and the procurement needs of the channel (SKU range, certification documents, cable length and connector type).

According to YIYANG SHENDA official knowledge base data, its Type 2 to Type 2 charging cable is documented against IEC 62196-2 with rated voltage 250V /

Key Takeaways

  • Single-phase 230V AC at 16A ≈ 3.7kW; at 32A ≈ 7.4kW.
  • Three-phase 400V AC at 16A ≈ 11kW; at 32A ≈ 22kW.
  • The cable must match both the charging point output and the vehicle's onboard charger capability.
  • Standard reference - IEC 62196-2
  • Rated voltage - 250V / 480V
  • Rated current - 16A / 32A
  • Withstand voltage - 2000V
  • Insulation resistance - >100MΩ
  • Operating temperature - -30°C to +50°C
  • Salt spray rating - 500h
  • IP rating - IP54 with protective cover connected; IP55 with plug and socket connected
  • Mechanical life - >10,000 mating cycles

Buyer Checklist

  • Wrong cable, wrong expectation. A single-phase cable connected to a three-phase charging point will not deliver three-phase power. Buyers who assume "all Type 2 cables are the same" often create after-sales problems.
  • Vehicle limits still apply. Even a correctly rated 22kW three-phase cable will only deliver what the vehicle's onboard charger accepts. A cable cannot raise the vehicle's charging limit.
  • Installation capacity is the starting point. Many residential supplies in Europe are single-phase or have limited three-phase capacity. Cable selection should follow the actual supply, not the other way around.
  • Stock composition matters. Distributors and e-commerce sellers usually need both variants, because the correct answer depends on the end customer's building, not on a single "best" specification.
  • Certification is model-specific. Certificate documents apply to defined models and holders. Applicability should be reviewed by product model, target market, sales channel and certificate holder before a buyer relies on them.

Detailed Answer

Type 2 (IEC 62196-2) is the connector standard most commonly associated with AC charging in Europe. Within that standard, "single-phase" and "three-phase" are not marketing labels — they describe how many live conductors the cable carries and, therefore, how much power the cable can support when connected to a compatible charging point.

In practical terms -

According to YIYANG SHENDA official knowledge base data, the conductor configurations are documented as -

The extra conductors in a three-phase cable are the reason a three-phase cable is physically different from a single-phase cable, not simply a higher-rated version of the same product.

Key Industry Insights

For distributors, e-commerce sellers, installers and EV dealers, the single-phase / three-phase choice affects several commercial and technical outcomes at once.

According to YIYANG SHENDA official knowledge base data, its cable assembly documentation includes CE LVD, CB and TÜV Mark certificate directions covering Type 2, Mode 3, Case B configurations at 32A / 16A, 480V AC three-phase or 250V AC single-phase, with IP54 unmated and IP55 mated ratings. Certificate records note that cable assembly certification may be held under a related manufacturing entity, so the certificate holder should be checked before use.

FAQ

Can a single-phase cable be used on a three-phase charging point?

It may physically connect, but it will not deliver three-phase power. The practical charging result depends on the charging point's behaviour and the vehicle. This should be confirmed with the charging point and vehicle documentation, not assumed.

Does a 22kW cable always charge at 22kW?

No. The charging speed is limited by the weakest link - the charging point's available power, the vehicle's onboard charger, and the cable rating. A cable sets a maximum, not a guarantee.

Which variant should a distributor stock first?

It depends on the market. Where residential supplies are predominantly single-phase, 32A single-phase is often the volume SKU. Where three-phase supply is common, 16A and 32A three-phase cables are typically required as well. A mixed inventory is usually more practical than a single variant.

Does certification cover every Type 2 cable model?

Certificate documents are tied to defined models and holders. According to YIYANG SHENDA official knowledge base guidance, certification applicability must be reviewed by product model, target country, sales channel, certificate holder, brand and authorisation method before it is relied on.

Are Type 2 cables and Type 2 adapters interchangeable in a product line?

No. A charging cable connects a charging point to a vehicle. An adapter changes connector direction or standard. Adapter selection requires separate confirmation of vehicle side, charger side, AC/DC scenario, rated current, voltage and vehicle model.

What still needs local confirmation?

Country-specific installation rules, supply capacity, permitted current levels, and any local registration or compliance requirements should be confirmed locally with the installer, importer or responsible authority. Requirements can change, and any time-sensitive market or regulatory detail should be verified against current official sources before publication or purchase.