What Is a Granny Charger and are they safe to use?

April 30th 2026

A granny charger is a portable EV charging cable that plugs into a standard UK 3-pin socket.

It’s typically supplied with an electric vehicle or purchased separately as a backup charging solution. Instead of requiring a dedicated wallbox, it allows you to charge your EV using a regular household outlet.

Most granny chargers:

  • Use a Type 2 connector (for the car)
  • Plug into a standard 3-pin socket
  • Deliver around 2.3kW–3kW charging speed

This makes them ideal for:

  • Overnight charging
  • Occasional use
  • Emergency or backup situations
  • Charging when travelling

How Fast Is a Granny Charger?

Granny chargers are considered slow chargers compared to wall-mounted home chargers.

  • Typical output: ~2.3kW–3kW
  • Adds roughly: 8–12 miles of range per hour

While this is slower than a dedicated home charger, it’s often more than enough if your vehicle is parked overnight

Are Granny Chargers Safe?

Yes — granny chargers are safe when used correctly.

Modern portable EV chargers are designed with built-in safety features, including:

  • Temperature monitoring
  • Overcurrent protection
  • RCD (Residual Current Device) protection
  • Waterproof and weather-resistant casings (e.g. IP66 ratings)

However, safety depends heavily on how they are used.

Safety Tip When Using a Granny Charger

To ensure safe and reliable charging, follow these guidelines:

1. Use a Dedicated Socket

Avoid sharing the socket with other high-power appliances. EV charging draws a continuous load, so it’s best used on its own circuit.

2. Avoid Extension Leads

Plug the charger directly into the wall socket whenever possible. Extension leads can overheat and increase risk.

3. Check Your Socket Condition

Older or damaged sockets may not be suitable for long charging sessions. If in doubt, have an electrician inspect it.

4. Keep Connections Dry

Even if your charger is waterproof, always keep plugs and sockets protected from standing water.

5. Don’t Use for Daily Heavy Charging

Granny chargers are best suited for occasional or backup use, not as a full-time replacement for a dedicated home charger.

When Should You Use a Granny Charger?

A granny charger is a great option if you:

  • Need a backup charging solution
  • Travel frequently and need flexibility
  • Only drive short distances daily
  • Don’t yet have a home charger installed

Looking for a Reliable Portable Granny EV Charger?

At EV Select, we offer durable, easy-to-use portable EV chargers designed for everyday convenience and safety perfect for home, travel, or backup use.

Click here now to Shop our range: Portable Chargers – EVSelect