A 15 amp outlet is one of the most overlooked options for home EV charging in Australia. It is cheaper to install than a dedicated 32A circuit, it fits in sheds, garages and caravan parks, and it charges noticeably faster than a normal power point.
How do you spot a 15A outlet?
It looks like an ordinary three-pin power point, but the earth slot is wider. A standard 10A plug fits it, but a 15A plug, with its wider earth pin, will not fit a normal 10A outlet. You will often find 15A outlets in garages, workshops and on caravan park powered sites.
How fast does a 15A outlet charge?
A charger running at 15A delivers about 3.3 kW, which adds roughly 14–23 km of range per hour for most EVs. Overnight, over ten hours, that is around 140–230 km, enough for most people’s daily driving with plenty to spare.
Compare that with a 10A power point at about 10–15 km per hour. It is not a huge jump, but across a week it adds up.
What charger do you need?
You need a charger with a 15A plug that is certified for Australia. Our Pro Series 3.3 kW portable charger plugs straight into a 15A outlet and can be turned down from 15A to 6A when needed. It also comes with a bonus 15A-to-10A adapter, so you can still use it on an ordinary power point. Just set it to 10A first.
Please do not try to make a 15A plug fit a 10A outlet. Removing or filing earth pins is dangerous and illegal.
Installing a 15A outlet at home
If you have a garage or carport, a licensed electrician can usually add a 15A outlet on its own circuit for less than a full 32A installation. Ask them to check:
- That the outlet is on a dedicated circuit, not shared with other heavy appliances
- Your switchboard has the capacity and the right RCD protection
- The outlet is weatherproof if it is outdoors
Our guide What your electrician needs to know covers the conversation in more detail.
When a 15A outlet makes sense
- You drive under about 150 km a day
- You charge overnight or while you are at work
- You want something faster than a power point without the cost of a 32A install
- You travel, and want to use 15A outlets at caravan parks too
Frequently asked questions
Is a 15A outlet safe for EV charging?
Yes, when it is properly installed on a suitable circuit and you use a certified charger designed for continuous load.
Can I use a 15A charger on a 10A outlet?
Only with a proper 15A-to-10A adapter and with the charger set to 10A or lower. Never modify the plug.
How much faster is 15A than 10A?
About 40–50% faster: roughly 14–23 km of range per hour versus 10–15 km.
Key takeaways
- 15A outlets have a wider earth pin and suit EV charging well
- Expect about 14–23 km of range per hour
- Use a certified 15A charger, and an adapter (set to 10A) for normal power points
- Get a dedicated circuit installed and checked by a licensed electrician