Granny Charging

[MG Clive]

Hi @Pascal, welcome to MGEVs, I don't think it's a good idea to charge through a smart plug, I don't think they can handle the current, but I'm sure one of our more electric savvy members will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[DBedford]

Please DON'T use a smart plug with a Granny Charger.
They may be able to do so for a couple of charges, but when they fail, boy beware !!!

 

[mikgle]

No smart plugs.. has the car not got a scheduled timer? If not, just plug in near your cheap rate. I use a 16A industrial socket with a charger lead from 3rd Rock Energy.. this gives you the option of what current to use, 8, 10, 13 or 16A and also a delay start option too. Works well, mine is 10 metres and cost about £220.

 

[Pascal]

Please DON'T use a smart plug with a Granny Charger.
They may be able to do so for a couple of charges, but when they fail, boy beware !!!

OK, better be safe than sorry.
Thanks!

No smart plugs.. has the car not got a scheduled timer? If not, just plug in near your cheap rate. I use a 16A industrial socket with a charger lead from 3rd Rock Energy.. this gives you the option of what current to use, 8, 10, 13 or 16A and also a delay start option too. Works well, mine is 10 metres and cost about £220.

No smart plugs.. has the car not got a scheduled timer? If not, just plug in near your cheap rate. I use a 16A industrial socket with a charger lead from 3rd Rock Energy.. this gives you the option of what current to use, 8, 10, 13 or 16A and also a delay start option too. Works well, mine is 10 metres and cost about £220.

I wil check it out.

Thank you for the advice.

 

[Speakasyoufind]

EV Charger APP Control 8M, 6-13A Adjustable Current, 0-24 Hours Delayed Timer, Max. 3.3kW, EV Charger Cable Type 2 to 3 Pin Plug, Wifi & Bluetooth Connection, IP65 Waterproof (8M): Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

EV Charger APP Control 8M, 6-13A Adjustable Current, 0-24 Hours Delayed Timer, Max. 3.3kW, EV Charger Cable Type 2 to 3 Pin Plug, Wifi & Bluetooth Connection, IP65 Waterproof (8M): Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

amzn.eu

Hi Pascal. If the link comes over OK, this is what I use as it is one of the only ones that comes with app control. I have mine set to come on at 00.00 and goes off at 05.00hrs to do just that, catch my EDF EV cheap rate. Obviously UK version but not sure if available in your market place? Worth a look maybe? Mine is 7.5m not sure what the longest length is, sorry.

 

[HStrophyPHEV2025rc]

@Pascal - As others say, do not use anything (e.g. a 'timer', or extension cable) unless it is designed for EV loads. Even if the device says it is OK for high amps (e.g. 13 amps) remember that you will be putting a large current constantly for many (e.g. 5) consecutive hours. Most electrical-sockets/devices were not designed to take large load for many hours. Make sure the socket that you are plugging the granny charger into is of good quality, and monitor it over the first few days/weeks that you use it (make sure it does not discolour).

• Basically, imagine plugging in a kettle and switching it on permanently for many hours. Any poor quality conductive parts (e.g. connections in the socket etc) will get hot/cold and expand/contract and could start sparking etc.

That said, I have a 10 amp (I deliberately chose one that did not do any higher ampage!) granny charger, and I have had no issues whatsoever, and I am really pleased with it. I use it for 5 hours at a time, to take advantage of 12am-5am off-peak electricity tariff. My granny charger has no 'smart' capabilities - it is simply on or off. Instead, the car decides when to start/finish the charging.
=> So all I had to do was set up my MG HS (configured either using the infotainment screen, or via the iSmart app) to only charge between 12am and 5am.

Personally, I see no reason to purchase a 'smart' granny charger. Instead, just use the car's built-in scheduling capabilities to decide when to charge.

Enjoy your new MG! (It's a great car!)

 

[Everest]

Oooh - YAPAG... yet another post about grannies - so many of them on here

For anyone reading this thread, also take a look at my posting here and the rest of that thread...

Post in thread 'MG4 - charging from a 13A socket'

Nov 10, 2025

I love that Aus/US term "weed eater"

Back on topic... my 2p worth...

The safety will depend largely on the quality of the socket you are connecting the granny lead into, rather than simply age of house.

If you are planning on using a granny charger for any length of time, then I'd recommend using a BS-1363-2 EV rated socket, which will a) be compliant with current BS7671 regulations and b) be able to support a sustained 10A charge rate without overheating.

If using a regular (non-EV rated socket), I'd reduce the charge rate to 8A, rather than 10A. And periodically check the...

• Everest

• 
• 

 

[Pascal]

@Pascal - As others say, do not use anything (e.g. a 'timer', or extension cable) unless it is designed for EV loads. Even if the device says it is OK for high amps (e.g. 13 amps) remember that you will be putting a large current constantly for many (e.g. 5) consecutive hours. Most electrical-sockets/devices were not designed to take large load for many hours. Make sure the socket that you are plugging the granny charger into is of good quality, and monitor it over the first few days/weeks that you use it (make sure it does not discolour).

• Basically, imagine plugging in a kettle and switching it on permanently for many hours. Any poor quality conductive parts (e.g. connections in the socket etc) will get hot/cold and expand/contract and could start sparking etc.

That said, I have a 10 amp (I deliberately chose one that did not do any higher ampage!) granny charger, and I have had no issues whatsoever, and I am really pleased with it. I use it for 5 hours at a time, to take advantage of 12am-5am off-peak electricity tariff. My granny charger has no 'smart' capabilities - it is simply on or off. Instead, the car decides when to start/finish the charging.
=> So all I had to do was set up my MG HS (configured either using the infotainment screen, or via the iSmart app) to only charge between 12am and 5am.

Personally, I see no reason to purchase a 'smart' granny charger. Instead, just use the car's built-in scheduling capabilities to decide when to charge.

Enjoy your new MG! (It's a great car!)

Thanks, I will follow the advice.

EV Charger APP Control 8M, 6-13A Adjustable Current, 0-24 Hours Delayed Timer, Max. 3.3kW, EV Charger Cable Type 2 to 3 Pin Plug, Wifi & Bluetooth Connection, IP65 Waterproof (8M): Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

EV Charger APP Control 8M, 6-13A Adjustable Current, 0-24 Hours Delayed Timer, Max. 3.3kW, EV Charger Cable Type 2 to 3 Pin Plug, Wifi & Bluetooth Connection, IP65 Waterproof (8M): Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

amzn.eu

Hi Pascal. If the link comes over OK, this is what I use as it is one of the only ones that comes with app control. I have mine set to come on at 00.00 and goes off at 05.00hrs to do just that, catch my EDF EV cheap rate. Obviously UK version but not sure if available in your market place? Worth a look maybe? Mine is 7.5m not sure what the longest length is, sorry.

I checked the internet and found it with a suitable plug for 149€.
Thanks!

 

[Captainfieldmouse]

Hi there,
I am new on this forum. I ordered an MG HS PHEV and waiting for delivery. in the meantime, I want to get ready when the car arrives. Where I live, I can only use a "granny" charger as you call it (I live in Belgium). We have classic 1 phase plugs of 16A. The fuse is 20A. I want to take advantage of the lowest charging tariff and therefore was thinking of buying a variable mobile smart charger . I do need a cable of 10m though. Is this a better solution than a more basic charger combined with a sart plug, or are there even better solutions around?

I got this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Evjuicion-Charger-Electric-Charging-Holder-Black/dp/B0FHQ3QL7W
You’ll obviously need the euro 2 pin plug version, but it’s switchable from 6a up to 13a. I have an EV rated external socket but have never managed to get 13A to the car type 2 socket, it defaults to 10A and around 2.6kw/h. Having said that it’s fine for me as it’s an overnight charge and takes around 5 hours from 20% battery capacity. Another point is that I have only charged the car twice in 3 months as I do quite long journeys and the battery regens and rarely drops below 30%. Hope that helps

 

[salty]

I've been using a Granny Charger since I got my X Power in Sept 2024. Firstly I used the MG supplied one. No problems but the lead was a bit short 4m, so sent for a new charger with a 6m lead, perfect.
It's been fine for 16 months. But the last 3 or 4 charges, the plug was getting warmer
and warmer, until last Saturday this happened.

So fiited an EV rated Socket thinking it was that. And tried charging it again. Just the same it became very warm. So obviously I unplugged it.
The next day I used the MG charger supplied with the car. No problems at all,
didn't even get warm.
So obviously it was the other charger that was faulty, which has now been binned.
I'm still gonna carrying on using the Granny Charger, as it suits my needs, and will send for a new 6m charger.
But obviously will keep an eye on it.

 

[mikgle]

It could just have been a poor connection in the plug, its worth checking that the fuse holder holds the fuse tightly.

 

[salty]

It could just have been a poor connection in the plug, its worth checking that the fuse holder holds the fuse tightly.

Will check that, out of curiosity. But to be honest, it's put me off using it now.

 

[mikgle]

Will check that, out of curiosity. But to be honest, it's put me off using it now.

Yes understood, I definitely wouldn't use the damaged one.. is it still under warranty?

 

[Everest]

But the last 3 or 4 charges, the plug was getting warmer
and warmer, until last Saturday this happened.

Oh dear. I did wonder whether you were jinxing things from all your postings saying "mine has been fine".

It could just have been a poor connection in the plug, its worth checking that the fuse holder holds the fuse tightly.

Definitely looks like overheating of the fuse connection within the BS1363 plug - you can clearly see the melted plastic at that position.

BUT, as I've been saying for ages, fuse connections within BS1363 plugs are just not up to the job of long-term EV charging. (here and other places)

Post in thread 'Home charging cable plug melt down'

Nov 27, 2025

I'm wondering has anyone else had a similar incident, if not please be aware and not leave the car charging over night from inside your home socket. Maybe it's something that happens over time, I don't know but I never had charging issues before.

Yes - happened to a few already and posted on here (for example with @Yorkshire Hillbilly)

Thanks for sharing the detail - out of interest what rate were you charging at? Regular (i.e. non BS1363-2 EV rated) plugs and sockets are not recommended for continual charging over 8A.

The connection of a BS1363 plug's fuse is a...

• Everest

• 

IMHO as "granny" charging works for you @salty, I'd get a Commando socket installed - then you can super-granny charge up to 16A without any overheating issues.

 

[EvTek23]

It certainly looks like there is a heat source on the fuse cover in the back of the plug as the plastic has bubbled, so may well indicate a poor connection.

 

[salty]

Yes understood, I definitely wouldn't use the damaged one.. is it still under warranty?

Not sure. But doesn't matter it's being binned.

 

[mikgle]

Just depends on the the mass produced plug terminal connections,some are good some arent. It is a risk that's why is good to check during use. Any heat, cracking or charring then discard.
I find if you discard the fitted fuse and fit a live ammo round instead its a good tight fit (please DONT do this!)

Oh dear. I did wonder whether you were jinxing things from all your postings saying "mine has been fine".

Definitely looks like overheating of the fuse connection within the BS1363 plug - you can clearly see the melted plastic at that position.

BUT, as I've been saying for ages, fuse connections within BS1363 plugs are just not up to the job of long-term EV charging. (here and other places)

Post in thread 'Home charging cable plug melt down'

Nov 27, 2025

I'm wondering has anyone else had a similar incident, if not please be aware and not leave the car charging over night from inside your home socket. Maybe it's something that happens over time, I don't know but I never had charging issues before.

Yes - happened to a few already and posted on here (for example with @Yorkshire Hillbilly)

Thanks for sharing the detail - out of interest what rate were you charging at? Regular (i.e. non BS1363-2 EV rated) plugs and sockets are not recommended for continual charging over 8A.

The connection of a BS1363 plug's fuse is a...

• Everest

• 

IMHO as "granny" charging works for you @salty, I'd get a Commando socket installed - then you can super-granny charge up to 16A without any overheating issues.

Yes, its what ive done, on a dedicated 16A circuit.. works well!

 

[salty]

Oh dear. I did wonder whether you were jinxing things from all your postings saying "mine has been fine".

Yep, probably put the mockers on it, but it had been fine, up to that happening.

IMHO as "granny" charging works for you @salty, I'd get a Commando socket installed - then you can super-granny charge up to 16A without any overheating issues.

Think I'll, look into that.

 

[mikgle]

Yes, its what ive done, on a dedicated 16A circuit.. works well!

The 16A commando socket i meant..

 

[MG Clive]

Yep, probably put the mockers on it, but it had been fine, up to that happening.

This could have been a disaster @salty, well done spotting it before it became more serious.