If you're comparing chargers and have come across terms like "single-phase", "three-phase" or "Sikon", here's the explanation without unnecessary jargon.
What it really is
Electricity reaches homes over three separate "lines" called phases. An apartment or small house usually gets one phase — that's single-phase. Larger private houses, businesses and some new apartments get three — that's three-phase.
For car charging, this translates directly into power:
- Single-phase, 16A — up to about 3.7kW
- Single-phase, 32A — up to about 7.4kW
- Three-phase, 16A — up to about 11kW
- Three-phase, 32A — up to about 22kW
Note: according to the Israeli Electricity Authority guidelines, a portable charger (Mode 2) is limited to single-phase and 16A at most. At home, the higher power levels on the list come only from a fixed charging station.
How to check what you have at home
Open the electrical panel and look at the main breaker (the largest one, usually at the top):
- A breaker two modules wide = single-phase
- A breaker four modules wide = usually three-phase
Another way: look at your electricity bill — it shows the size and type of your connection. If you're not sure, an electrician will tell you in a minute.
What is a Sikon socket?
A Sikon socket (CEE, SI 60309) is a blue or red industrial socket that you sometimes see in warehouses, garages and parking areas. The blue one is single-phase and the red one is three-phase. Under the guidelines, a portable charger may be connected to such a socket on single-phase only, up to 16A, and only when the socket was installed by a licensed electrician on a dedicated circuit. In other words, a red three-phase socket in the parking area doesn't turn a portable charger into a three-phase solution for the home. Three-phase charging at home is done from a fixed charging station.
The part many sellers don't tell you
Three-phase at home doesn't automatically mean you'll charge at 11kW. The car also needs to be able to accept three-phase charging. Some electric vehicles come with a single-phase-only internal converter, limited to 7.4kW or even 3.7kW. In that case a three-phase station will work, but won't give you any advantage.
Before paying more for a three-phase station, check the line "maximum AC charging power" in your car's specifications.
So what should you buy
| Your situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Regular household socket only | For daily charging: a single-phase charging station. A 3.5kW portable charger with an Israeli plug is suitable for occasional charging only, at up to 10A |
| Single-phase Sikon socket at the parking spot, on a dedicated circuit | A single-phase portable charger up to 16A (about 3.7kW), or a 7.6kW single-phase charging station for faster charging |
| Three-phase at home + a car that supports it | An 11kW (or 22kW) three-phase charging station |
| Three-phase at home + a single-phase car | A single-phase charging station — no point paying for three-phase |
A charging station is installed by a licensed electrician and checked by a licensed electrical inspector before first use. You'll find our stations (7.6kW, 11kW and 22kW) in the home charging stations category, and chargers for occasional charging in the 3.5kW portable chargers category.
Frequently asked questions
Can I upgrade from single-phase to three-phase?
Yes, but it's a change you arrange with the Israel Electric Corporation, and it requires an electrician's work and sometimes replacing the panel. It's only worth looking into if you really need high power.
Will a three-phase charger work in a regular household socket?
No. The plug is completely different, and the guidelines prohibit using adapters between the charger's plug and the socket (Section 12(c)). For occasional charging from a household socket, use a single-phase portable charger with an Israeli plug, at up to 10A.
Is three-phase more expensive on the electricity bill?
The price per kWh is the same. The only difference is how fast you put those same kWh in.
Not sure what you have and what your car supports? Send us your car model and a photo of your electrical panel, and we'll tell you the maximum power you can use, or leave your details and we'll get back to you. You can also browse all products by power.
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