If an 11 kW three-phase charger seems slow, check whether all three phases are delivering current. The ACS1605PE’s 1.77-inch display shows charging information, and many cars show power or per-phase current in their app. If you see roughly 3.7 kW instead of about 11 kW, the car or supply may be using only one phase. The causes range from the car’s onboard charger to a tripped breaker or faulty outlet.
Key Takeaways
- About 11 kW means all three phases are working.
- About 3.7 kW often means single-phase charging.
- Test with another car or outlet to find the cause.
- Call an electrician if the outlet is suspect.
What Normal Looks Like
| What you see | Approx. power | Likely meaning |
|---|---|---|
| About 16 A on three phases | about 11 kW | Normal three-phase charging |
| About 16 A on one phase only | about 3.7 kW | Car or supply using a single phase |
| About 16 A on two phases | about 7.4 kW | Some cars use two phases; or one phase missing |
| Current below 16 A on all phases | Less than 11 kW | Car limiting, battery temperature or near full |
Power figures assume about 230 V per phase. Exactly what the charger screen shows depends on the model and firmware, so check the user manual to see which values it displays. The car’s own app or dashboard is often the quickest way to see real charging power, and some cars show current for each phase separately.
Common Reasons for Single-Phase Charging
- The car: many EVs, especially older or smaller models, have single-phase onboard chargers. They will only ever use one phase. Check the specification. Read what an 11 kW onboard charger means.
- A tripped breaker or blown fuse on one phase: the outlet may still have power on other phases.
- A faulty outlet or plug: damaged pins or loose terminals can disconnect a phase.
- Wiring errors: an outlet wired incorrectly can deliver fewer phases.
A Simple Diagnostic Routine
- Check the car’s specification for three-phase AC charging.
- Look at the charger display and the car’s app for power or current during a session.
- Try another known-good three-phase outlet, if available, with the same car.
- Try a different three-phase car on the same outlet.
- If the outlet is the common factor, stop using it and call an electrician.
Never open the outlet or charger yourself. Our guides on why an EV charges slowly at home and how to test an EV charger go further.
Why It Matters
A missing phase does not only slow charging. A loose terminal that disconnects a phase may also overheat. Treat any sign of heat at the plug, outlet or connector as a reason to stop and investigate. Read whether charging cables get hot.
The ACS1605PE is an 11 kW three-phase portable charger at 16 A, 230/400 V, with a Type 2 connector, CEE five-pin plug, 1.77-inch display, IP66 protection and a 7.6 m cable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my car charges on three phases?
Check the specification for AC charging power. 11 kW AC usually means three-phase; 7.4 kW or less usually means single-phase.
Why does my three-phase charger only give 3.7 kW?
The car may use one phase, or a phase may be missing at the outlet. Test with another car or outlet.
Is a missing phase dangerous?
It can indicate a loose connection, which may overheat. Have an electrician check the outlet.
Related Reading
- What Does an 11kW Onboard Charger Mean?
- Why Is My Electric Car Charging Slowly at Home?
- How to Test an EV Charger
- Do EV Charging Cables Get Hot?
