J1772 is the North American name for the IEC 62196-2 Type 1 AC connector. Type 2 is the IEC 62196-2 connector used across Europe and many other regions.

For DC fast charging, both regions use the IEC 62196-3 “CCS” family (CCS1 in NA, CCS2 in EU). The choice you make here affects AC charging only.

Related articles:

What Is a Type 2 EV Connector? 

What is the J1772 Connector?

One-screen decision table

Compatibility
Start with the car. Your OBC decides the AC ceiling. If the OBC is single-phase 32 A (~7.4 kW), a bigger plug or a three-phase post will not make AC faster.
Match the site. North American homes are usually single-phase 240 V. Europe often offers three-phase 16/32 A in homes and light commercial sites. Public AC posts advertise per-phase current or a headline kW. Read both.

Match the hardware. Use a cable head and cable rated for the current. Longer cables cost more, drop more voltage, and run warmer. Pick the shortest that still parks comfortably.

Seat and lock. Insert fully until you feel a positive click. Poor contact or a weak latch causes failed starts and early drop-outs.

Typical ceilings to set expectations: single-phase 32 A ≈ 7.4 kW; three-phase 16/32 A ≈ 11/22 kW. Bigger plugs do not beat your OBC.

Standards map: J1772, Type 2, CCS
J1772 is the IEC 62196-2 Type 1 shape. Type 2 is also in IEC 62196-2. DC fast charging (CCS1/CCS2) lives in IEC 62196-3. Keep this map in mind to avoid mixing AC and DC topics.

Adapters and the J3400/NACS transition
North America is moving toward SAE J3400 (often called NACS). During the transition, an adapter can bridge gaps between inlets and posts. Use one when travel or mixed sites make it necessary. Avoid it for high-current, long indoor-outdoor sessions in harsh weather or with unknown-quality hardware. Always check rated current, thermal behavior, ingress protection, and whether your vehicle maker supports that setup for warranty.

Buyer’s checklist

Length and flexibility: enough reach without tight bends; stays workable in winter.

Rated current and conductor size: avoid undersizing; monitor temperature rise in real use.

Ingress/impact ratings: IP and IK that match outdoor reality and frequent handling.

Compliance labeling: UL/CE as applicable, plus the correct IEC 62196 part marking on the product.

Two misconceptions
“Type 2 is always faster.” Not if the car is single-phase or the OBC is the limit. Interface shape does not override the car’s charger.

“An adapter solves everything.” It adds limits and can reduce reliability. Treat adapters as a bridge, not a permanent speed upgrade.

FAQ

Q: Can a J1772 car charge on a European Type 2 post?
A: Yes, with the right adapter and within your car’s OBC limit. Expect no speed gain if the OBC is single-phase 32 A; a three-phase post will still feed you at single-phase.

Q: I installed 22 kW three-phase at home. Will every car charge at 22 kW?
A: Only if the car’s OBC supports three-phase at that rate. Many cars are limited to 11 kW or even 7.4 kW. The wall hardware cannot lift an OBC ceiling.

Q: Do AC choices affect DC fast-charging speed?
A: No. AC (Type 1/Type 2) and DC (CCS1/CCS2) are separate systems. Your DC speed depends on the car’s DC charge curve, battery conditions, and the station—not your AC cable choice.

If you’re standardizing hardware, Workersbee offers production-ready Type 1 EV Connectors for North America and Type 2 EV Connectors for Europe, with options for cable length, conductor size, over-mold, seals, and labeling. Our engineering team supports IEC/UL compliance, temperature-rise targets, and fleet-grade strain-relief so your sites stay reliable in real use.

Need help sizing cables to your OBC and site power, or planning a mixed J1772/Type 2 rollout? Talk with a Workersbee engineer to confirm specs, or request a sample/spec sheet to move your project forward.