ᐅ Why are outdoor electrical outlets protected by only a 10A circuit breaker? Can this be changed?

Dear forum members,

I noticed early on that my outdoor sockets support less power than my indoor sockets (electric car caused the fuse to trip), but I didn’t look into it further at that time. Recently, I had issues with the shredder and the stone-cutting machine.
Annoyed by this, I finally checked the fuse box and found that both outdoor sockets are protected with 10 A fuses, while all the others are protected with 16 A fuses.
I have read that this is quite common, especially with switched sockets.
Both of my outdoor sockets are switched (recommended by the electrician, who did not inform me that this also means they support less power).
So, my first question is, why is this done? My assumption is that standard switches can only handle lower power (thermal load), so they are protected with lower-rated fuses to make sure the fuse trips before the switch burns out.
Can these be simply replaced? Can I hold the electrician responsible for not mentioning this? Is there any regulation or standard governing this? For example, that a standard type F socket (Schuko) should be rated for at least 3.5 kW, or does the electrician’s approach comply with best practices?

Thanks and best regards,

Tolentino

Does the fuse blow after a certain period or when the appliances are switched on?

Varies depending on the device. For electric cars, it takes the longest—about one minute. I assume the power draw at the start is not that high either.
Wood chipper immediately.
Stone cutter about 30 seconds.
Concrete mixer was no problem, and neither were the rotary hammer and hedge trimmer.

You could initially try using a fuse with a slower trip time.

Whether 16A is allowed or will work depends on several factors, such as cable length, diameter, installation method, switches, and so on.

It is also debated whether a Schuko socket is suitable for more than 10A, for example, for charging an electric car at all. It is better to install a dedicated wallbox.

RotorMotor schrieb:

Whether 16A works/is allowed depends on several factors such as cable length, diameter, installation method, switch, etc...

Well, if all other sockets are protected with 16A breakers and only the two outdoor sockets (which can also be switched) are protected with 10A, it already suggests that the issue might be with the socket or the switch. The cable length is not longer than for many other sockets. Diameter – okay, I can’t easily check that now, but why would a different diameter have been used there? Installation method – is it possible to tell that from photos taken during the shell construction phase?

RotorMotor schrieb:

It is also debated whether a Schuko socket is suitable for more than 10A, meaning for car charging at all. Better to install a wallbox.

Okay, wow, I assumed that if the car manufacturer includes a suitable adapter, it should work. Wouldn’t the breaker trip first in case of a problem before the cable catches fire?

Tolentino schrieb:

Well, if all the other outlets are protected by 16A breakers and only...

I’m afraid that is not an adequate criterion.

Tolentino schrieb:

Diameter – okay, I can’t easily check that now, but why would they use a different diameter there?

Because that was what was available, because it goes outside, and so on. ;-)

Tolentino schrieb:

Okay, wow, I assumed that if the car manufacturer includes a suitable adapter, it would just work.

Maybe the charging cable is rated for 12A?
What does it say on the cable?
Hardly anyone uses 16A on a standard socket (Schuko).

Tolentino schrieb:

Wouldn’t the breaker trip before the wiring catches fire, just to be safe?

Only if the breaker is correctly sized.
Most electricians tend to protect everything with 16A breakers.
They are also significantly cheaper than, for example, 10A breakers.
But most standard outlets (Schuko sockets) shouldn’t be continuously loaded with 16A.
Especially plug connections can degrade over time and only then become a fire hazard.

So, it’s actually not a simple or clear-cut issue.

What kind of switch was installed before the outlets?
Are both outlets on a 10A breaker or are they separated?

It’s best to discuss this with the electrician who did the installation.