USB wall sockets

planty · 2 Jan 2017 at 22:22

I'm thinking about installing some wall sockets that have the built-in USB ports, and was just wondering if anyone has any experience with them? What are the downsides/drawbacks?

Do they require any extra connections compared to a standard socket? Do they continue to draw power when there's nothing plugged in?

No experience with this before so sorry if these are stupid questions!

Regy53 · 2 Jan 2017 at 22:38

I have them in every room of the house and they are so darn handy we wouldn't be without, saves on plugs etc decent output

Not sure if they draw unused mind you

GeForce · 2 Jan 2017 at 22:44

Fitted some doubles each with 2x2.1A USB ports when we first moved in, to replace single outlets. Got one in the bedroom and one in the living room.

Haven't measured the quiescent power draw but it is likely to be very low, some even power off entirely when the USB cable is removed.

theone8181 · 3 Jan 2017 at 07:52

GeForce said:
Fitted some doubles each with 2x2.1A USB ports when we first moved in, to replace single outlets. Got one in the bedroom and one in the living room.

Haven't measured the quiescent power draw but it is likely to be very low, some even power off entirely when the USB cable is removed.

Thats interesting, i just assumed you would be limited to the standard 0.5 A. I didnt realise they would do more.

robj20 · 3 Jan 2017 at 08:01

2.1A isnt high enough for current new phones. Do they do any 3A ones yet.

On Holiday · 3 Jan 2017 at 08:40

robj20 said:
2.1A isnt high enough for current new phones. Do they do any 3A ones yet.

I thought 2.1A is fast charge? Seeing as USB 2 and USB 3 are 0.5 and 0.9 respectively.

GeForce · 3 Jan 2017 at 08:40

robj20 said:
2.1A isnt high enough for current new phones. Do they do any 3A ones yet.

Not to charge at maximum rate, but they still work of course.

I've seen some 3.1A, e.g. http://www.wickes.co.uk/Alpha-13A-2-Gang-Socket-with-Twin-3-1AMP-USB-Sockets,-White-Plastic/p/145275

robj20 · 3 Jan 2017 at 09:07

GeForce said:
Not to charge at maximum rate, but they still work of course.

I've seen some 3.1A, e.g. http://www.wickes.co.uk/Alpha-13A-2-Gang-Socket-with-Twin-3-1AMP-USB-Sockets,-White-Plastic/p/145275

That's a max of 3.1a combined so if you use both its half.

Have to see if anyone does any usb c versions.

GeForce · 3 Jan 2017 at 09:15

robj20 said:
That's a max of 3.1a combined so if you use both its half.

Have to see if anyone does any usb c versions.

Yes, unfortunately I think most are like that

I've not seen any USB C ones yet, it's only a matter of time I'm sure...

planty · 3 Jan 2017 at 09:31

Thanks for the input.
Is there any additional wiring needed for these sockets, or would it be the same as fitting a standard 2-plug socket?

GeForce · 3 Jan 2017 at 09:33

planty said:
Thanks for the input.
Is there any additional wiring needed for these sockets, or would it be the same as fitting a standard 2-plug socket?

Exactly the same, everything is built into the faceplate.

Be aware some need deeper backboxes, mine needed 35mm.

neil_g · 3 Jan 2017 at 09:38

Plenty O'Toole said:
I thought 2.1A is fast charge? Seeing as USB 2 and USB 3 are 0.5 and 0.9 respectively.

Oneplus 3 dash charger is rated at 4A

Kiyoshi · 3 Jan 2017 at 10:37

I'd consider an MK branded one, but last I looked they were in the £20 region and required a 35mm backbox which isn't suitable for many of my sockets. Safety concerns from an unknown brand, and my OCD from having MK sockets throughout the house and another type not matching would stop me buying anything else.

platypus · 3 Jan 2017 at 11:55

GeForce said:
Be aware some need deeper backboxes, mine needed 35mm.

Hmm damn, I was really tempted to get a few of these until I read this. Given the age of our electrics I doubt they have deep backboxes.

Hodders · 3 Jan 2017 at 14:53

platypus said:
Hmm damn, I was really tempted to get a few of these until I read this. Given the age of our electrics I doubt they have deep backboxes.

Worth measuring as older electrics often had deeper backboxes as standard !

robj20 · 3 Jan 2017 at 15:24

Hodders said:
Worth measuring as older electrics often had deeper backboxes as standard !

We even had some wooden ones.

SC0TTRS · 3 Jan 2017 at 15:39

Fitted a few in the house and I can't see one drawback!..sooo handy when you want to charge your electric toothbrush, fitbit, blue-tooth headphones and powerbank all at the same time!

robj20 · 3 Jan 2017 at 15:48

I honestly prefer the USB charging hub I have 2 USB c and 6 USB 3 ports all at full power. Have one in the living room and one in the bedroom.

divuk83 · 4 Jan 2017 at 07:54

So far I have tried the following USB sockets:

LAP (2.1amp double socket from Screwfix): Look decent, good quality, cheap and doesn't need a particularly deep backbox.

British General (2.1amp double socket): Look much the same as the lap and has similar dimensions. Of the two I have fitted one has broken (switch no longer works). Wouldn't recommend this one even though it is one of the cheapest on the high street.

MK (2.1amp double socket): Much better quality (as you would expect for double the price of the LAP/BG sockets), but requires a minimum of 35mm deep backbox which is much deeper than the others I have fitted. I bought this one as it needed to match another MK logic socket next to it. It's depth meant it had to be the spurred in socket rather than the one I spurred the new socket off due to lack of room for 3 sets of wires behind it.

I plan on getting some of the LAP 3amp ones for my bedroom when I decorate that. I'm not sure I would want USB C as I have so many different products that run off USB. I have bike lights that charge of the USB sockets in the garage, some USB sockets on the worktop in the kitchen (next to the Bluetooth speakers so phones/tablets can be charged while playing music. Most of the beds have USB sockets next to them for charging at night. The lack of fast charging is not a big problem next to a bed as whatever would be plugged in would usually be charged overnight so speed isn't that important. I still use my fast charger for my phone to give it a quick boost before going out.

Dave

planty · 4 Jan 2017 at 09:09

Very helpful, thanks. Certainly sounds like the MK ones are worth the little extra. I plan on putting it into a new spurred in socket, so depth hopefully won't be an issue.