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Looking for a safe USB plug

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I am looking for a safe - preferably British made - USB plug to connect fairy lights to. I bought a set of 3 from Amazon and they get hot when in use. Does anyone have any recommendations, please? 
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Comments

  • Alderbank
    Alderbank Posts: 3,883 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    You might struggle to find a British made one.
  • basill
    basill Posts: 1,419 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    edited 25 August 2024 at 6:23PM
    I dont know of any British made chargers,  Anker or Ugreen are good quality manufacturers with a wide range available from Amazon.   
  • Karr55
    Karr55 Posts: 44 Forumite
    Second Anniversary 10 Posts
    I am struggling - it was Rekavin whose plugs got hot whatever I was charging. Does anyone know of a reputable brand for safety? I have iPhone charger plugs so just need some for fairy lights/Bluetooth speaker. 
  • Neil_Jones
    Neil_Jones Posts: 9,537 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 25 August 2024 at 6:30PM
    If the plugs get hot in use then that suggests they're drawing too much power, especially if they are too hot to touch - a small amount of heat can be normal but if you can't hold it, it becomes a fire hazard.

    USB spec for most devices is 5v @ 0.5amps, or 2.5w, and 5v @ 0.9amps for USB3, or 4.5w, however they should be able to deliver 2a.

    What are the power requirements of your lights?
  • Ayr_Rage
    Ayr_Rage Posts: 2,686 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 25 August 2024 at 6:44PM
    @Neil_Jones I think you are getting confused with the output of USB ports on the likes of laptops etc

    USB chargers are mostly rated at 15W and above these days.

    @Karr55 are you looking for a power supply for lights that are continuously on or a charger for battery powered lights and your speaker?


  • Karr55
    Karr55 Posts: 44 Forumite
    Second Anniversary 10 Posts
    If the plugs get hot in use then that suggests they're drawing too much power, especially if they are too hot to touch - a small amount of heat can be normal but if you can't hold it, it becomes a fire hazard.

    USB spec for most devices is 5v @ 0.5amps, or 2.5w, and 5v @ 0.9amps for USB3, or 4.5w, however they should be able to deliver 2a.

    What are the power requirements of your lights?
    I’m not sure, they are LEDs. The plugs were warm to the touch but other reviews on Amazon for the same plugs have said they were hot to the touch and some even show photos of scorched or exploded plugs. So I am now reluctant to trust this brand. 
  • Emmia
    Emmia Posts: 5,576 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I have Anker plugs bought from Amazon, not British made, but a quality brand. 

    Deal: Anker USB Charger 4.8A/24W 2-Port USB Wall Charger and PowerIQ Technology for iPhone XS / XS Max / XR/ iPhone 8 / iPhone 8 Plus / iPhone X / iPhone 7 / 6 / 6 Plus, iPad Air 2 / mini 3, Galaxy Note 5/4, Nexus, HTC M9, Motorola, LG and More https://amzn.eu/d/57xCRY0

    And

    USB Plug, Anker PowerPort mini Dual Port USB Charger, Compact Wall Charger Cube, For iPhone 15/14/13/12/11 Pro Max, Galaxy S23/S22/Note20, HTC, LG, and More https://amzn.eu/d/h1d6xRV


    I also have belkin plugs, again no issues with them.
  • prowla
    prowla Posts: 13,969 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    You could get MK (or similar) replacement wall sockets with inbuilt USB connectors.
  • Heedtheadvice
    Heedtheadvice Posts: 2,765 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    As Ayr_rage implies you have not provided sufficient info to give a sensible answer or suggestion.
    What are you plugging  the USB connector into?
    Have you considered that whatever it is you are plugging into might be the source of the heat as it might not be up to the job?
    How much current do the led lights draw? Could be too much for USB.
  • Kim_13
    Kim_13 Posts: 3,404 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Karr55 said:
    I am looking for a safe - preferably British made - USB plug to connect fairy lights to. I bought a set of 3 from Amazon and they get hot when in use. Does anyone have any recommendations, please? 
    I have the Masterplug Surge Protected Plug (it has 2 USB ports.) It might be overkill for what you're looking for but it struck me that you could power the fairy lights from one of the USB ports while having the second USB and plug socket (there's one on the front of the unit) for other things.

    Can be found at Argos as well as on Amazon.


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