USB wall sockets

MouldyOldDough

Is USB 3 or even 4 a matter to choose between on Wall sockets or are they all the same charging current ? - ie) at 3.1 amps / max 15.5watts

ie) Is the version of USB important (if stated) on wall sockets ?

On-the-coast

USB naming conventions are an absolute mess - both in terms of rated power and data throughput (though you aren’t interested in data here). 

Personally I’d get a normal socket without physically fragile usb built in, and then just plug in a small good quality GaN charger. 

MattMattMattUK

I agree with the PP, do not bother with the sockets with built in USB ports, get a good charger. If you absolutely must get a socket with built in USB ports then make sure that they are USB-C, properly rated, at least 20w. 

droopsnoot

I recall reading a review of some mains sockets with built-in USB, and the main problem is that the circuitry that drops the voltage down from 240v to USB level (I think it's 5v) is running all the time, generally using cheap components, leading to them failing quickly. 

MouldyOldDough

droopsnoot said:

I recall reading a review of some mains sockets with built-in USB, and the main problem is that the circuitry that drops the voltage down from 240v to USB level (I think it's 5v) is running all the time, generally using cheap components, leading to them failing quickly. 

This IS to replace a cheaper socket with twin USB that failed - but one of the mains sockets physically prevents a mains plug from being inserted - hence the problem ...

Newcad

I would just replace with standard 13 Amp sockets with no built in USB sockets.

You can then plug in whatever is needed.

I would be a bit peed-off if I I bought "built in" sockets that suit USB-A/B versions from 1>3 only to find that my newer devices now needed USB-C.

Not to worry though,  I have standard 13A sockets so I can just plug what I need into the 13 Amp.

In other words "built into the wall socket" USB ports are a short lived gimmick which you are going to need to keep changing - and it's much easier (cheaper)  to change an adapter that you plug in.

RumRat

Had them fitted about 5 years ago....They all still work, but are not much use for charging anything major (too slow). I found them handy for connecting LED strip lights, desk fan, and my drinks cooler....Other than that, not much use.
I wouldn't bother replacing them in the future. As others have said buy a charger to plug into the mains.

B0bbyEwing

Well as per, I'll go against the grain, slightly. 

I've had these & some stopped working after a time. 
But I've had others & they've worked for ages & continue to work. 

What speed they charge at I don't really care. If I'm in a rush then I use a mains charger that gives quick charging. These things charge my devices fine enough for me. 

DullGreyGuy

The fire brigade were giving warnings on these a while back... there have been plenty of cases of people buying cheap/fake chargers and they overheat and ignite which when a plug isnt not great but if you see them starting to smoke/blacken/melt then you can turn the switch off. Some sockets are built to the same low standards but clearly you can't just flick a switch or pull it out if it starts to go up

I would know to go to the consumer unit and turn off the ring but wife/kids etc may not

MouldyOldDough

Mine are a known British manufacturer (BG) - So I hope that they are safe .... 

jshm2

The socket USBs are usually crap. Better to just get decent Gan 3 charger plugs instead.