USB plug sockets

bouicca21

I’m getting a kitchen refurb which will involve installing new plug sockets. Is it worth having usb a and/or c plug sockets or are usb sockets in general on the way out ?

pmduk

The first question surely, is what USB sockets do you currently need? What do your leads currently require.

subjecttocontract

My experience with 13amp sockets that also incorporate USB sockets is not good. When used to charge devices they are extremely slow compared to other methods of charging. What are you intending to use the sockets for ?

oldernonethewiser

Are they on the way out?

I've a couple in different rooms and they are fine. Not fast but I don't need them to be.

Ayr_Rage

My personal take is that I wouldn't want to be charging anything in a kitchen where it could get wet and also from a hygiene point of view.

Built in chargers are mostly low power and if they fail then the whole socket has to be replaced and if it has been discontinued then you won't have matching sockets.

They are also an extra (small) fire risk that cannot be pulled out and disposed of quickly.

USB A and C are going to be around for years but I certainly don't need built in chargers in my kitchen.

sheenas

I think its simple enough to say what do you have plugged in to day that uses USB-C. Consider replacing that one socket or sockets. USC-C is recognised by the EU and will be around for longer than other options. Downside is that they are expensive.

MyRealNameToo

USB isnt on the way out… there is talk of USB5 starting to use fibre optic for data because the current speeds are pretty much at the top of data speeds via copper. Plus you have the likes of the EU that state that if you have a port that is used for power it has to be a standard USB port so for it to change its not just a manufacturer doing something novel but a change in law.

I wouldnt however have USB built into sockets though, for the above reasons about speed of charging but also there are many cheap/low quality ones out there that at best will fail quickly and at worse are a fire risk. Its one thing to have a charger start smoking, more scary for something built into the wall itself to do so.

tetrarch

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82108791#Comment_82108791

I think you have this backwards. I would much rather (and have) buy good quality built-in USB sockets than a plug-in charger. The British Standard/CE marks would give me a lot of confiidence.

I do not recall this ever being mentioned as a real cause of fire, but stand to be corrected

I have multiple of these 45W wallplates from British General via Screwfix:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-evolve-13a-2-gang-sp-switched-socket-3a-45w-2-outlet-type-a-c-usb-charger-pearlescent-white-with-white-inserts/986yv

My laptop is currently charging from one

Regards

Tet

RumRat

I had 3 double sockets with USB put in when I built my office area…..I've only ever used one of them (to charge a variety of gadgets) but, only on anything that I don't need quickly as they are slow.

bouicca21

Thank you all, that is really useful. Just goes to show that some ‘good’ ideas are nothing of the sort.

All but one thing I currently charge uses usb A. The one usb C doodah came with a C to A cable. And I currently use an adapter plugged into a socket. I think I now understand why one of my gadgets charges much better when plugged directly into my computer than when plugged into the adapter.

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82108825#Comment_82108825

Why does the CE mark on a plug in charger not give you the same confidence?


It stands to reason that if something plugged in is smoldering its easy enough to switch off the plug or knock it out. Whats your option if its built into a wall? Find a screw driver to get it out? Get to the consumer unit to turn off the ring? Certainly the Mrs wouldnt have a clue where the consumer unit is or which switch to flick.

Plus, once the plug is out life continues as normal. With a socket that ring is staying off until the unit is replaced and if your hob (plug in obviously) or fridge/freezer is on the same ring that can be problematic.