Thoughts on mains sockets with USB power as well ?

[wookie]

Hi

I've seen double mains sockets that come with a pair of USB ports as well that can be used for charging stuff up.

What's the thoughts on them ? Do the USB ports draw power from the mains all the time ? or only when in use ?

I'm tempted to get a couple but don't want them if they draw power all the time, my electric usage is high enough so I don't want to add any more to my bill.

 

[RustyBus]

Yep draw power all the time, but not much. What I don't know is what happens when the charger comes to end of life? Hopefully the internal fuse blows.

 

[rtbcomp]

I'd like to know if they have a proper USB charging chip in them or whether they just drop the voltage down to 5v

 

[richie00boy]

They draw all the time but its very little. The better ones go into a sleep mode when not being used and take next to nothing.

I wouldn't have them though as the wires are usually cramped enough as it is without having the extra deep faceplate crushing them. But more because I think they are a fire risk and will only last a few years before they catastrophically fail.

 

[Kayos]

I've a few in my office, cheapest screwfix do

They are fantastic, less clutter and cables plus more sockets

The office ring is rcd and mcb protected, if one "blows" something will trip out to protect it but I had 2 for 12 months in the old house without issue, I will be fitting some in the kitchen next year

 

[wookie]

I'd like to know if they have a proper USB charging chip in them or whether they just drop the voltage down to 5v

My guess will be the latter.

Yep draw power all the time, but not much.

In that case I won't bother then, I've enough stuff that is always on, my base load is around 250watts.

 

[Shedendman]

I went for one of these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112128208682?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

Well handy for me esp on site etc can charge my phone and my inspection/work torch

 

[Barlidge]

Check the back box requirements, I fitted a couple and IIRC they need minimum 35mm depth, fine if you already have it or can cut a new one in but could mean a little making good decorating.

 

[barracuda816]

Bear in mind usb A is coming to the end of its life, we are now transitioning to USB C. Given a few years nothing will come with USB A anymore.

 

[Johnseat]

Had loads and they are gash in quality!!!
They don't last long before the port becomes baggy and requires some movement of the plug to start charging.
I won't have any more, moved back to a 3 pin USB socket and cable.

 

[Kayos]

Had loads and they are gash in quality!!!
They don't last long before the port becomes baggy and requires some movement of the plug to start charging.
I won't have any more, moved back to a 3 pin USB socket and cable.

Which ones?

I use LAP ones from screwfix, one was used everyday (had the lead in my van then plugged it in at night) and was fine after 12 months

 

[brightspark]

here's some info u need to know about them. facts http://www.focus-sb.co.uk/~focussb/blog/sockets-with-usb

 

[Johnseat]

Probably all the makes @Kayos, had loads over the past 18 months or so.
Started with the cheapest and worked my way up the price list.

 

[bump]

Doesn't matter about the transition to USB-C There will be cables about for years to run from A-C. i.e current Cisco gear still requires a 9pin D-sub to connect to it.

 

[skotl]

Wife fancies one of these, too. It's not an issue about them always being powered up as our chargers are are always left in the sockets anyway!

I'll read reviews to see what's best and also make sure the patress is deep enough

 

[bump]

Worth a read http://uk.megger.com/support/techni...2015/jun-jul/testing-usb-wall-mounted-sockets

 

[123hotchef]

report back skotl because i have been thinking about them for a while too so many chargers knocking about now the 4 sockets beside my bed are full,

they also do them with 4 usb ports

 

[daleyd]

I bought one of the cheap LAP ones from screwfix about 18 months ago and it's been fine. So much so that when we had our extension built at the beginning of the year and I was getting the electrical parts (I had a staff discount for work for electrical bits) I ordered 2 more, so now I have 3 in total (1 LAP and 2 Schneider flat plate type).

They've all been completely problem free, the Schneider ones come with an "extender" which can space it out from the back box if it's a bit tight for space. (As said above they can intrude into the back box more than a standard socket )

 

[garethp]

Wasn't there a big thing about never leaving phone chargers plugged in as they were/are a fire risk?
Aren't these just the same but with the psu buried in the socket - quiet often a stud wall full of bone dry timber?

I just think its a bit bizarre that one one hand all sorts of things are classed as a fire risk and we are told they should never be left running in an empty house, appliances should always be turned off and unplugged etc but its presumably ok to have a millions of these scattered through the country always connected and always using just a little bit of power generating just a little bit of heat.....

Or am i missing something?

 

[Crater Creator]

I fitted a few (4 x 2-gang sockets) about three years ago, and I still have a few in the box ready to fit, I think they're great.
I don't plug/unplug stuff daily, but it's nice to just have the charging port there on the sockets when you need it.