Power Sockets with USB ports ?

[Evans Electric]

I learn today that  the  USB ports  only supply half the indicated current  when both  ports are in use  .  

Two  types I looked at were  a Denman's cheapo brand @  £8.00   ea    and the MK   @  £18.00+   .   Both  were the same regarding  output with both in use.  

Is this the norm I ask  ?   

I have one  at home  which struggles to  charge  the wife's  Fire Tablet thing   while it seems happy to charge my phone.  

 

[Andy™]

fairly normal. they have 1 power supply shared between ports, so if both are in use then you only get half the power

 

[Blue Duck]

If you look at screwies they have some boasting larger outputs but I don't trust the Chinese tat.

I have BG ones at home, they are okay for stuff you arent in a hurry for but you can't beat an apple or samsung fast charger. 

 

[Evans Electric]

Customer wants to free up the two outlets in a bedside  socket  by fitting one of these . 

 

[Sharpend]

I purchased said item from screwies and have had no problems charging phone or tablet. 

 

[Doc Hudson]

As far as I understand the vast majority of multiple outlet USB chargers, be they plug in adapters or built into socket outlets, generally quote the maximum power for all USB's in simultaneous use. I have an old 4 port plug in charger that clearly states 2A using 1USB, 1A each using 2USB's, 0.66Aeach using 3USB's, 0.5A using 4USB's.  I have always thought this was the standard way of quoting USB charge outputs. MK documentation clearly combined 2.0A across both USB's.  http://www.free-instruction-manuals.com/pdf/pa_1230028.pdf

Doc H.

 

[phil d]

I bought a couple from B&Q last year,they were on offer @2 for 15 quid, however the one in the bedroom seems to have failed. The one downstairs charges my phone in about 2 hours, the one in the bedroom, takes a lot longer, I put the phone on charge the other night at about 11 pm, it had around 20% left on the battery. the following morning it was only showing 75%! not very clever.

 

[OnOff]

Got a couple of MK ones myself. Interesting article I think I've posted before:

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/electrical-professionals/product-safety-unit/usb-socket-outlets/&ved=0ahUKEwjVj5a8_JXWAhWFKFAKHQX8DFIQFggdMAA&usg=AFQjCNFVOZUJEktkGeMLBFczFaIaKM220A

 

[Murdoch]

Got a couple of MK ones myself. Interesting article I think I've posted before:

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/electrical-professionals/product-safety-unit/usb-socket-outlets/&ved=0ahUKEwjVj5a8_JXWAhWFKFAKHQX8DFIQFggdMAA&usg=AFQjCNFVOZUJEktkGeMLBFczFaIaKM220A

Interesting stuff in that document. Wonder if they will be updating it?

I will continue to recommend that clients don't have them, and use adaptors from reputable sources which can be unplugged.

 

[Sidewinder]

That article is from a spring 2014 magazine.

BS1363-2, "13 A plugs, socket-outlets, adaptors and connection units Part 2: Specification for 13 A switched and unswitched socket-outlets" has 2016 been updated.

This standard now includes a specific normative, that is compulsory appendix which I think addresses all of the issues in that article.

Therefore, such socket outlets containing USB devices are now fully controlled by the safety requirements of BS1363 & further more, this extends to the electronic sections, creepage distances, insulation ratings, over-current protection etc.

There is also a paragraph in Part 1 scope, that I had not noticed in the past!...

 

[Lurch]

Is this the norm I ask  ?   

Yes and no. It's not necessarily half each, some have a total load per all outlets, some have a standard and high power socket, or other combinations thereof. I think 'the norm' depends largely on where you are and what the local suppliers have. I struggle getting certain brands or items in particular towns and/or get lots of 'no mate, we don't have any call for that here'.

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/electrical-professionals/product-safety-unit/usb-socket-outlets/&ved=0ahUKEwjVj5a8_JXWAhWFKFAKHQX8DFIQFggdMAA&usg=AFQjCNFVOZUJEktkGeMLBFczFaIaKM220A

Bit excessive, but you knew that already I'm sure.

http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/electrical-professionals/product-safety-unit/usb-socket-outlets/