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Choosing a USB socket
These days it seems we have more devices than ever which need charging via USB. A quick poll around the Electric World office and we came up with the following; phones and tablets, Mini-drone, reading light, remote control car, portable speaker, Garmin watch, desk fan, back up battery pack and wireless headphones. All these devices share one thing in common, they are charged via a standard Type-A or the smaller Type-C USB cable.
The problem of course, is where to plug in and charge all of these devices, especially as it’s becoming more common place for these items to be now shipped without a USB Plug adaptor. Thankfully we now offer the latest in USB Single and Double Sockets, which means that in addition to your 1 Gang or 2 Gang socket you now have the option of up to 4 USB charging ports.
These are great space saving products, as you can charge your phone and other devices, without disturbing other electronics, such as table lights and appliances already plugged into your sockets.
Not all USB Sockets are created equal however, so it’s important to understand the difference before you buy. When the first USB sockets were launched they generally incorporated a 1 x 1A and 1 x 2A charger, with a total capability of 2.1A, suitable just about for an iphone and a tablet.
As technology has improved, you will now see sockets delivering 3.1A, across 2 ports such as BG 822U3, and even up to 4.2A shared across 4 ports, such as the BG NBS24U44G. It is important to note that each socket has a maximum output, so the ports will share the charge accordingly.
The speed of charging will also generally depend on the battery capacity of the device, so a device with a battery capacity of 1500mAh will not charge any faster with a 3.1A charger, than it would with a 2.1A charger. As a rough guide, a phone takes around 1A, whilst a tablet will require 2A.
USB sockets are not just limited to the standard white plastic ranges. We now offer USB charging sockets in virtually all of our decorative ranges, such as the exciting new screwless Hamilton G2 range, with 11 stocked finishes.
These sockets offer an industry leading USB charging capability of 2 x 2.4V in either USB-A or combined with a USB-C port. With the choice of colours and styles available these great products will not look out of place in the kitchen, lounge, bedroom or home office.
Finally, it’s well worth noting that USB charging ports are not just limited to Sockets. Astro Lighting have a fantastic range of bedside reading lights which include USB Type A charging ports. You'll find the range available at Lightbulb World with several finishes available to match to your sockets. It's never been easier to make that chic hotel look a reality.
