Are USB Outlets Safe?
Wall outlets with USB ports are increasingly common in today’s homes. You often see them in public places like airports and coffee shops. You may even have them in your house. How safe are these outlets, and should you have any concerns about using them? Here are the advantages and disadvantages of these outlets.
What Is a USB Outlet?
A USB outlet works just like a regular outlet, but you plug your device’s charger directly into the port. You don’t need an adapter. There are three types of USB chargers, and most devices use one of the three. The different types refer to the shape of the plug.
Type A: This is the large, rectangular plug you’ll find on your computer peripherals, including your mouse and keyboard. It’s also the standard plug used in Android phones and tablets. All Type A plugs and sockets are compatible with each other.
Type B: The long, slender plug on this type is usually found on the end of a USB cable. The mini-USB and micro-USB are variations of Type B plugs.
Type C: Introduced in 2015, this style is increasingly common. Unlike other USB chargers, it is reversible. It’s universal, and it can work in place of your micro-and mini-USB chargers.
Safety of USB Outlets
USB outlets are safe. Some people are concerned about the effect of high voltage on their phones and other devices. When traveling through a USB port, however, the power drops to 2.4 amps for each USB port and a combined 4.8 points for an outlet with two USB ports. Some outlets are designed to deliver even lower amps of power. The outlets convert the voltage into the standard 5 volts that most devices use.
Coding Concerns
To be sure you’re using a charging outlet safely, choose one that is compliant with the National Electrical Code (NEC). Careful installation is also important. Always call a licensed electrician to install outlets.
Avoid Substandard Outlets
If you install these outlets in your home or business, don’t try to save money using substandard ones. Choose outlets made by trusted manufacturers. Independent studies have found that cheap, substandard outlets often lack safety features and are not NEC compliant.
Outlets with USB Ports?
We don’t need them, but they make life much easier. With all the devices, games, and tablets we use every day, having USB ports right in your electrical outlet is convenient. It’s much faster and easier than hunting for an adapter every time you need a charge.
They also make it easy to hook up several devices or drives at a time. You can install an 8-port hub and attach four external drives and other peripherals to it. This allows for a fast, easy transition of data between devices and computers.
Examples of USB Outlets
Here are some charging outlets you can find at your local hardware store or from your electrical contractor. If you’re interested in these outlets, talk to SESCOS about fast, safe installation.
30-watt USB-C port: This is an outlet specifically designed for devices with USB-C chargers. Its wattage is enough to charge phones, tablets, and small laptops. The Leviton T5635 is the only outlet with two USB-C ports at this wattage. This outlet can also split the power between the two ports. It is a good replacement for an outlet where you currently have a 15-amp outlet.
20-amp USB-C port: Like a 30-watt port but with more power, this is the outlet you need if you want to charge power tools, heaters, desktop computers, and other medium-sized appliances. It delivers 20 amps of power and is a good replacement for a regular 20-amp outlet. The Leviton T5835 is a similar model.
USB-A and USB-C ports: An outlet with mixed ports is useful, especially if you have an older phone that still needs the USB-A style of charger. These outlets are lower-powered and slightly slower than the new USB-C chargers, but they are good for small devices. One good example is the Topgreener TU21558AC. Leviton also makes a mixed-port USB outlet, the Leviton T5633. These are affordable outlets that can replace your current 12-watt or 15-watt chargers.
Call SESCOS
If you need new outlets in your home or business, call SESCOS. We can help you get the outlets you need and install them safely. Contact us for all your electrical needs.