USB Electrical Outlets: A Complete Buyers Guide
USB electrical outlets are not just gaining popularity, they are commonplace today. From homes to hotels to airports, many outlets these days feature both traditional sockets and USB ports to provide easy access to charging for modern electronics. If you’re new to purchasing USB outlets for your home or trying to determine the best solution for your needs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about the options. There are different types of USB outlets, varying levels of quality, features to consider, and more.
What is a USB Outlet?
A USB outlet is a standard electrical outlet that also includes USB Type A or C ports in addition to the two typical outlets. USB outlets don’t require special installation and can easily replace an existing outlet to provide additional charging space and eliminate the need for bulky adapters.
USB Type-A vs. USB Type-C
There are two USB types, A and C, and there are many differences between the two, including their look, functionality and capabilities. When determining which one to choose, the biggest factors are the type of device that needs to be charged and the charging speed.
- Rectangular and asymmetrical
- Must be inserted in one orientation (no reversible design)
- Common in older devices for connecting peripherals (keyboards, mice, flash drives)
- Smaller, oval-shaped, and symmetrical
- Reversible plug, meaning it can be inserted in either orientation
- Slim design, ideal for modern devices like smartphones, laptops and tablets
USB Type-C is considered the new standard for device charging, and there are even mandates in place to ensure manufacturers adopt type-C as the default connector for future devices. Plus, USB Type-C outlets have the capacity to feature Power Delivery (PD), a fast-charging technology that delivers even more power to charge devices safely and efficiently. Looking to the future, Type-C outlets are going to be more relevant, adaptable and compatible with commonly used devices.
Understand USB Wattage
Wattage in a USB outlet refers to the amount of power the outlet can deliver to a connected device, and the higher the wattage the faster the charging speed. Today’s modern USB Type-C outlets can support all types of electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops.
Small laptops like Chromebooks and ultra-light notebooks can be charged efficiently with 30W to 60W USB Type-C outlets. However, if your outlet supports fast charging or requires more power (think mid-size laptops like a 13-in MacBook Pro) a 65W USB Outlet will deliver the most efficient charging speeds.
How to Determine the Best Quality USB Wall Outlets
Shopping for quality USB outlets can be overwhelming – there are tons of options, price variations, brands and USB types to consider. It’s best to do some research to determine the ideal option for your specific needs while understanding general safety features to keep an eye out for when shopping.
Power Delivery
Power Delivery is a technology standard that supports faster charging between outlets and devices. To get the most out of Power Delivery, both the USB outlet and the charging device needs to be PD-enabled. With Power Delivery, devices can negotiate how much power they need, resulting in faster and safer charging.
Overcurrent Protection
Overcurrent protection safeguards devices from excessive current to help avoid damage, overheating, fire and failure. Multilayered overcurrent protection detects and interrupts overcurrent conditions at various points in the system for enhanced safety.
Tamper Resistant Shutters
Tamper-resistant shutters protect against the insertion of foreign objects into outlets and are required by National Electrical Code in new home builds and renovations.
Charging Status Indicator Light
For ease of use and convenience, charging status indicator lights make it easy to see when a device has been fully charged.
Looking for more information about USB outlets? Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions and answers.
Is it worth getting an outlet with USBs?
An outlet with built-in USBs can be worth it because it provides two ports for charging devices without requiring an adapter. Outlets with USB Type-C outlets specifically can charge devices faster. The additional USB ports also offer more space to power devices and fixtures in high use areas like kitchens, bedrooms, offices and living rooms.
Can you replace a normal outlet with one that has USBs?
Yes, you can easily replace an existing outlet with a USB outlet. While it can be a simple DIY update, it requires specific steps to ensure the safety of the installer. If you’re unfamiliar with electrical wiring in your home, it’s best to have a professional do the work.
Can you put a USB outlet on a GFCI circuit?
Yes, you can put a combination USB/GFCI outlet on a GFCI circuit to provide necessary protection in areas where you want additional charging capacity. A GFCI USB outlet allows you to add convenient USB ports to areas that require a GFCI, like the kitchen or outdoor spaces.
