USB Charger Socket

Electrical appliances and outlets can be dangerous for anyone - but particular care needs to be taken when they are used around or by children. The question is, are the USB sockets / USB socket chargers safe for children? And what about the USB integrated sockets? Actions taken by concerned parents could increase the risk to their children if they do not research the actions they make properly. For instance, many parents may insert plastic socket covers which inadvertently cover inbuilt safety features and risk causing fires. ‘Child Safety Week’ is an event that aims to educate young people and their parents on the importance of electrical safety, and it took place from the 3rd to the 9th June this year. The manufacturing giant MK Electric was in attendance to focus on one aspect in particular: USB integrated sockets. In this article, Sparks will explain what they found out about USB socket related safety, taking notes from MK Electric and their research into the issue. The new tech-savvy generation and the dangers of overloading sockets Emma Segelov, the EMEA marketing operations for MK Electric has spoken extensively on the issue of children using gadgets safely. This is essential in times when young people are using technology more than ever. It is estimated that 93% of 15-year olds now own a smartphone, whilst 70% of UK children from the ages of 9-16 go online daily according to a study by LSE University. The average household has a plethora of battery-powered portable gadgets, ranging from phones to tablets to smartwatches. It is estimated that a single person could be charging 3 to 4 devices every single night! This is an extraordinary demand for power if we are looking at a household with four or more people, for instance. And each of these household devices will require a USB cable, meaning it will be a headache to find the right socket to charge them all. Emma explains that it is this surge in the popularity of handheld devices that has necessitated the rise in the number of USB wall sockets. She says: This increase in the number of mobile devices has driven a need for greater access to charging points and more flexible charging options. A great solution offers itself in the form of the integrated USB socket. Sparks have these useful devices in stock, including the brilliant Lisse double socket with USB charger. USB sockets that will offer both convenience and protectionThe USB integrated socket has emerged as a favoured option among many, as they feature both device agnostic USB ports and traditional 13A three-pin switch socket outlets. This means they offer a wider range of charging options depending on your cable. Electricians should be on the lookout for USB integrated sockets that feature handy technology called ‘Dynamic Device Recognition’ (DDR). This innovative software offers optimal charging which detects slight differences between smartphones and offers the precise level of power required. DDR technology has the added bonus of being eco-efficient for this reason; it won’t send too much power to a device that does not need it. This, of course, causes the problem of overloading, which we have discussed previously in this Sparks blog post. The risks of over-voltage will primarily affect your electrical equipment and should be noticeable immediately. These incidents are not to be taken lightly, but are unlikely to physically harm you or your children. However, you should encourage your children to take these following steps: Be aware of any burning smells, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing and crackling), fuses blowing or scorch marks on plugs and sockets. This is a sign of overloading. Never touch electrical equipment with wet hands. Never touch light switches that are cracked or show any signs of wear-and-tear. Don’t plug equipment into a socket which looks damaged or has its cover missing. More on how USB integrated sockets provide protection The USB integrated charger socket is designed to replicate the way in which the manufacturer’s charger would work. This prevents the risk of over or under-loading sockets, a phenomenon which is a common cause of house fires and damages to people and property. Another excellent way in which MK Electric sockets offers protection is with their shutter systems. With the standard 13A switch-socket outlet, there is a mandatory child-resistant shutter system. The shutter prevents the flow of electricity unless all three pins of a standard UK plug are firmly in position. This will drastically reduce the risk of accidents occurring to young children, who may not know the dangers of placing foreign (or fake) appliances into UK switch-socket outlets. Advantages to the Integrated USB wall sockets Convenience is a major benefit of having a USB wall socket. With the addition of USB sockets, regular sockets can be freed up and your electrical gadgets connected directly to the wall. This eliminates the need for copious amounts of adaptors and extension leads. Another advantage comes with potential energy savings. The USB outlets on most USB wall sockets automatically turn off when nothing is connected, which will save you money in cases when your kids leave their devices to charge all night! On our website we have an ever-increasing range of USB charger sockets and USB sockets from your favourite manufacturers such as Heritage Brass, Forbes and Lomax, Schneider, BG, MK, etc. Many cheaper USB adaptors do not do this and continue to draw small amounts of power even when they are not charging. It is of crucial importance that we ‘take charge’ when it comes to USB sockets, and do not allow children to fall under any risks. Integrated USB sockets offer a great way to streamline device charging by removing the need for adapters, and leaving the 13A, 3 pin power sockets free to use. You should look into purchasing one right away - especially if you have a large family!

As proof of how the electrical industry is moving on with the time and current up-to-date needs, more and more wiring devices manufacturers are now making "USB chargers" or "USB sockets". We all have one or two or even three devices such as Android phones, iPhones, iPads, Android tablets, or other smartphones, and these all need to be charged. I'm not sure who carries around the entire charger for the iPhone, the iPad, or the Nexus phone, but I know that many of us may have a USB cable with us - just in case! It's easy nowadays to charge our smartphones directly by plugging it into the PC or laptop (even though it takes longer to charge), but it is so much easier when you can charge your smart phone right from the wall socket! More and more switches and sockets manufacturers now provide a USB charger, that is, a USB socket with the regular 13A socket, and we were introducing some of the USB sockets from Heritage Brass here. Today we would like to introduce some of the newer USB sockets that we have on our website from some of the most popular manufacturers. USB Socket Charger by Forbes and Lomax The USB charger sockets from Forbes and Lomax come in all their finishes like stainless steel, painted plate, unlacquered brass, antique bronze, and invisible plate. They took this thing seriously, and they made some dedicated USB sockets - single or twin USB charger sockets (with or without a rocker switch) for wall mounting, offering 5V 1A charging capability for each socket. They are ideal for home office, study, bedside table, or anywhere at home or office where mobile devices are used, and come in all the beautiful finishes Forbes & Lomax is popular for. Schneider USB Sockets (USB socket charger) GET Schneider recently came out with a range of flat plate and white plastic twin 13A switched sockets with 2 x USB sockets. They combine the great looks of the Ultimate range with the flexibility of charging your smart phone via a wall socket, allowing you at the same time to use two switched UK plug sockets. The two USB sockets have a combined 2.1A 5V DC output, so if you plug-in only one device you get more "electric juice" but when you plug two, the total output is divided between the two. This makes it a very convenient (and frankly, quite affordable) wall socket with two USB chargers. BG Nexus Single / Twin USB Sockets BG Nexus has some of the most affordable and quite good-looking USB charger sockets in both a single and a twin version, with the added benefit that the single 13A socket comes with 2 x USB charger sockets! The twin USB charger sockets come with the rocker switches on the outside - a different design than the regular twin sockets, causing it to stand out and look quite stylish. The single or twin USB sockets by Nexus come in either metal plate (flat plate or raised plate) or white plastic plate, complementing the wide range of UK wall sockets and switches by this company. MK Electric USB Sockets We don't bring every USB socket that MK Electric makes, but we have a few in our offer. For those who love the high quality and standard set forth by MK and who want to match the MK Logic Plus switches and sockets they already have, it's worth taking a look at the MK twin 13A sockets with 2 x USB sockets. The design of these sockets is also unique: the rocker switches are inboard as usual, but the USB sockets are one under the other right under the switches. This is not a problem, since the USB cables are usually quite thin and long, and this design offers users easy access to power for charging their devices.

It's about time that Heritage Brass would get in on this, and so they did - there's now a brand new range of USB socket wiring accessories available in the popular flat plate, stepped plate, and raised plate ranges! More and more what is needed is not only a regular double socket in a polished chrome flat plate or a twin socket with a stepped plate finish but a USB socket (or two USB sockets if possible) on a 2 gang regular 13A socket plate. They are becoming commonly used and installed in both public places such as universities, schools, trains, train stations, restaurants, etc and in more domestic environments, and with the rising of the number of gadgets we buy, use, and own, we can't keep carrying the charger with us - a simple USB cable will do the trick! Heritage Brass USB Sockets - Engraved USB Socket The Heritage Brass USB Sockets (also called, Engraved USB Sockets) compliment the popular Elite Flat Plate, Elite Stepped Plate, and Victorian Elite (raised plate) ranges of sockets. They come in all the well-known finishes such as Polished Brass, Polished Chrome, Satin Chrome, Satin Brass, and Satin Nickel. Besides the 2 x 13A switched sockets (with white or black insert) on the plate there's a clear engraving: on the left it says TABLET and on the right it says PHONE. The TABLET USB socket is 2A rated and is ideal for any tablet battery charging (such as iPad, Samsung Tablet, Nexus, Sony tablets, etc). The PHONE USB socket is on the right and is 1A rated, being ideal for most smart phone charging (be it an iPhone or an Android phone). The clear engraving on the socket makes sure you won't mistake which USB socket to use when charging your Samsung Galaxy tab or iPad (for example) or your iPhone (or Samsung Galaxy S6 for that matter, with that fast charging). USB Socket in the Elite Flat Plate range The Heritage Brass Elite Flat Plate range is famous for its choice of luxurious finishes designed to complement all types of installations and interior designs, combining style with elegance in one of the most extensive ranges of high quality flat plate electrical wiring accessories available. The USB sockets in the Elite flat plate range come with White or Black plastic inserts and use a regular 35mm back box. These USB engraved sockets complement the Elite flat plate range, coming in all the regular brass, chrome, and nickel finishes. USB Sockets in Stepped Elite range The Heritage Brass Elite Stepped plate is an elegant range featuring full plates with an attractive stepped edge and contemporary square profile. They are ultra-slim and are preferred sometimes to the flat plate range. The Stepped Plate USB sockets use a 35mm back-box and come in all the popular finishes (polished / satin chrome, brass, and nickel), with a choice of black or white plastic inserts. They fully comply with the relevant standards. USB Sockets in the Victorian Elite raised plate range If you prefer neither the stepped plate nor the flat plate, the 8mm projection "raised plate" in the Victorian Elite will definitely catch your attention. This is a most attractive range of plain raised plate wiring accessories designed by M-Marcus to complement the popular Elite Flat Plate ranges. The USB sockets in the Victorian Elite range feature a choice of elegant finishes like the polished brass, polished chrome, satin chrome, and satin nickel, and they can be used with 25mm shallow back boxes. Where can you find the Heritage Brass USB Sockets? Just search for Heritage USB or simply USB sockets on our website and you will be presented with a wide choice of flat plate, raised plate, or stepped plate USB engraved sockets from M-Marcus.

As adults, we are used to the general advice regarding using electricity and electrical devices, but with children, it is not the same; all parents need to know the advice and rules regarding how to keep their children safe from electricity. We were reading these simple rules and instructions via, Electrical Safety First, the other day, and we thought our customers and visitors would benefit if we would post them on our website also. Advice for Parents: Why and How to Keep Children Safe from ElectricityOnce a child arrives in a family, many preparations need to be made. Baby-proofing the house is absolutely necessary, and in the same way, keeping our children safe from electricity is vitally necessary also. Yes, it is a stressful time for parents in preparation for the arrival of a first child, but the matter of keeping children safe from electricity cannot be ignored. Many parents carry out electrical DIY in the home as part of preparing for the child's arrival or in monitoring and taking care of the little ones. However, without the necessary safety precautions, as children grow they can be exposed to all kinds of hazards. It is good to know what constitutes a hazard and what is a risk, especially with children, and it is important to keep children safe from electricity. You don't want your precious child to be brought in to the hospital with electrical burns or to suffer as a result of interacting with electricity. The fact is that we as adults have a certain knowledge and awareness of the danger of electricity and our interaction with it, but the children have no idea about this; rather, they are quite curious and touch things, put things in their mouths, and need to be told what is safe and what is not safe. And this needs to happen again and again, as all parents know.How to Keep Children Safe around Electricity - Simple GuideNow that we know why we need to keep children safe around electricity, let us look at some of the simple rules related to how can we keep them safe at home and in the garden when it comes to electricity and electrical devices and accessories.Buy Forbes and Lomax USB sockets Here is a simple guide on how to keep children safe around electricity. 1. Keep the electrical cords and leads for electrical appliances away from the children, out of their reach. Especially the cords connected to hot items such as kettles, irons, hair straighteners, hairdryers, etc need to be away from their reach. Children tend to take things and play with them, and often things end up in their mouths. We need to keep away any cords and leads from the children. Even the charging cable for our phone, our laptop, or our camera or tablet - has to be put safely away, not let loose and visible, and when not in use, it has to be turned off. 2. Do not leave appliances or chargers cord plugged in when not in use. We are so used to leaving the phone charging cable lying there after we disconnect the phone, and we may leave the laptop cable also lying there. This is a hazard not only to the children but also to us, for it is easy to tangle them, step on them, pull them accidentally, and in the case of children, put them in their mouth. 3. Do not leave appliances running during the night or when you are out. Appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers need to be turned off and even unplugged during the night and when we are out. If we don't have an RCD in our fusebox, it is recommended to use a plug-in RCD for these items. When we don't use appliances, we should turn them off.4. Water and Electricity cannot mix!After taking a shower or a bath, children need to be thoroughly dried before they go playing, especially when they may play near electrical things such as games consoles, etc. Parents need to be aware of this. Water and electricity can be deadly. After the children play in the paddling pool, they need to be dried up before they go into the house where there are plugs, sockets, and switches. 5. Keep liquids away from electrical devices. Though it is so convenient to take our tea, water, or any other beverage with us when we sit at home, we need to be aware that water and electricity can be deadly. We need to keep away drinks from things such as TVs, DVD players, stereos, speakers, computers, laptops, tablets, games consoles, and anything else electrical. This is a rule not just for the little ones but also for adults. 6. Use RCD protection for sockets and electrical appliances. Do not rely on socket blanking plugs to keep your children safe. Regular socket outlets in the UK are generally safe, and socket covers will not prevent electric shock if the installation is not safe. The only way to be safe from a fatal electric shock and reduce the risk of fire is RCD protection either in the fusebox (the consumer unit) or as a plug-in.7. Beware of potential electrical hazards in the garden. Electrical items such as lawnmowers and hedge trimmers are dangerous for us and for children, so children need to be at a safe distance. Also, it is possible that such electrical tools would cut through their own electric cables, causing the risk of electric shock. Parents need to be vigilant at all times, especially when young children are nearby. When working with electrical equipment in the garden, it is recommended to use RCD protection. Buy RCD-protected sockets at SparksWhat about Socket Blanking Plugs? Many first-time parents rush to baby-proof the house by buying and installing socket blanking plugs. However, though this is a good precaution to take, we need to realize that in the UK normal household sockets are not considered as a serious risk to children. They have built-in safety shutters to prevent access to the live parts inside. If you want additional peace of mind, it is understandable if you want to use such blanking plugs for the sockets - it is your choice. Either way, whether you have such plugs or not, you need to let the children know not to touch the socket, and you need to be vigilant when they are playing around a socket, making sure the safety switches are off. ConclusionThe full guide from Electrical Safety First regarding, Parents - keep your children safe from electricity - can be found on their website. On our website we offer a wide range of Consumer Units (see the Hager domestic fuseboxes) and RCD protection for home and commercial use. Furthermore, the sockets on our website are very safe and can be safely installed at home by using a registered electrician. For any further information regarding the safety of our electrical products, do not hesitate to contact us.