USB Sockets

A USB socket is a standard UK 13A wall socket with one or more USB charging ports built into the faceplate. It fits the same back box as the socket it replaces, so phones, tablets and headphones charge straight from the wall without a separate plug-in adapter. The 13A outlets stay where they are, so the kettle, the lamp or the vacuum still plugs in as normal.USB charging is a technology that keeps moving. Connectors change, power ratings climb, and the sockets on sale this year are not the ones on sale two years ago. This guide sticks to the principles that hold true as the range changes: the difference between USB-A and USB-C, what the power figures mean, why two devices charge more slowly than one, and which rooms benefit most.This is general guidance. For anything beyond a like for like socket swap, your electrician will advise on what suits your installation.In this guide What a USB socket is and how it works USB-A versus USB-C The three port options Power ratings and what the watts mean Shared power, and why two ports charge slower Room by room Single and double sockets Brands and finishes Fitting and the regulations Frequently asked questions What a USB socket is and how it worksBehind the faceplate sits a small power supply. It takes the 230V mains feed coming into the back box, converts it down to the low voltage a USB device expects, and delivers it through the port. That is the same job a plug-in charger does, built into the wall instead.The USB ports and the 13A outlets run independently. Charging two phones does not reduce what the 13A outlets can deliver, and a vacuum cleaner running off the socket does not slow the phones down. Power is shared between the USB ports themselves, though, which is covered further down.Because there are electronics inside, a USB socket needs more depth behind the plate than a plain one. The depth requirement is on each product page, and it is worth checking against your existing back box before ordering.USB-A versus USB-CUSB-A is the wide flat rectangle that only goes in one way up, the standard end of a charging cable for many years. USB-C is the smaller oval that goes in either way round, and it is what most new phones, tablets and laptops now ship with.USB-AUSB-CConnector shapeWide flat rectangleSmall rounded ovalGoes in either way upNo, one orientation onlyYesDevices that use itOlder phones and tablets, e-readers, games controllers, desk accessories, many headphonesCurrent phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, handheld consolesTypical cableThe adapter end of older charging leadsBoth ends of most leads supplied with recent devicesTypical powerLower, suited to steady chargingHigher on most sockets, suited to faster charging and larger devicesThe practical point is simple. Newer devices mostly use USB-C. Older devices mostly do not, and many households have a mix of both. The cable you already own decides which port you can use without buying anything new.Buy USB Plug SocketsThe three port optionsUSB sockets come in three port configurations.USB-A only. The original type. It suits older devices and anything that still charges from a USB-A lead, such as many e-readers and headphones.USB-A plus USB-C. One port of each. This covers a mixed household where one person is on a new phone and another is still charging an older tablet, and it is the most widely available configuration.Dual USB-C. Two USB-C ports and no USB-A. This suits a home where every device has already moved to USB-C.Power ratings and what the watts meanWattage is the headline figure on a USB socket. It tells you how much power the socket can supply. A higher figure lets a device that is designed for it charge faster. You will typically see ratings in these bands.Rating bandTypical portsWhat it suitsAround 10W to 15W2 x USB-AOvernight charging, headphones, e-readers, speakersAround 20W to 30WUSB-A plus USB-CPhones and most tablets at a comfortable speed45W and aboveUSB-C, often with a USB-A port alongsideLarger tablets, laptops, home offices and busy kitchensA phone charging overnight does not need a high rating, because it has eight hours. The higher ratings earn their place on the quick top-up, the tablet you want ready before you go out, and the laptop that would otherwise tie up a 13A outlet.Will a high-wattage USB-C socket harm an older device?This question comes up often, and it is a sensible thing to ask. A USB-C socket does not push its full rating into whatever is plugged in. The socket and the device agree a power level between them, and the socket supplies only what the device asks for. An older phone on a 45W port charges at its own, slower rate.What matters more for older devices is the connection. Most older devices charge from USB-A, so a socket with a USB-A port lets them use the cable they came with. If you use an adapter cable to connect an older device to a USB-C port, use a good-quality cable from a reputable brand. Cheap, unbranded cables and adapters are the more common cause of charging problems.Shared power, and why the headline figure is not per portThis is the detail that catches most people out, and it explains most complaints about slow charging.The wattage in the product title is usually the maximum one port can deliver when it is used on its own. When both USB ports are in use at the same time, the socket pides its output between them, and each port drops to a lower figure. On some 45W sockets, for example, the USB-C port falls to around 15W as soon as a second device is plugged into the other port.The exact split varies by model, so check the product's specification sheet if charging speed with two devices matters to you.Why is my USB socket charging slowly?Most often, something else is plugged into the other USB port. Unplug it and the remaining device gets its full rating back. The socket is not faulty, the power is simply being pided.A common myth is that voltage is pided between devices. It is not. The socket adjusts its voltage to suit what is connected. What gets shared is power, measured in watts.A few other causes are worth checking. An old or damaged cable limits charging whatever the socket supplies, a device only charges at its own maximum input rate, and a phone charging while in use takes longer.Room by roomBedrooms. The bedside is where most people charge their phone, usually overnight. Many of us end up leaving the charger plugged in somewhere else in the house and hunting for it at bedtime. A USB socket by the bed solves that for good. Charging happens slowly overnight, so a lower rating is fine here. Where there is only a single socket beside the bed, a single gang 13A socket with two USB ports gives you two charging points without losing the outlet for a lamp or alarm clock. If a partner or teenager still uses an older device, a socket with a USB-A port saves buying new cables.Living rooms. A mid-range rating suits the sofa-side socket, where phones and tablets get topped up during the evening.Kitchens. The kitchen socket is the busiest in the house, and the one most likely to have a tablet propped up with a recipe while a phone charges alongside. A higher rating helps when both ports are in use.Home offices. Higher-rated USB-C sockets are the ones that can charge some laptops, freeing a 13A outlet for a monitor or printer. Check your laptop's charging requirement against the socket's rating.Landings, hallways and spare rooms. Lower ratings do the job. Charging here is occasional or in the background.Single and double socketsMost USB sockets are 2 gang units, so you keep both 13A outlets. The USB ports are added to the plate, not put in place of a socket. Single gang 13A sockets with two USB ports are also available, for replacing a single socket without losing the outlet, which is useful beside a bed, on a landing or in a narrow alcove.Single & Double USB SocketsBrands and finishesUSB sockets come in the same finishes as the rest of the switches and sockets range, so they match the plates already in the room.Two ranges stand out for consistency, with USB-A plus USB-C sockets that have stayed in their collections over time:Forbes & Lomax, with USB sockets in finishes including brushed brass, matte brass, antique bronze, nickel silver, stainless steel and their Invisible paintable plate.Heritage Brass, with USB sockets across their flat, stepped, raised and screwless ranges, in both single and double gang, including dual USB-C versions.You can also browse the full range by plate style:Flat plate USB sockets, the low-profile option that sits close to the wall.Raised plate USB sockets, the traditional profile with a defined edge.Screwless metal USB sockets, fixings hidden behind a clip-on plate.Stepped plate metal USB sockets, a shallower step for a softer edge against the wall.White plastic USB sockets, the practical everyday option.Transparent plastic USB sockets, for a lighter look where a solid plate would break up a wall.Fitting and the regulationsA USB socket fits the same back box as the socket it replaces and connects the same way, but it is not quite a plain swap. There are active electronics behind the plate, and the extra depth means the cables need room to sit properly.Replacing a socket like-for-like is not notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations in England. What is notifiable is a new circuit, a consumer unit replacement, and any work in a room containing a bath or shower. Wales and Scotland apply their own rules.For anything other than a straightforward like-for-like swap on an existing circuit, use a registered electrician. They will confirm the socket suits your circuit and back box, and you get the certificate with the work.Frequently asked questionsAre USB sockets safe? Yes. USB sockets sold for the UK market are manufactured to BS 1363-2:2016+A1:2018, the same British Standard that covers conventional 13A sockets. The charging circuit is built into the faceplate by the manufacturer and tested as a complete unit, a more controlled arrangement than a cheap plug-in adapter of unknown origin. If you have young children at home, our guide on whether USB socket chargers are safe for children covers that question in detail.Are USB sockets worth it? For most households, yes. You stop losing the adapter, you free up the 13A outlets for appliances, and you tidy the cable run beside a bed or a worktop.Do USB sockets need extra wiring? No. A USB socket takes the same supply as the socket it replaces and fits the same back box. There is no separate supply and no additional cable to run. The main practical point is depth behind the plate.Will a USB-C socket damage my older phone? No. The socket supplies only the power the device asks for, so an older device charges at its own rate. Most older devices use USB-A leads, so a socket with a USB-A port is the simplest option if you want to keep using the cables you have.Why is my USB socket charging slowly? Usually because both USB ports are in use and the power is being shared. Unplug the second device and the first speeds back up. Otherwise, check the cable and the input rate the device accepts.Can I fit a USB socket myself? A like-for-like replacement of an existing socket is not notifiable under Part P in England. These are not plain sockets, though, with electronics and extra depth behind the plate. If there is any doubt, have a registered electrician fit it.Browse the rangeThe full USB sockets range can be filtered by finish and plate style. Match the finish to the rest of the room and check the depth against your back box. If you are planning a whole house or are unsure what your installation needs, speak to your electrician, and our team is happy to help with finishes and availability.

According to this article the Brits are among the most enthusiastic smartphone and tablet customers in Europe, and there's an average of 18 devices per household (such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs). If we were focusing only on the smartphones, tablets, and laptops, a British household owns 7.4 internet devices (as per the Guardian), and four out of 10 households purchased a tablet last year, and probably even more this year. In 2013 there were six internet-connected devices, in 2015 more than 7, and in 2016 probably even more. And out of all the smartphones and tablets and other internet-connected devices, in 2016 in Great Britain, 71% of people used a mobile or a smartphone to access the internet, compared to 62% using a laptop, 52% using a tablet, and 40% using a desktop PC. Three out of 4 adults access the internet on the go, on a mobile phone or a smartphone, and all these smartphones, cameras, and tablets need to be charged (see official stats here). There are power packs for charging the battery, power chargers, "battery bricks" that people carry with them, but at the end of the day you come home and you have to plug your devices into the wall socket to charge them. Many times the wall charger socket is congested with an extension cord or a triple socket adaptor, and each socket has a charger in it. This is a modern world, and this is a modern problem. But there is a way to simply declutter the wall socket and make sure you charge your devices at the same time: by changing your twin socket to a socket with USB charger! Replace your Twin Socket with a Socket with USB Chargers We recommend you use a registered electrician to replace the wall socket with a twin USB charger socket, but the process should not be that difficult. All you have to do is closely follow the instructions provided with the USB twin sockets you purchase, and the installation is easy and simple. Why have a cluttered and always packed twin wall socket when you can declutter it and make sure all you need is the USB charger? Here are some features, benefits, and advantages of the wall USB sockets: The USB sockets can replace the existing sockets like-for-like, and finish-for-finish. They come in white plastic, flat plate, metal clad, and even screwless plate. Add the extra advantage of charging your iPhone, Android phone, iPad, Android tablet, or photo camera directly from the wall socket - with only the USB cable. Smart USB charging: when not in use, the USB socket is in standby mode, and when you insert the USB cable and plug into the device, the USB socket adjusts the charging pattern to suit it. Overload protection: the USB socket makes sure your device is not overloaded. Twin socket: you retain the twin 13A plug socket, and you get the benefits of two added USB charger sockets. Type of USB charger sockets available include: floor USB sockets, single / twin plastic USB sockets, flat plate USB single / twin sockets, under cabinet power station with sockets, extension lead with sockets, grid USB modules, etc - from manufacturers such as Heritage Brass, Schneider, BG Nexus, MK, and Forbes and Lomax.USB Charger Sockets at Sparks Can a USB socket be a good stocking filler this Christmas? This is a good question. Think about it: if your home or office has a few of these wall sockets packed with chargers, then it's time to replace the twin socket with one with USB chargers. The number of smartphone, cameras, and tablets will not decrease - that's for sure, and both the USB sockets and the devices themselves are becoming smarter, to the point that chargers may not be needed but a wall socket with smart USB charger will suffice. Do you want to carry that charger with you all the time? It's time to replace the wall socket with one with USB charger sockets. Are you looking for a Deal for USB Sockets? For a limited time, at Sparks we have a few twin USB sockets on SALE. Here are some of them: BG Nexus 922U Square Edge White 2 Gang 13A Switched Socket with 2 x USB ports - as low as £6.99 + VAT BG Nexus 822U Rounded Edge white 2 Gang 13A Switched Socket with 2 x USB ports - as low as £9.99 + VAT BG Nexus NBS22U Brushed Steel Flat Plate Twin 13A Socket with 2 x USB Ports - as low as £14.99 + VAT BG Nexus FBS22U Screwless Brushed Steel Flat Plate Twin Socket with 2 x USB Ports - as low as £15.99 + VATBuy BG USB Sockets at SparksNote: please check the prices on our website via the links provided, they may differ from the ones listed in this article.

It's about time that Heritage Brass got 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) complement 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 smartphone 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.Elite Flat Plate USB Sockets USB Sockets in the 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 sometimes preferred 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.Elite Stepped Plate USB Sockets 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.Victorian Elite USB Sockets 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.

Walk through any modern home, and you will notice a common problem: too many chargers and not enough sockets.Phones, tablets, wireless headphones, smart watches, cameras, portable speakers, and even laptops now rely on USB charging. The result is often a cluster of plug-in adapters, extension leads, and charging bricks occupying every available wall socket.One of the easiest ways to modernise your electrical installation is by upgrading standard wall outlets to USB charging sockets. These sockets combine traditional 13-amp plug outlets with integrated USB ports, allowing devices to charge directly from the wall using only a cable.At Sparks Direct, you can find a wide selection of USB sockets in plastic, metal, flat plate, and screwless designs, making them easy to match with almost any existing wiring accessories.The Shift Toward Built-In ChargingOver the last decade, the number of USB-powered devices in homes has increased dramatically. Charging adapters were once necessary for every device, but integrated charging points are becoming the preferred solution.A modern USB socket allows you to charge devices directly from the wall without needing a plug-in charger, helping to reduce clutter and free up plug sockets for appliances.Many new sockets even include USB-A and USB-C charging ports, providing compatibility with both older and newer devices.For example, some modern USB sockets offer fast-charging USB-C outputs capable of delivering up to 45W of power, supporting technologies such as Power Delivery and Quick Charge.This means faster charging for phones, tablets, and other portable electronics.Buy USB Charging SocketsSmart Charging Built Into the WallOne of the advantages of modern USB sockets is their intelligent charging capability.Unlike basic USB adapters, integrated charging sockets can detect the connected device and automatically adjust the power output to deliver the correct voltage and current.This provides several benefits:Faster charging speedsProtection against overchargingImproved efficiencyReduced wear on device batteriesMany models also include standby modes that reduce power draw when no device is connected.Reduce Charger Clutter in Every RoomMost households accumulate dozens of charging adapters over time. These adapters take up space, create cable clutter, and often get misplaced.USB wall sockets help simplify charging setups by eliminating the need for multiple adapters.Instead of this:Plug socket ? charger adapter ? USB cable ? deviceYou simply use:USB socket ? USB cable ? deviceThis small change can dramatically improve how tidy and functional your power outlets are.Ideal Locations for USB SocketsUSB sockets can be installed anywhere a standard socket would normally be used. However, they are especially useful in areas where devices are frequently charged.Bedrooms: Perfect for bedside charging of phones, smart watches, and tablets.Kitchens: Ideal for charging phones or powering tablets used for recipes and streaming.Home Offices: Great for charging headphones, cameras, power banks, and portable electronics.Living Rooms: Useful for charging gaming controllers, phones, and smart home devices.Because most USB sockets retain two standard 13A plug outlets, you still have full power access for appliances while charging devices simultaneously.Modern Designs to Match Any InteriorUSB sockets are available in a wide range of finishes and styles, so they can blend seamlessly with existing electrical accessories.Common options include:White moulded USB socketsFlat plate metal USB socketsScrewless decorative plate socketsRaised Plate USB charging socketsInvisible plate sockets that blend into the wallStepped Plate USB socket outletsThis makes them suitable for both traditional and contemporary interiors.Easy Replacement of Standard SocketsOne of the reasons USB sockets have become such a popular upgrade is how easy they are to install.Many models are designed to replace existing double sockets like-for-like, fitting standard UK back boxes.A qualified electrician can usually install them quickly, making this one of the simplest ways to modernise a room without major electrical work.A Future-Ready Home UpgradeThe number of USB-powered devices in homes will only continue to increase. From phones and tablets to smart home devices and portable electronics, USB charging has become the universal standard.By upgrading to USB wall sockets, homeowners can create a cleaner, more efficient charging setup while keeping traditional plug outlets available for everyday appliances.If you are renovating a room, upgrading your sockets, or simply looking to make charging easier around the home, USB sockets are one of the most practical electrical upgrades available today.At Sparks Direct, you can explore a wide range of USB sockets in different finishes and charging capabilities to suit any home or office installation.Wall USB socket outlets at Sparks