Everything you need to Know about Sockets with USB Chargers
It is becoming more and more common to replace a regular twin socket with a twin socket with USB chargers, and many customers have questions regarding what kind of sockets they need. Now that the USB charging technology is more advanced and many of the electronic devices we have can be charged not just with their original charger, it is probably time for us to consider switching to a USB charger socket. But the question is, which USB charger socket do we need? There are so many out there, there are many standards, and which one is the one we need? This is a quick guide to what you need to know about sockets with USB chargers so far, up to September 2024. We never know what the future holds, for technology advances at speeds we never dream of, but so far, this is what you need to know about USB charger sockets:USB-A and USB-C - Types of USB Charger SocketsThe Wattage and Sharing the Wattage from a USB Charger SocketThe Amperage and Sharing the Amperage on a USB Charging SocketThe Voltage and Sharing the Voltage on USB ChargersFAQ on USB Chargers and USB Charging SocketsWhat kind of USB charger sockets are out there?USB-A and USB-C - Types of USB Charger SocketsThe two main USB charger sockets, the jack that needs to be plugged into a charging socket, are USB-A and USB-C. The USB type-A is the old style, the larger and wider standard, rectangular shaped. It was the most popular standard for a long time, and it still remains a popular charging socket for electronic items such as: mobile phones,smartphones,cameras,laptops,tablets,keyboards,mouse,remote control cars,lighting equipment,game consoles, and many other such things. If you look at the type of cable the manufacturer offers and it is a USB type-A, you need to get a wall plug socket that has a USB-A charger socket. The USB charger type-C is the more advanced charger, very different from USB-A, being reversible, and small enough to need any mini or micro variants. It slowly replaces the USB 3.0, the latest version of USB-A, and it is very fast. It both charges and transmits data. It is a universal charger and works when used either way. It also pulls more power, so you need to check the wattage and amperage required. Electronic devices using the USB type-C include laptops, mobile phones, iPhones, iPad, smartphones, many Android phones, cameras, consoles, and many other such items. The Wattage and Sharing the Wattage from a USB Charger SocketA socket with a USB charger always says how many watts it can charge, from 10 watts to 50 watts. When there is a USB-C charger socket, the wattage is higher, for the USB-C charger sockets allow the electronic device to be charged to draw more power. However, if there is more than one USB charger socket, the wattage indicated on the socket is divided by how many devices you are charging. This is why many times there is either USB-A chargers or USB-C chargers, not combined, for there may be an overload when they are combined. You need to make sure you do not overload the charger, that is, if you use a USB-C charger, make sure you have only one per socket or, if you use two of them, do not overload the wattage. On our website, we have some USB charger sockets that offer 15W while others offer 30W or even 50W, depending on the need. The Amperage and Sharing the Amperage on a USB Charging Socket Another thing to consider is the Amperage. While the original charger that comes with the mobile phone or electronic device has it all figured out, offering the right wattage and amperage for that particular device, when charging via a USB charger in a twin socket, you need to consider the wattage and the amperage. USB-C Chargers increase the current to provide a higher amount of power quickly; this is measured in amps. The more amps, the more power. Some chargers offer a shared 2A, others 3A, and some even 5A - shared between the USB charging sockets. A smartphone requires less amps, for it has a smaller battery, but a tablet requires more amps. You need to consider these before plugging in, and always avoid overloading the USB charging socket. The Voltage and Sharing the Voltage on USB ChargersNot all USB connectors, cables, and chargers are equal, and the voltage is very important. Some wall chargers supply more power than others, and the voltage can differ. Most of them supply a 5V, which is shared between the ports. At any given time, it is good to check how many items are being charged, for the voltage is divided by the number of devices to be charged. Best USB Chargers at SparksFAQ on USB Chargers and USB Charging SocketsHere are some of the most commonly asked questions (so far) about USB chargers and USB charging sockets:Are USB chargers dangerous? All the USB chargers we sell at Sparks are certified and are in general very safe to use, if they are used correctly in accordance with the instructions from the manufacturer. Can I charge my smartphone and my tablet from the same socket?This is where you need to be very careful, especially if you have two kinds of devices which pull more or less power from the USB charging socket. It is possible to charge them both, but there will be slow charging. If you charge just one of them, the charging will be faster.Is it safe to plug a USB device into the USB charger socket on the wall?In most cases this is acceptable, especially since nowadays the USB charger sockets are smart, for they detect what is plugged into them, divide the amperage, wattage, and voltage, and charge in a proper way. However, always check the manufacturer's instructions. Can I leave my phone to charge overnight from a USB wall charger socket?Though this is not recommended, many people do it; they leave their phone or tablet to charge overnight from the wall USB charger socket. If you do this, it is best to make sure you have a working smoke alarm. What is the correct charger socket I need to buy?This is one of the most commonly asked questions. Customers want to change their wall sockets to a smart one, where they can charge their devices, and they ask us which one they need. The best advice we can give is: check what kind of USB type you need to plug in. If you have USB-A charging cables, you need to get a USB-A charging socket, and if you have USB-C charging cables, you need a USB-C socket. Though most of the recent smartphones, tablets, and electronic devices use a USB-C cable, it's best to check. Can I change the wall socket to a USB socket myself?When it comes to installing or replacing the existing twin socket on the wall with a USB charger socket, we recommend that you use a registered electrician. What kind of USB charger sockets are out there?At Sparks, we distribute a wide range of USB sockets, both on a plastic plate and on a metal plate. Most of them are a 2 gang socket with 2x USB chargers, either USB-A or USB-C or a mix of both. See the USB Sockets section for more details. Buy USB Charger Sockets at Sparks