USB wall outlet

A USB outlet can be used to charge mobile devices such as phones, tablets, e-books or camcorders.

A few years ago, manufacturers of electronic equipment used many different interfaces designed to charge mobile devices. This caused significant inconvenience to users. In 2009, the largest electronics manufacturers agreed on the introduction of a single micro USB interface, as well as data cables for connecting chargers.

This solution allowed us to upgrade an ordinary electrical outlet by adding one or more ports to it for charging mobile phones and other low-power electronics.

USB socket design

The design of such electrical equipment can be considered on the example of a product from the legrand company.

Its main difference from an ordinary electrical outlet is the presence of an adapter that allows you to supply 5 V to a standard USB connector. The adapter is connected in parallel to the power contacts of the legrand outlet. The model in question does not provide for the connection of standard electrical appliances to a 220 V network. However, there are products in which such an opportunity is preserved.

In this case, parallel connection of the adapter eliminates the influence of powerful consumers on the charging process of a mobile phone or tablet. Due to the increased current output by the legrand USB connector, the ability to quickly charge batteries is achieved.

Classification of USB Outlets

The active introduction of a common standard caused the rapid development of various types of outlets. The main criteria by which the classification of such products can be performed are:

1. The number of USB ports.
2. The amount of current supplied by the adapters.
3. Additional features, such as a stand for a mobile phone or the ability to disconnect the connectors.

In addition to the already familiar outlets, for the installation of which the presence of a mounting box is necessary, products that are in fact, an adapter that allows both a consumer and a charger to be powered from a standard plug at the same time device.

The extreme simplicity that distinguishes a USB outlet, as well as high efficiency and ease of use makes it extremely popular in a modern apartment. As for manufacturers who produce such electronic equipment, the leaders in this area are companies such as legrand, Schneider Electric, ABB, Polo, etc.

Benefits

1. Convenience provided by the operation of mobile devices. There is no need to use an additional adapter to charge them. The USB connector allows you to charge batteries with just one data cable.
2. Easy installation. The installation process of such a device does not differ from the installation of a conventional connection point for electrical appliances.
3. The variety of models allows you to easily pick up the necessary device suitable for the interior of any room.
4. The increased battery charge rate achieved by the increased current delivered by the adapter.
5. The ability not to occupy the power connectors of the outlet with chargers, but to use them to connect more powerful consumers (only for devices with power connectors).

disadvantages

1. Some manufacturers, including Apple, have not switched to the standard interface, as a result of which the USB connector cannot be used to charge the batteries of their production.
2. Low current consumption even with disconnected consumers.

Installation and Connection

The installation process of such a device is extremely simple.

It can be considered on the example of installing a legrand outlet. At the same time, the main stages of work can be distinguished:

1. Power outage. To do this, turn off the corresponding circuit breaker on the input panel. Next, you must definitely check the absence of voltage on the wires using an indicator screwdriver or a tester.
2. If replacing an old outlet, it must be dismantled. To install the legrand device with a USB connector in a new place, you need to prepare a niche for the installation box, install a socket and lay a cable to it. In the case of using hidden wiring in the apartment, you will have to ditch the wall, so it is better to combine the installation of a legrand outlet in a new place with large-scale repair work in the room.
3. Installing a legrand outlet. The built-in adapter is already connected to the power contacts, so the phase (L), neutral (N) and ground (PE) conductor are connected to the corresponding contacts of the device.
4. After connecting the legrand outlet, securing it in the installation box and installing the protective cover, you must turn on the power and check the operability of all connectors of the device by connecting consumers to them.

The ease of installation makes it easy to replace a conventional power outlet with a more functional legrand device with USB connectors.

There is no need to make such a replacement in the entire apartment, it is better to do it in those places where it is most convenient to charge mobile devices.