USB Power Points: Main Features and Installation Explained

 With the invention of the electric light bulb back in the late 19th century, the inception of the power outlet or rather socket, at that time, also took place. While early versions were highly inefficient and unsafe, since 1904, many improvements have been made.

This has led to a wide variety of different outlets to exist and the implementation of various safety mechanisms as well as the acceptance of additional sockets alongside the standard one. This has made electrical outlets more usable than ever and more versatile too but also more complex as there are now switchable as well as detachable power points. However, the new landmark in electrical innovations is the integration of a USB port into the outlet itself.

What Matters  in a USB Power Point

source: theinteriorsaddict.com

Size

The first and most important factor you should take into account when choosing a USB power point is its dimensions. No matter how many USB ports it comes with, if it doesn't fit in the space you have for it, you won't make use of the outlet. Luckily, a USB electrical plug socket usually comes available in different sizes, so you'll definitely find the right one for your needs.

Amps

Another feature you should consider in terms of compatibility is the amperage of the outlet. The number of amps the outlet is rated for affects how quickly you're able to charge your devices as more power can pass through without a lot of stress being put on the outlet, wiring or the connectors.

Speed

The charging speed also depends on the type of ports you have in terms of which USB protocol they use. USB-A is the slowest you'll come across, with USB-B being a middle ground between it and USB-C, which has become the new industry standard for most devices nowadays. 

Ports

Talking about ports, the number of ports and the orientation of said ports affects how you'll use the outlet. The higher the number of USB ports the more convenient your outlet is and they should all preferably be oriented in the same direction. But if they are USB-C ports then you won't have to worry about how they are oriented since the connection can be made in any orientation.

Duplex vs Single

Depending on the type of USB socket you go for you can have a different number of sockets and ports. For instance, duplex outlets typically coe with one or two sockets and two ports. Single outlets, on the other hand, come with two ports but only one socket and some outlets have no sockets at all, however, come with 4 USB ports.

Installing a USB Power Point

Preparation

1. Installing USB power points involves being prepared, and being prepared, in this case, means to have all the tools needed for the job. These tools are usually needle-nose pliers, a flathead screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, a voltage tester, wire strippers and a decorative wall plate.

2. One more thing before you get into the nitty-gritty is to turn off the electricity in the room you'll install the outlet in. This will keep both you and the outlet safe from potential hazards.

Wiring

1. The installation process starts off by removing the current power outlet as well as the wall plate that goes with it. For this you need to remove the screws holding both components in place. Then, disconnect the outlet, but before that, make note of the wiring so that you can connect the new one properly.

Connections

1. To connect your USB electrical plug, you should wire it the same way the old one was by referring to the photo you took of it before removing the old one or to the mental note you made prior.

2. Usually you need to follow the colour-coded screws and match the wires with them. Make sure to connect the ground wire first so that you can position the outlet so that it's a lot easier to make the rest of the connections, too.

Secure

1. The final step is to secure each connection once you've made them all. This is done by fully tightening the screws that hold the wires in place. If the wires are too long for the outlet to be installed, you can shorten them, but make sure to do so before making and tightening the connections.

Why Install a USB Power Point

Safety

A big enough reason to install USB power points in your home is because of how safe these types of outlets are. The fact that you can't mix up different connectors into the sockets and ports alone makes the outlets less likely to electrocute you, especially if you would to tamper with them.

Convenience

USB outlets are also quite convenient since you can charge your devices from multiple areas in your home and don't have to worry about wires being everywhere.

Simplicity

With even a single USB outlet, you can make your home a lot simpler while having more functionality as you have charging points everywhere. There is no outlet that is as versatile as a USB socket.