USB Wall Outlet

[Slash]

Anyone ever try using these? I'd think they are a good investment since a lot of devices are power through USB and no more taking up the outlet plugs....just wondering if anyone had any experience with these and is worth purchasing. I know how to wire them in so that's not an issue.

 

[1241Penguin]

Why not use one of these instead?

 

[Slash]

Why not use one of these instead?

I have a load of those already and I notice that they constantly get in the way and I have to unplug them to use other devices in my house. I covered this in the OP.

I figured the wall outlets would be a better long term option.

 

[Ranman20]

I rather go with option 1: A outlet.

 

[nick09]

I've read that some of these combination units are too big for some electrical boxes. Though there is option like this device. You get an extra two outlets and 2 USB ports.

 

[Slash]

I've read that some of these combination units are too big for some electrical boxes. Though there is option like this device. You get an extra two outlets and 2 USB ports.

My dad is a master electrician so if anyone can get it to work he can haha.

 

[Mikeybc]

Damn I didn't know these existed, I'll be looking for some now for the bedroom.

Why not use one of these instead?

Those things are a pain in the ass and always getting lost. Hate having to unplug something to charge a phone.

 

[Grayfox]

Only issue i see with those inwall USB ones is power surges can fry your devices where as your standard charger can be connected to a surge protector

No way to turn them off(not in the pic shown) so it is another orifice that kids will shove crap into.

 

[Dean]

Now that outlet's... geeky . I wonder when we'll get those in Europe.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Only issue i see with those inwall USB ones is power surges can fry your devices where as your standard charger can be connected to a surge protector

No way to turn them off(not in the pic shown) so it is another orifice that kids will shove crap into.

A lot of new houses have surge protectors built into the electrical panel. You can also install one if the house doesn't come with it.

 

[nick09]

No way to turn them off(not in the pic shown) so it is another orifice that kids will shove crap into.

There is a different model online that has sliders that cover the USB if not in use.

 

[AOS-]

Next thing you know, USB Keys will be the passkey for all security checks requiring ID confirmations.

 

[Pupik]

Anyone ever try using these? I'd think they are a good investment since a lot of devices are power through USB and no more taking up the outlet plugs....just wondering if anyone had any experience with these and is worth purchasing. I know how to wire them in so that's not an issue.

Interesting; I see them all the time at airports (not to mention, my portable power inverter) but I never thought twice about installing them at home. I wonder if my local Home Depot/Lowes has them.

 

[opelgt1969]

Interesting; I see them all the time at airports (not to mention, my portable power inverter) but I never thought twice about installing them at home. I wonder if my local Home Depot/Lowes has them.

Wal-Mart carries them, I'm betting if you would install one wherever you put it you will need it somewhere else. Murphy's Law

This would be much better:

Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger Online
$14.66




Model#: DD4334



(2)



• Sold & shipped by Wayfair.com




Features: -Mini surge protector.-With USB charger.-Travel wall-mount surge protector with 3 AC outlets and 2 USB ports.-360° Rotating plug with four locking positions.-Combination of three surge …




Online
$14.66

 

[Slash]

A lot of new houses have surge protectors built into the electrical panel. You can also install one if the house doesn't come with it.

Yes I have one built into the panel so it's not an issue.

 

[terminator363]

First world problems . Is it really that difficult to use your wall charger?

 

[Azuremen]

First world problems . Is it really that difficult to use your wall charger?

When you have a dozen devices that want to be charged via USB, such as PS3 controllers, tablets, cell phones, MP3 players, and misc accessories, it tends to be that you don't have that many USB wall adapters anyhow.

Also, is it a problem if people want a minor bit more convenience in their lives?

 

[Joel]

That's pretty cool 👍. Hopefully by the time/if I buy a house they'll be pretty much standardized.

 

[Slash]

That's pretty cool 👍. Hopefully by the time/if I buy a house they'll be pretty much standardized.

I have a feeling they will become standardized eventually.

First world problems . Is it really that difficult to use your wall charger?

Azuremen pretty much hit the nail on the head.

 

[Anathema]

Hmmm... There's a reason why I have power strips instead of just wall outlets now. This is an interesting idea, wonder if my dad can work something out.

 

[Tornado]

Didn't know they had these as general purchase things. Could actually use one of these in my bedroom.

 

[Barra333]

Only issue i see with those inwall USB ones is power surges can fry your devices where as your standard charger can be connected to a surge protector

No way to turn them off(not in the pic shown) so it is another orifice that kids will shove crap into.

There is no way to turn any North American outlets off. Apparently 110V isnt dangerous enough to need to isolate with a switch.

The USB slot would be handy. Would definitely consider if a socket needed replacing/installing anyway. Not going to retrofit for the hell of it though.
Pretty sure there is one on my surge board, but not exactly in a convenient place.

 

[Slash]

There is no way to turn any North American outlets off.

For the most part yes but I have single outlet switches wired in to the breaker regardless.

 

[Barra333]

Ours are switched off at the socket.

 

[opelgt1969]

There is no way to turn any North American outlets off. Apparently 110V isnt dangerous enough to need to isolate with a switch.

The USB slot would be handy. Would definitely consider if a socket needed replacing/installing anyway. Not going to retrofit for the hell of it though.
Pretty sure there is one on my surge board, but not exactly in a convenient place.

Some are. I have two in my living room that are switched on/off by 3 way light switch, one at the Front door one at archway leading into kitchen.

 

[Barra333]

Sorry, should have specified - standard outlets. Having switches with the light switch to kill power to the socket is far from standard, but sounds handy.
If you asked an electrician to install an outlet in US/Canada without specific requests, 99% of the time you will get the switch-less one. They simply dont exist here.

 

[Shaun]

They simply dont exist here.

Not 100% accurate but close enough.
We do have these.

You'll find them in your ceiling for downlights and fans amongst other applications. You can still plug anything into them though as it's a standard 10A plug layout.
Normally you wont find them in an area that someone has normal access to. Doesn't stop anyone who is unlicensed buying one at Bunnings and installing it themselves though. I would have to check the reg book but from memory their applications are limited.
As you said you won't shouldn't find one in the house with access to it. 👍


As for the OP, as I don't touch domestic stuff (more money in industrial) I'll have to check if they are available here. If so I'll be buying a couple and installing them.

Cheers Shaun.

 

[daan]

Your sockets look surprised.

 

[magic_town]

Your sockets look surprised.

Bahaha I've never noticed that. But I think every other countries sockets look silly

 

[Barra333]

Bahaha I've never noticed that. But I think every other countries sockets look silly

You've never seen one graffitti'd with a circle drawn around the holes and a nose in the middle?