Three of the Best: USB-C Wiring Accessories

With phone and tablet manufacturers being urged to stop providing plug-in USB chargers to reduce e-waste, movement towards finally standardising USB charging connectors has really taken hold.

With the USB-C being capable of powering a much wider selection of apparatus there is a growing need to future proof the increasing demand for USB-C charging ports in both residential and commercial buildings. As demonstrated when Apple decided to only provide a USB-C lead and no charging unit in its new iPhone 12, joining the likes of Dell, Google, HP, Intel, Microsoft and Samsung in embracing the new standard.

What’s the difference?

USB-C allows for an extremely fast data transfer which means that in theory at least, it can charge up to 20 times faster than basic USB-A.

With the USB-C having the same connector pins either side so it can be inserted either way and being physically smaller, it is certainly sleeker in design. However, its real strength is being able to support the new USB standards such as USB 3.1 – which allows data transfer of up to 10Gbps - and USB PD (Power Delivery) which will be able to deliver and send up to 100W of power in the future.

To meet these new requirements, and to continue to provide for the older technologies, several manufacturers have now designed and produced wiring accessories which provide for both the growing need for USB-C and still support the current standard USB-A ports.

Hamilton Type A&C

Available in a number of finishes within four of its ranges, Hamilton offer the benefits of the both a USB- A and a USB-C port in an elegant, slim faceplate. These can either be traditionally screwed in place (Hartland or Sheer) or in the case of Hartland CFX and Sheer CFX, they are held firmly in place using a patented 4 point clicking system for a screwless finish.

• 1 x 2.4A Type A and 1 x 2.4A Type C – tests have confirmed that there is no issue with power sharing, if two devices are plugged in, they will both get the correct and equal charge.
• Hamilton also offers a Euro Module which delivers a higher rate of charge for those thirstier devices such the iPad Pro & the Macbook Pro.

Further features include:

• Wide range of finishes, including white, and insert options available
• Fit & Forget 25-year guarantee
• Standard box fit accessories / screwless alternative to box fit

This video by Efixx reviews USB charging sockets:

MK Logic Plus ™

Also recognising the shift in technologies is MK Electric who have updated their Logic Plus range with a 13A 2 Gang switched socket with 1 x USB-A and 1 x USB-C outlet.

• This product provides a total of 15W across both outputs; USB-C is rated 15W (5V/3A) and USB-A is rated 10W (5V 2A)
• It also has the benefit of Dynamic Device Recognition technology which means that the device being charged can react accordingly for optimal charge.

Additional features are:

• Double pole switching as standard
• Central ports meaning access is not restricted with any standard 13A plug.
• Fits in 25mm back box
• Antimicrobial properties

Click® Scolmore

The new USB-C range of 13A gang socket outlets with Type A & Type C USB Charging ports have been added across all Click® wiring accessory ranges, offering a wide selection of styles and finishes.

• Type A charging output: 5V DC, 2.4A and Type C: 5V DC 3A (when both USB Ports are in use, the 4.2A charge is shared, with the Type C charger given priority to output its full 3A. The Type A output is reduced to an output of 1.2A).

The ranges also have additional features such as:

• Safety shutter sockets
• Moulded & Ingot Inserts
• Define® & Definity™ require 35mm back boxes; all others 25mm
• Antimicrobial Certified

For further information, please contact your local BEW branch to discuss all your USB-C wiring accessory needs on check out our website.

Feb 16 2021 | General