USB socket connection: wall mounting

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

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

This solution made it possible to modernize an ordinary electrical outlet by adding one or more ports to it, designed to charge mobile phones and other low-power electronics.

USB socket design

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

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 socket. The model under consideration does not provide for the connection of standard electrical appliances to a 220 V network. However, there are products in which this possibility is preserved.

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

Classification of USB sockets

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

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

In addition to the already familiar sockets, the installation of which requires a mounting box, products have been used that are, in fact, an adapter that allows you to power a household consumer and a charger from a standard plug connector at the same time.

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

Advantages

1. Convenience provided by the use 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. Ease of installation. The installation process of such a device does not differ from the installation of a conventional electrical connection point.
3. The variety of models allows you to easily choose the right device that fits the interior of any room.
4. Increased battery charge rate, achieved due to the increased current that is issued by the adapter.
5. The ability not to occupy the power sockets of the socket with chargers, but to use them to connect more powerful consumers (only for devices with power sockets).

Flaws

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

Installation and connection

The installation process of such a device is extremely simple.

It can be considered using the example of installing a socket from legrand. In this case, the main stages of work can be distinguished:

1. Power off. To do this, turn off the corresponding circuit breaker on the input panel. Next, be sure to check the absence of voltage on the wires using an indicator screwdriver or tester.
2. If an old socket is being replaced, it must be dismantled. To install a legrand device with a USB connector in a new place, it is necessary to prepare a niche for the mounting box, install a socket and lay a cable to it. If hidden wiring is used in the apartment, it will be necessary to ditch the wall, so it is better to combine the installation of a legrand socket in a new place with large-scale repairs in the room.
3. Installing a legrand outlet. The built-in adapter is already connected to the power contacts, so the connection of the phase (L), neutral (N) and ground (PE) conductors is made to the corresponding contacts of the device.
4. After connecting the legrand socket, fixing it in the mounting box and installing the protective cover, it is necessary to turn on the power and check the operation of all connectors of the device by connecting consumers to them.

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.