When I built my garage a couple of years ago I grossly underestimated the number of outlets I would want so my plan is to swap a couple of single outlet boxes with doubles. I was looking at the outlets that have a single plug but two USB outs in them, I could use this to keep the iPod of cell phone ( mine has a radio tuner in it that I use in the garage) charged up. Anyone have any thought/experience with these? I know when they came out there were some questions about quality and output.
USB outlets
- Thread starter aar0s
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ishiboo
Well-known member
Two things - make sure the output is sufficient, and that the USB ports are accessible with regular things plugged in if thats what you plan on doing.
Lowes is now carrying a Hubbell which I think is the best bet. They have the 15A in stores, but also sell a 20A if you require it.
About the only thing that will be plugged in to this outlet are various chargers, a powered speaker set and the iPod/phone charger. If I need to run a vac I can use the cord reel on the ceiling. iPods draw about 1 amp and I doubt my speakers pull more than five so the fifteen amps would be plenty. Thanks for the reply!
ishiboo
Well-known member
I meant the USB output. There are some which are 2A, and that's not enough to charge two large devices at once. The Hubbell is 3A, that's enough for most needs, but if your plan is to charge two iPads at full blast, it's not going to happen 
I installed a couple of these in our office area at home. They are in constant use. The high output port will charge an iPad.
http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-T5630-W-Tamper-Resistant-Receptacle-125-Volt/dp/B008O11IEY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1409505219&sr=8-8&keywords=usb+outlet
http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-T5630-W-Tamper-Resistant-Receptacle-125-Volt/dp/B008O11IEY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1409505219&sr=8-8&keywords=usb+outlet
Basically the same setup we have at work but the USB's are over and under rather than side by side.
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Other than the tiny tiny anount of current lost in transformer inefficiencies, no current will be flowing til a device is plugged in.
Tugboatguy
Member
My issue with those, and i apologize for the incorrect terminology here, is that they really can't be wired in series with others unless they're at the end; mine only have one post for hot/neutral and I don't want to jam more wire and wire nuts into the box to make them work. I do have one in my kitchen and love it though.
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1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
volleyball
Well-known member
Those outlets do have a cool factor and maybe a cleaner look but I'd rather have a power strip and a bunch of transformers on a shelf more out of the way as a charging area.
rlitman
Well-known member
I just bought a Leviton version at HD that can be wired in a pass-through mode.
Also, the newest version has TWO outlets, AND two USB ports. So I don't have to give up on an outlet, and the new ones have 4.5A charging capacity.
msgross
Well-known member
I use these (Anker has great products) in the house. Most devices have different amp requirements and sometimes won't charge unless they "see" the proper amperage. This device adjusts as needed to accomodate such devices. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DVH62J2/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Dakota00
Well-known member
You can also get power strips with built-in usb ports for cheap.
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Thats a cool charger. Thx for the link...
volleyball
Well-known member
I ordered one myself just now. I like the smart charge aspect for those expensive batteries.
bfm336
Well-known member
You want at minimum 2.1 amp out, pref 2.4 is possible.
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Depends on the device. iPhone 4 and 5 only need 1a or 5w...
dslabuda
Well-known member
The note 3 can use 2a.
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