Wall Receptacle USB Charging - Switched Transformer?

Personally I like to see the input power switched off on all these devices.

They are a switched mode supply and the components have a limited life span (usually a few thousand hours).

Mark

I guess that I could buy the switch / 2 USB version and wire the power to the USB ports through the switch.

In addition to my concern about the power draw, your point about wearing out the power supplies is also a significant consideration.

I guess that I could buy the switch / 2 USB version and wire the power to the USB ports through the switch

That is one idea, but without looking at how they have connected them, it might be the whole socket that gets swtiched.

Here in NZ we have PDL/Schneider making one that can be fitted into a socket outlet.

I note that they do specify the standby load (0.07w) and is able to be wired rather than be part of the sockets.

http://www.pdlglobal.com/data/product_documents/600%20&%20800%20USB%20Charger%20Flyer.pdf

They can be added to outlets that have an extra switch, or you could fit them to a switch plate without the socket.

  or

Mark

Nice products!  In the suggested configurations, they do not show a USB port with a switch.  Do you know if that can actually be configured?

It seems funny to me that someone would not just make a port that connects power to the transformer when a cable end is pushed into it.  At least PDL / Schneider is up front about the stand-by draw.

phumphries

they do not show a USB port with a switch.  Do you know if that can actually be configured?

You're quite right

I forgot to link this which shows some suggested connections

http://www.pdlglobal.com/data/product_documents/642M%20install%20sheet%200414%20v7.pdf

The switch is connected internally to the phase of the socket, BUT having pulled one apart, they are very easy to modify.

You simply remove the cover and add a wire, which switches off the USB with the socket.

If you don't need/want the socket, you can use their switch range.

PDL : Products, Domestic, 600 Series, Switches, Standard Switches

Each switch is a unit and come is 2 - 6 apertures.

I'm tempted to add one to where we charge our phones ...

Mark

I want something with at least one regular outlet for plugging in any AC equipment and at least one USB outlet for charging.

Are you saying that the 694USB (from the configurations page in the catalogue) comes wired so that the USB ports are live all the time whilst the AC outlet is switched, but I can rewire it so that the USB gets its power from the switched circuit instead of the live wires?

I do not mind a little rewiring work, although doing that for every single outlet adds time if it is more than just a simple pull-and-push move.

but I can rewire it so that the USB gets its power from the switched circuit instead of the live wires?

Yes

although doing that for every single outlet adds time if it is more than just a simple pull-and-push move.

So either put up with 0.07w power wastage, or talk with your local manufacturer of outlets and ask why they aren't doing it.

Besides how many charging outlets are you going to do.?

The other option (and cheaper) is simply a charger plugged into one of the two switched sockets .....

Mark

Also depending on requirements that cheaper option could be a better option too, since it allows for fast-charge. It is unlikely that the in-wall versions support fast-charge methods for phones, i.e. mobile phones will take longer to charge.

since it allows for fast-charge

definately as they say it's only a 1.2A outlet.

Interestingly, some larger tablets and transformable laptops use a normal looking charger, but it bumps the voltage up when it detects the device.

My daughter found out the hard way when she took the wrong charger ... on trip to Japan.

Mark

since it allows for fast-charge

definately as they say it's only a 1.2A outlet.

Interestingly, some larger tablets and transformable laptops use a normal looking charger, but it bumps the voltage up when it detects the device.

My daughter found out the hard way when she took the wrong charger ... on trip to Japan.

Mark