USB socket

Sort of undoes the convenience of having usb output if you have to put a fcu in as well, as for using electricity.....I think the assessor is wrong on both counts imho.
If Joe blogs sees or smells a fault on a socket what do they normally do?, just turn off the circuit and call someone to investigate.

 

shaver is the same thing a transformer

No they are not the same, a shaver socket does have a transformer but the USB socket uses a switch-mode power supply which is much more likely to suffer a catastrophic failure than a simple double wound transformer! The shaver sockets also usually have a switch which disconnects the mains when the shaver plug is removed.

 

The combined 13A/USB sockets have the USB powered up all of the time, depending on the unit about 150mA on standby.
The grid type ones are switched, so 0 standby current.

 

So do the manufacturers state that they are a direct replacement for a standard double socket outlet BUT require local isolation in the form of an fcu or similar?.
Nah , and as we all know, manufacturers guidelines are used as precedence to BS7671

 

Those sockets+USB things do not like Insulation Resistance tests being poked up them!

Its a real PITA, just finished second fix in a house with about 10 of those sockets +USBs, now have to take the USB sockets off the wall again, put the L&Ns in WAGOs, do the IR tests and then put it all back again. An FCU on each would have solved that problem, but customer only decided for combo sockets+USB at the last minute.

 

Went & had a look around a showhouse (being nosey) other month, & all four bedrooms had one Knightbridge 2G outlet, comprising a single 13A socket with 4 USB Sockets, & kitchen had two Knightsbridge 1G quad usb outlets.

 

Apart from isolation I don't see any point in the FCU, it wouldn't have any effect on safety unless a 3 amp fuse was fitted and that wouldn't be any good for the socket!

 

If you are going the the fcu extent I would rather have stand alone USB with isolation switch rather than combined as they work better

 

Whats the main use for those USB sockets?

 

I am going to be so amused when, in 5 years time, the USB socket is replaced by a different standard. Then we will all have a lot of work doing some swopping out the USB sockets for Apple Lightning or Thunderbolt or the Philips Waazosock or whatever.

I mean, its only a few years ago that the data standard interface was an RS232 connector

....now we have USB - it is in its fourth version in only 8 years. And look out for USB-C. Coming to a wall socket near you?

 

I reckon those USB sockets are used mainly for mobile phone charging - if that is the case all I can say is, flipping heck never would I fit them in my gaff..absolutely ridiculous.

 

I've got an Avantree Powerhouse, charges 4 devices pretty quickly and much more flexible.

 

The Knightsbridge 13A Switched Socket + Quad USB charger outlet has a 5V DC 5.1A rating, this is split: 1 x 2.1A outlet – dedicated for high drain devices such as tablets and 3.0A – shared over 3 outlets for smartphone and other portable USB devices.

 

I thought that they already had. Are these USB sockets on 13 amp sockets USB 2 or USB 3?
I have both on my PC and if you try to insert a USB plug in the blue USB socket it is very tight. Now I have read that they are backwards compatible but the USB 3 socket has more contacts . Can you please clarify this for me ?

 

I don't think it makes a difference, they're only providing power not doing data transfer.

 

USB 2 or USB3 makes no difference, it's only providing power to charge your phone, tablet only,