13A plus USB adapter : not recommended

I bought this handy-looking adapter a few months back
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The 13A plug fits rather loosely in my Mains sockets, and the USB sockets appear to be badly dimensioned [every USB plug that I have tried in them fits loosely]

Not recommended

MichaelG.

I use my usbs for battery charging and bought a top of the line job out of morrisons a few years ago for 30 quid

Reason being if I go out and forget to switch it off it should be ok

If the real deal in its package is a tenner now then they're a bargain

The other thing I got was a plug in charger, still full price today but worth it once you've gt one

Bit ambiguous: 2.4A each / 2.4A total?

So can it provide 4.8A divided by two sockets, or only 2.4A from either or both...?

Michael , Would you happen to know if BS5733 describes any dimensional requirements please ?

Trevor .

I bought a similar one from Lidl last time they were on offer; they come up regularly, so keep your eyes peeled.
3.4A total, split over the two sockets, so one fast(ish) charge, or two slower ones.
It seems to work well with the USB & 13A plugs fitting securely.

I'll link to an eBay item, purely to show the type I bought; there are several sellers on ebay, but this one seems to have good pricing for multiple units.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175311449245
I've never used this seller, and have no idea if the units are genuine or counterfeit.

Bill

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Good question, Trevor

In its 84 pages there are numerous dimensions, but [so far as my quick look can see] no simple dimensioned sketch that would be useful to the end-user !

There is, however, also a substantial list of ‘Normative references’ to other BSI documents.

MichaelG.

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Ref. __ https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/general-requirements-for-electrical-accessories-specification/standard

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 30/04/2023 12:09:06

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Not ambiguous at all, Nigel … I think it’s quite clear from my photographs

only 2.4A from either or both

MichaelG.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 30/04/2023 12:13:23

Michael

Don't know if this is of any use regarding your wall wart

I bought some sockets that wire into the wall; so effectively a double 13A socket with USB adaptors built in. They were from a very reputable brand.

Not only did they not charge certain items fully (for example when I plug my USB charger in to charge the 18650 cells I use for my steam blower they would only charge to around 80%. Any other USB adaptor worked fine. It was well within the current rating) but more irritatingly they would generate a high pitched squeal when used. It was right on the threshold of my hearing but bad enough to be uncomfortable. I suspect it was a poorly designed SMPS.

They went straight back.

More to the point is whether it complies with BS 1363 (which certainly does specify dimensions).

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Always useful to have such things, Martin … thanks for sharing it.

The problem is apparently with the dimensional tolerances of the adapter unit, because all my other plugs fit that socket nicely.

It’s of no great consequence … a local hardware shop was selling them off, silly cheap and I bought it on a whim.

Manufacturing date appears to be 2016/05, so they were probably disposing of the old tat.

When I can find a slim tri-point screwdriver, I will have a look inside
… my guess is that it will not be a pretty sight.

MichaelG.

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It makes no claim to

MichaelG.

I have often wondered if the USB outlets built into wall sockets use any electricity when they not charging.

Whilst I dont have one of these, I will definitely get one or two next time I visit IKEA.

BigClive has done a 'review' on Youtube my impression is that the 'Smahagel' (it used to be called Kopla) is about as good as it gets regarding quality and performance and probably safety too.

IKEA Smahagel USB Adapter Teardown

Ian P

I don't think it answers your question directly, but this article covers a lot of related ground:

https://www.howtogeek.com/231886/tested-should-you-unplug-chargers-when-youre-not-using-them/

George

When I read the thread title, I thought someone was trying to squeeze 13A through a USB connector. I'm glad I was wrong!

Which was to some extent the point that I was making. If it is not certified to BS 1363, it should not be plugged into a BS 1363 socket, and a BS 1363 plug should not be plugged into it. It may even be an offence to supply it.

The latest version, USB-C, has a tiny 20 pin plug and socket, yet allows up 100W (5A at 20V). Does so because USB has gradually shifted to include fast charging and power supply as well as ever faster data transfer. And if that's not enough the standard allows an Extended Power Range with maximum of 48V at 5A (240W).

Unlike earlier USB, which uses combinations of different shaped plugs and sockets to ensure power compatibility, USB-C uses a single plug/socket, and doesn't care which way is 'up'. In basic form, C cables include a resistor allowing devices to identify the cables power rating before blasting amps. There's also an advanced 'smart' cable, containing a microcontroller that tells connected devices what the cable is capable of.

I still think square-pin plugs are newfangled...

Dave

It's worth a look at these videos from BigCliveDotCom on the safety of these combined mains and USB sockets :-

A look inside a (crap) double gang socket with USB outlets.

Exploded British General USB socket

I wouldn't buy one after watching those videos.