Back in the day, USB accessibility was something you worried about at the office. Now, every day and everywhere, we depend on USB technology to keep our devices and gadgets charged. We’re talking about phones, digital cameras, printers, gaming consoles, keyboards, computer mice and scanners — and that’s just the short list.
Sadly, you can never find a USB charging block when you need one. As adapters pile up under your teenager’s bed, your phone dwindles to a 10% charge and your fitness tracker goes kaput.
Kiss Your Adapter Goodbye — The Benefits of Home USB Outlets
That’s why modern outlets with USB sockets are the way to go. Here are a few good reasons to upgrade:
Convenience
It’s nice to have unlimited outlets within easy reach, and dedicated USB outlets free up the ordinary sockets you already have. You can plug in an extra lamp or two.
Speed
Devices plugged directly into USB outlets — as opposed to a port on a laptop, say — charge around 40% faster. Some high-tech outlets can even optimize the current output for the specific device being charged.
Versatility
USB outlets come in a range of configurations to accommodate all kinds of devices.
Durability
Adapters don’t last very long, especially when they get dropped, jerked around and spilled on. USB outlets are made of quality materials and built to last.
Safety
It’s easy to overwhelm a traditional outlet or power strip. Overloading is a fire hazard.
Aesthetics
Outlets bursting with bulky adapters and dangling cables are unsightly. Streamline with a USB outlet.
Energy efficiency
The shorter charge time saves energy. Also, devices that are switched off don’t draw power from your system.
What’s Not To Like?
If you’ve been dreading a long list of downsides, you’re in luck — there are few disadvantages to installing this cutting-edge technology. Installation is affordable and fairly straightforward. No special wiring is required.
As with any upgrade, though, there are considerations and pitfalls to be aware of.
This might not be a great option for older homes with small electrical boxes. Make sure your system is up to the change.
The outlets you install must be consistent with your wire gauge. Before you shop for outlets, find out if your wire gauge is 12 or 14. (Don’t be confused; 14-gauge is actually thinner.)
Also, think about your personal requirements. Several outlets might look similar, but they are not necessarily the same. Installation methods, safety features and power capacities vary.
You’ll choose from USB-A, which is the most common outlet in use for connecting to a range of devices; USB Micro-B, which is used for older model phones and cameras; and USB-C, the fastest, latest and greatest. Experts predict that USB-C will soon be the standard.
In addition, there are combination outlets, smart outlets and extra-high wattage outlets. There are even childproof outlets. You must also verify that the outlets you install are code-compliant in your area. For a novice, it’s a lot.
Finally, switched outlets or outlets already dedicated to an appliance, like your refrigerator, are not compatible with this upgrade.
Installing Home USB Outlets
Safety first
We’re happy to cheer you on if you’re determined to do the installation yourself.
However, we must remind you of the dangers of electrical work. A wall outlet is an innocent-looking little thing, but it hides a live current that packs a powerful punch. At best, an error may result in your devices not charging. At worst, an error could result in a house fire or catastrophic electrical shock.
Please take safety precautions seriously.
Tools and materials
Installation can take a while if you’ve never done it before. Gather everything you’ll need before you start:
- Screwdrivers, flathead and Phillips
- Needle-nose pliers
- Voltage tester
- Wire cutter/stripper
- Outlet wall plate
- USB wall outlet
A step-by-step guide
1. At your circuit breaker box, turn off power to the area where you’re installing USB outlets. Make sure that everyone in the house knows not to switch on the power while you’re working.
2. For peace of mind, use an electric voltage detector to verify that there is no current.
3. Use a screwdriver to remove the existing wall plate and to detach the outlet from the electrical box. Put the screws in a safe place; you’ll need them for the new outlets. If there are no screws, you’ll have to carefully pry off the plate.
4. Gently pull out the wired outlet to examine the wires you’ll be disconnecting. Take a picture if you can. It will come in handy if you make a mistake and need to rewire.
Typically, a white wire is neutral, a red or black wire is hot, and a green or copper wire grounds the outlet. Remove the screws that are securing these wires to disconnect them from the outlet.
5. Use the pliers or a screwdriver to reconnect the wires to the USB outlet.
Here’s a novel idea: Read the instructions that come with the new outlet. They tell you precisely where to connect the wires. Everything is mapped out for you.
6. When you’re satisfied that everything is properly connected, put the wire bundle back into the wall. Secure the outlet. Replace the wall plate, making sure that the holes line up for charging devices.
7. Before you put away your tools, turn the power back on. Charge a device or two to test your handiwork. If you need to rewire the outlet, be sure to switch off the power before you resume.
Even Better, Leave Everything to the Pros
In the perfect world, you can pull off this project without a hitch. In the real world, there are big advantages to hiring an expert.
We can assess your system, explain your options and warn you about potential problems. We can give you a reliable estimate of costs up front. From the nightstand to the TV room to the tool bench in the garage, we can relocate outlets or suggest arrangements that other customers have been happy with. We can do all this safely, affordably and quickly.
Like we always say, “Don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky.”
