New style 120v/USB outlets

[cpaharley2008]

Came across these for replacing a stock outlet and giving you 12v capability also FastMac ACE-7169 U-Socket Standard Duplex Dual Outlet Dual USB, 110V, 15AMP TruePower, White - Amazon.com
There are about 3-4 different kinds here. Another brand http://www.amazon.com/Cooper-Wiring-...ef=pd_sim_hi_1

[Spanke]

Those look very interesting. Now that's multitasking!

USB is around 5 volt, not 12 volt, 12 volt would fry a cell phone!

Very cool. Would make a good Christmas present.

Spanke

[Romad]

The spec is 5 volts at 500mA +/- 5% but can vary up to +/- 8 to 10% and still not damage your equipment.

[mmeyer]

Need to get the Leviton to get enough amps to charge an iPad or likely most tablets.

Michael j.

[Byron Kinnaman]

I looked at that and question the value. I have a large number of wall wart USB chargers around and know that I can buy one for under $10.00. (hundreds on eBay for under $5.00). I can buy a duplex outlet for under $10.00, the cost just doesn't seem to pencil out. Clever idea, maybe in a couple years a combination duplex outlet and USB power source (1 amp or better) will be much lower in cost.

[David Tilston]

I have an old Motorola phone that will not charge unless you use their charger, even though it is a USB port. The charger works with other devices, but not the phone. This would not work for that. But the kids could charge their MP3 players with it.

[Raz]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

I have an old Motorola phone that will not charge unless you use their charger, even though it is a USB port. The charger works with other devices, but not the phone. This would not work for that. But the kids could charge their MP3 players with it.

Our first Mifi required you buy there USB charger. Turns out what they did was to require the two data lines be cut and tied together. The device would not charge unless those lines were connected. I took an old USB cable, cut it and did a little soldering. Of course both the +5 and ground were left connected.

Also despite the fact that my IPad says not charging when connected to my 12v to 5v (1/2 amp) adapter, it really is. It just takes longer to charge. Raz

[Byron Kinnaman]

This 12 V to 5 V USB charging adapter looks pretty good for price. The charging current is 1amp which should charge most devices.

[cpaharley2008]

Some do say it will charge while the unit is in sleep mode, just takes longer, I may get the portable one Amazon.com: Slim Wall Plate and Surge Protector - 3 AC + 2 USB - Add Additional Outlets and USB Ports While Protecting Your Devices - USB Includes 2.1amp Output to Charge iPad, iPhone, Kindle Fire, Android, SmartPhones, and More: Kindle Store

[Jim Bennett]

Am I missing something here? What is the advantage to have this type plug?

I already have a couple 12V chargers that will charge up most things, and a few 120V chargers that connect to the devices via a USB port.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Am I missing something here? What is the advantage to have this type plug?

I already have a couple 12V chargers that will charge up most things, and a few 120V chargers that connect to the devices via a USB port.

You would only need one USB wire to charge all you 12v items and not use a 120v outlet for charging, sort of simplifying.

[Bob Miller]

As the grandchildren have pointed out, USB is fast becoming the standard for charging stuff. This suggests that the 120 VAC charger itself will soon be gone from the box when you buy a new phone, Ipad, etc.

I am looking for a panel for RV's that has at least 4 USB CHARGING ports and runs off of 12 VDC. Best I have been able to find are 12 volt plugs-ins with 2 outlets, not enough when you have a whole family of techies, from age 6 to 45, that all need USB charging ports at the campground to sustain the basic necessities of life.

BTW: This is not to suggest that I personally support this camping style!!!!

As Coleman sez: "Camping, the original social network"

[cpaharley2008]

Amazon has a 4 port 12v and a 7 port 120v USB hub
Amazon.com: Orico 7 Port USB 3.0 Hub with 12V2.5A power adapter(USB 2.0 compatible)-White: Electronics
DC-Powered 4-Port USB Hub CNX-P5USB (12v and 24v systems) - Amazon.com

[Bob Miller]

Thank you for the links.

I think those are USB data input/output hubs, I don't know that they can support charging.
7 charging ports would require up to 35 watts of power.

I tweaked my original post slightly to reflect that difference.

[cpaharley2008]

You maybe right, I did not read the fine print, but I'm sure there are some out there.

[mmeyer]

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

Thank you for the links.

I think those are USB data input/output hubs, I don't know that they can support charging.
7 charging ports would require up to 35 watts of power.

I tweaked my original post slightly to reflect that difference.

For from $10.50 to $12+. You can get a splitter that has 4 12v sockets ,not elegant but cheap , especially if you already have the USB plugs

[Ed Harris]

I think the idea though is as much about reduced clutter as it is about saving money?

Leviton also has a little tray that mounts to the side of one of their outlets where you can set the charging device to keep it out of the way and off of a counter for instance.

This is just another niche accessory market that is growing where the profit margins to dealers are crazy high,think they will stop making new ones anytime soon?
I probably get 2 or 3 emails a week to sell new versions of these now.

[glamourpets]

In my trailer, I already have a 12 volt outlet. In my case, I prefer this solution:

For Net10 / Straight Talk / TracFone LG Optimus Q L55C Dual USB Car Charger Adap | eBay

On ebay you can often get these as part of a cell phone accessory bundle including a couple of different cell phone chargers, cables, cases, or whatever the seller has decided to include. In a cell phone bundle, you can get a good deal if you need multiple items within the bundle.

[Bob Miller]

The dual USB adapter is what I am currently using, but I don't care for using an adapter in an adapter to get 4 outlets. I'd really like to be hard wired when charging $$$ phones and $$$$$ tablets.

Maybe not today, but hopefully soon, the USB charging port will become standardized for all electronic devices and we will see more of these outlets and fewer of the cigarette lighter style that has been with us for almost 90 years, a real relic of the past and still a pi$$ poor excuse for a connecting system.
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cigarette_lighter_receptacle
for comments as to it's poor suitability as a power connection.

[Raz]

I have it on good authority that once you have purchased and wire your trailer with these USB outlets the standard will change. Murphey told me.