Product recomendation please for Chrome Wall sockets with USB

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projecthome

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• May 24, 2017

• #1

Hi all,
I am looking for some advice please. I am refurbishing my home and want to replace the current white plastic wall sockets with Polished Chrome ones that have integrated USB chargers.

Unfortunately, having looked at the vast array of brands out there and their reviews, it appears that quite a few brands seem to have faults with the USB chargers?!

As I really don't want to waste a lot of money, I would be incredibly grateful if any kindly electrician would help with feedback on which brand would be best to buy!

Also, will all brands fit the existing pattrice boxes (apologies if I have spelt this incorrectly)?!

Thanking you in advance.

 

O

Octopus

• May 24, 2017

• #2

My advice is to avoid them. There is no way to turn off the integrated transformer and we all know what happens to cheap imported USB chargers.....

 

OP

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projecthome

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• May 24, 2017

• #3

WOW.... Now did not expect that!

Thank you so much for your prompt reply and kindness in taking the time to offer the advice, which of course I will take.

Will purchase chrome wall sockets WITHOUT usb chargers instead.... hate to ask again, but any advice on which brand?

Thank you once again Murdoch

 

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Des 56

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• May 24, 2017

• #4

I was very impressed with the BG Nexus chrome range
It is the only one I have used that gives a choice of Grey inserts instead of the ghastly white or black
Decorative Accessories - http://www.discount-electrical.co.uk/section.php/101057/1/decorative-accessories
Coupled with the switches which are full chrome,it made a ideal choice
The terminal connections are also good to work with in deference to most other makes

 

OP

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projecthome

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• May 24, 2017

• #5

Hi Des 56...... BG Nexus it is then!

A huge thank you, I am so incredibly grateful to both yourself, Murdoch and the kind generosity of this forum, thank you.

 

O

Octopus

• May 24, 2017

• #6

Just avoid brands from the big retailers such as wickes, b&q, etc

 

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Taylortwocities

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• May 24, 2017

• #7

I do think that the days of the use of USB as the universal charging point is numbered. If you think about it, its only been a 'standard' connect method for a very few years.
The new USB-C will soon be the way we connect, so all of those new USB charge points will need to be ripped out and replaced.
Oh joy.

 

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projecthome

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• May 24, 2017

• #8

Well, who knew?! .....there's a piece of invaluable advice!

Thank you Taylortwocities, much appreciated and duly noted!!!

Thank you too Murdoch and have also taken the advice of Des 56 and am currently placing my order online with 'Shop 4 Electrical' having followed the link supplied!

Thank you all, once again!

 

Midwest

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• May 25, 2017

• #9

Bit late now; I installed a BG chrome socket with usb charger (admittedly when they were first available) in my own home. Neither of the usb sockets work now. I'd put more sockets, and but extra plug in chargers as and when, IMO.

PS keep the receipt

 

telectrix

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• May 25, 2017

• #10

i've installed about a dozen BG usb sockets. no problems as yet. ( been in 3 months.) and they fit a 25mm back box. unlike some wihich need 35mm.

 

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• May 25, 2017

• #11

The other reason that i do not like those things is this

You have to disconnect the bloomin things to do your testing

 

NDG Elecs

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• May 27, 2017

• #12

telectrix said:

i've installed about a dozen BG usb sockets. no problems as yet. ( been in 3 months.) and they fit a 25mm back box. unlike some wihich need 35mm.

Click to expand...

The standard plastic BG USB sockets fit well into 25mm backboxes as you say. The metal BG Nexus ones proclaim to fit a 25mm also, but they are a bloody nightmare in reality. The trouble with them is that they fill the entire space of the back box (left to right, top to bottom), which means there is no wiggle room whatsoever. 30mm minimum I would say for that range. They are nice quality though, better than their CUs.