Rules and Guidelines
Want to participate in the discussions? Please read our Community Rules and Guidelines. Need some help? Visit Support and Answers.

  • State Not Answered
  • Locked Locked
  • Replies 13 replies
  • Subscribers 32 subscribers
  • Views 5517 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
You may also be interested in
This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

USB charger Euro modules

Arran Cameron
There have been a few discussions about 13A sockets with integrated USB charger sockets on the IET forum:

http://www.theiet.org/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=205&threadid=62015
http://www.theiet.org/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=205&threadid=63973
http://www.theiet.org/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=205&threadid=63849
http://www.theiet.org/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=205&threadid=84094
http://www.theiet.org/forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=205&threadid=104243

An alternative to a 13A socket with integrated USB charger sockets is a USB charger Euro module which can be powered via a spur from a standard 13A socket nearby. This offers several advantages over a 13A sockets with integrated USB charger sockets.

1. The USB charger module can be upgraded to a newer standard or replaced if faulty at a lower cost than a 13A socket with integrated USB charger sockets.
2. It’s possible to mix and match modules and faceplates from different manufacturers. A module that is considered the best performing or most reliable from manufacturer A can be used with a faceplate with the desired aesthetics from manufacturer B.
3. A switch can be added in series with the module to isolate it from the mains supply.
4. USB charger modules can be powered from a dedicated circuit rather than the ring main.

A few questions:

1. Has the IET done any reviews of USB charger modules from different manufacturers?
2. Are USB charger modules internally fused or is it recommended that they are connected in series with a (1A?) fuse? Fused Euro modules exist which could be installed on the same faceplate as a USB charger module.
3. Do the wiring regulations permit USB charger modules to be powered from a lighting circuit? I have thought about mounting them on the same faceplate as a light switch for the room. I am aware that the cable from the ceiling rose to the switch requires a neutral wire although some already have this.
4. Is it true that the wiring regulations do not permit mains powered Euro modules to use the same faceplate as low voltage (telephone socket, TV antenna, etc.)Euro modules?
Parents
  • 0

    1. Has the IET done any reviews of USB charger modules from different manufacturers?



    Not that I'm aware of


    2. Are USB charger modules internally fused or is it recommended that they are connected in series with a (1A?) fuse? Fused Euro modules exist which could be installed on the same faceplate as a USB charger module.



    That is up to the manufacturer, and how they choose to comply with BS EN 60950-1, BS EN 62368-1 or other means of complying with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations (or in the case of a module within a BS 1363-2:2016 socket-outlet, the requirements of BS 1363-2)


    3. Do the wiring regulations permit USB charger modules to be powered from a lighting circuit? I have thought about mounting them on the same faceplate as a light switch for the room. I am aware that the cable from the ceiling rose to the switch requires a neutral wire although some already have this.



    There is I suppose nothing to exclude them from a safety perspective, but dependent on the luminaires being used on the circuit, there may be EMC issues? (Not all lighting circuits are "domestic").


    4. Is it true that the wiring regulations do not permit mains powered Euro modules to use the same faceplate as low voltage (telephone socket, TV antenna, etc.)Euro modules?



    Separation is required as necessary for electrical safety. For example, to prevent a broken Band 2 conductor connecting accidentally with a Band 1 terminal.


    But a "mains in the back, ELV out of the front" solution may be OK to share with another Band 2 device, provided there are no segregation issues on the output sockets.
Reply
  • 0

    1. Has the IET done any reviews of USB charger modules from different manufacturers?



    Not that I'm aware of


    2. Are USB charger modules internally fused or is it recommended that they are connected in series with a (1A?) fuse? Fused Euro modules exist which could be installed on the same faceplate as a USB charger module.



    That is up to the manufacturer, and how they choose to comply with BS EN 60950-1, BS EN 62368-1 or other means of complying with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations (or in the case of a module within a BS 1363-2:2016 socket-outlet, the requirements of BS 1363-2)


    3. Do the wiring regulations permit USB charger modules to be powered from a lighting circuit? I have thought about mounting them on the same faceplate as a light switch for the room. I am aware that the cable from the ceiling rose to the switch requires a neutral wire although some already have this.



    There is I suppose nothing to exclude them from a safety perspective, but dependent on the luminaires being used on the circuit, there may be EMC issues? (Not all lighting circuits are "domestic").


    4. Is it true that the wiring regulations do not permit mains powered Euro modules to use the same faceplate as low voltage (telephone socket, TV antenna, etc.)Euro modules?



    Separation is required as necessary for electrical safety. For example, to prevent a broken Band 2 conductor connecting accidentally with a Band 1 terminal.


    But a "mains in the back, ELV out of the front" solution may be OK to share with another Band 2 device, provided there are no segregation issues on the output sockets.
Children
No Data

Join us to get the best from IET EngX.

Joining EngX lets you personalise your experience so you stay up to date on the topics that interest you, plus you’ll be able to make connections who are looking to collaborate, exchange ideas and more.

Join us Not now

Community Rules & Guidelines