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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?
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    Graham Kenyon:


    Surely this is simply current-using equipment complying with relevant standards? What's the difference between a USB charging module and, say, a ceiling fan, luminaire, or wall panel heater?




    I suppose that USB charger modules could be treated in a similar way to fixed in appliances that are either powered from dedicated circuits with their own MCB, or incorporated into a ring main or run as a spur from a ring main on a 13A fused outlet. I can see a vague similarity between USB charger modules and clock connectors used for mains powered clocks, alarms, etc. that must not be inadvertently disconnected.


    One way to look at the question would be to think about a new building where every room has at least one USB charger socket in addition to at least one 13A socket on a ring main. How would you prefer to wire them in? 


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  • 0

    Graham Kenyon:


    Surely this is simply current-using equipment complying with relevant standards? What's the difference between a USB charging module and, say, a ceiling fan, luminaire, or wall panel heater?




    I suppose that USB charger modules could be treated in a similar way to fixed in appliances that are either powered from dedicated circuits with their own MCB, or incorporated into a ring main or run as a spur from a ring main on a 13A fused outlet. I can see a vague similarity between USB charger modules and clock connectors used for mains powered clocks, alarms, etc. that must not be inadvertently disconnected.


    One way to look at the question would be to think about a new building where every room has at least one USB charger socket in addition to at least one 13A socket on a ring main. How would you prefer to wire them in? 


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