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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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    I don't really have a preference technically, but personally I think I'd probably go for integrated in a socket-outlet to BS 1363-2:2016 or BS 1363-2:2016+A1:2018 from an overall environmental/ustainability perspective ... but that of course may affect insulation resistance testing. If on a radial, just keep a mind to high protective conductor currents if that's seen as an issue.


    With Euro modules, as discussed, it's the manufacturer's ratings which dictates whether it's a fused spur or a spur off the ring or radial, or whether you can use the ring or radial. If you choose a fused spur, then:

    (a) The FCU can actually go in the ring or radial

    (b) Fuse can be removed for maintenance, USB module failure, and perhaps IR testing


    I guess it's as with all these things - to a point, the more you pay, the better you get.


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  • 0
    I don't really have a preference technically, but personally I think I'd probably go for integrated in a socket-outlet to BS 1363-2:2016 or BS 1363-2:2016+A1:2018 from an overall environmental/ustainability perspective ... but that of course may affect insulation resistance testing. If on a radial, just keep a mind to high protective conductor currents if that's seen as an issue.


    With Euro modules, as discussed, it's the manufacturer's ratings which dictates whether it's a fused spur or a spur off the ring or radial, or whether you can use the ring or radial. If you choose a fused spur, then:

    (a) The FCU can actually go in the ring or radial

    (b) Fuse can be removed for maintenance, USB module failure, and perhaps IR testing


    I guess it's as with all these things - to a point, the more you pay, the better you get.


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