3.1A for £8:
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Alpha-13A-2-Gang-Socket-with-Twin-3-1AMP-USB-Sockets%2C-White-Plastic/p/145275

I got one of these a while ago. It seems like an odd design flaw but is fairly obvious if you look on the photos of the product, basically the switches are set too close to the socket. They work fine to plug in a standard 13A plug but anything that has a transformer built into the plug will either hit the switch when you plug it in or obscure the switch so that you can't turn it on or off.
Might not bother some people but really frustrating for me as I installed it in the kitchen right where I want to plug in my radio but it won't fit.
Also the switch operation feels really cheap on these, really stands out compared to the rest of the sockets in the house which are all MK or Schneider.

no thanks unless big Clive has been inside one

Heat added

2.1amp

Does anyone know if the usb sockets use electricity when not charging something (as they're always "on")?

Looks quite bad with the text below ports, thesis better if you need 2 or more:
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/lap-13a-2g-sp-switched-socket-3-1a-2g-usb-charger-white-screwfix-2-for-14-free-c-2672570

If you miss the deal look towards screwfix Your text here

Very little current used. Some people have calculated the cost to be about 90p a year. Not sure how they got that figure though.

Is it as simple as taking off a standard double faceplate and using existing wirering?

Active circuitry in walls is not for me, also I am dubious of the quality of the output of these too. Would be good to get one on a scope to measure. However comparison to others offering the same it's a good deal.

got it cheaper at Screwfix.

I got one of these a while ago. It seems like an odd design flaw but is fairly obvious if you look on the photos of the product, basically the switches are set too close to the socket. They work fine to plug in a standard 13A plug but anything that has a transformer built into the plug will either hit the switch when you plug it in or obscure the switch so that you can't turn it on or off.
Might not bother some people but really frustrating for me as I installed it in the kitchen right where I want to plug in my radio but it won't fit.
Also the switch operation feels really cheap on these, really stands out compared to the rest of the sockets in the house which are all MK or Schneider.

These cheap electrical items are all well and good . They might last they might not its a gamble . but if you don't have an up to date consumers unit don't put them in . UK regs on ccu are incredibly strict for the exact purpose of unqualified people putting cheap accessories on. your board will protect you just in case it or you mess up. But an old re wire able type fuse board and this malfunctions it won't trip off and you die in the fire.

2 for £9.99 at Argos: http://www.argos.co.uk/product/5586220

Spend the extra couple of £ and get the 3.1a version

Power is halved if both are USB'S are in use. Seems abit rubbish?

no thanks unless big Clive has been inside one

The difference is that the mains circuitry does not consist of active electronics - it's just passive wiring. These USB faceplates have always-on active power supplies, full of cheap capacitors and transistors, just waiting to go short and leave a scorch mark up your wall. Not something I would want to worry about while I was out of the house.

If £6 can only just buy you a 'safe' mains-to-USB charger, how can you expect it to include a safety-certified twin socket without a drop in quality?

Honestly, less than £20 and I would not expect these USBs to be functional in a year or so.

Might be a good deal but full sized usb is going to be obsolete without adapters to be able to use USB C. If Apple switch to it like all the Android OEMs then soon the only cable anyone will ever need for charging or data transfer could be a double ended usb c cable.

Never.

Already have - my laptop bag full of damned adaptors is testament to that.. :/

I'm talking about iOS devices. It will be proprietary lightning all the way.

Very tempting, but I generally prefer brands for electrical - oddly, neither MK or Schneider do a 3a version (or didn't last time I checked). Wonder why...

I've got a few of the screwfix ones in the bedroom had them for well over a year, were similar price so quality is likely to be comparable. guess what........nothings shorted out or burned down! isn't it great, and when I wake in the morning my phone is fully charged. I would say they are much like ronseal.

let's face it, if a reputable retailer is selling something of this nature it would have to be made to a certain standard and pass safety checks. For the moaners it's simple........don't buy one

I am an NICEIC approved contractor, these are great have them all over my house

Why do people over complicate simple things

Alternative
I found this "BG Double Socket with 2 USB Ports (2.1A) – Twin Pack.", while browsing the Argos Mobile app:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5586220.htm

These will charge really slow over USB, only 2.1amp.
I'd strongly recommend these 3.1amp ones from Screwfix: Add 2 to your basket as they're buy one get one free working out at £7 each.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-13a-2g-sp-switched-socket-3-1a-2g-usb-charger-white/4087p

Yes they will charge faster but may lead to over charging causeing battery damage.

2.1 amps shared between 2 outputs is no good to man nor beast.

So which do I get 2.1a or 3.1a? I'm confused

No not all devices are. not everyone has brand new tech

I have a couple of the MK 2.1A doubles. They're £24 a pop and have decent circuitry in the USB side of things. I don't think I'd want to plug hundreds of pounds worth of iDevice into a £6 wall socket.

It's nearer 20p per year. They use 0.23W on standby.

Agreed. The connectors and grub screws are never as good as those in MK sockets for instance.
Also regarding replacing sockets, if the job has been done well, then there should be enough cable wire to stretch to the different connections to the new socket but it's usually messy.

Hi rickycj,

You're right about the latter, you have live wires to all the sockets in your house providing your consumer unit is on and fed. I think you're getting a bit confused with the definition of active circuity mistaking it for live wires. I mean active circuity referring to the components on the charger inside the wall. They consist of transistors, silicon controlled switches and diodes all of which can fail, sometimes badly. Electronics have a limited life-span, so does wiring but it can last as long as the insulation can.

You will likely find two (more than likely one on a single board with two USB ports) of the below inside the listed socket, a component will fail and you'll have a broke one.


Also consumer units are totally passive, the RCDs have a sense coil which requires no active circuitry.

Ohh dear:(, I wonder why they failed or maybe they just didn't bother applying?

Can I replace existing sockets with this or does it require additional wires etc?

I keep making sure to unplug my usb cable each morning after nightly charging, I assume it's like a normal plug, it'll draw power even when not connected (like a laptop one etc) and less of a safety risk should something touch the bare end.
Do I need to do this? Have I just got an old wife's tail in my head? Does it even apply?
Obviously saving money is a good thing but...

Live wires is slightly different to live devices - such as this

Currently rewiring the house and none of this is going in, no trust

I am considering using the usb outputs to power chromecast & firestick type devices. I assume 2.1amp output will do the trick? Thanks