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USB Sockets

USB sockets put charging ports on the wall plate itself, so phones, tablets and laptops charge without a plug-in adapter taking up an outlet. The Knightsbridge range here takes in single and double 13A switched sockets with USB-A and USB-C ports, 45W FASTCHARGE sockets, quad USB outlets and triple USB charger plates, shaver sockets with USB, pop-up and under-cabinet sockets, and USB modules for Grid and Euro plates.

Choosing USB Sockets

Decide how much charging power the socket has to give, then how many ports, then the plate and finish.

Standard dual USB sockets

A dual USB socket shares one output between its two ports. A+A designs such as the CS91BC give 5V DC 2.1A shared, while the SFR9124BC dual USB socket gives 2.4A shared. A+C sockets such as the FPR9940PCW and SFR9940BCW share 5V DC 4.0A, and the SN9002 and CU9002 share 4.8A. The FPR9940PCW pairs a legacy USB-A port with a USB-C port, so older cables still fit.

Rapid charging sockets

The CL9919MBB and CU9919D support the PD and QC charging protocols. The CL9919MBB gives 18W over either port, and the CU9919D gives 22W over USB-C. Double pole 45W sockets such as the SFR9945MW give 45W over USB-C, enough for tablets and laptops, or 27W and 18W with both ports in use. The CU9930 has two USB-C ports with a 30W maximum. On the CL9919MBB, the device controls the power drawn, not the socket, and rapid charging is most effective between 0-70% battery.

Several users at once

For receptions and hotel rooms, the CSQUADBCW quad outlet shares 5V DC 5.1A across four USB-A ports, with a dedicated 2.1A port for a tablet. The FPR7USB4PCG adds a 13A socket to a quad charger, and the SF63WMW triple plate has two USB-C ports and one USB-A.

NeedExampleUSB detail
Double socket, A+CSFR9940BCW5V DC 4.0A shared
Laptop chargingSFR9945MW45W over USB-C
BathroomSN8909Shaver socket, IP41, 2.4A shared
Kitchen worktopSK9909PCIP54 pop-up, three 13A sockets
Euro module plateNETUSBPDWHUSB-C 45W, USB-A 18W

Kitchens, desks and bathrooms

The SK9909PC pop-up comes with a 2m cable and a BS plug top, and the SK0016 fits an 80mm desk grommet cut-out and adds a 10W wireless charging pad. Under-cabinet units such as the SKR9 keep a 2G socket with dual USB out of sight. Shaver sockets such as the SN8909 are certified to EN 61558 and need a 47mm mounting box. The SFR8333UBC combines a 45A cooker switch with a 13A socket and dual USB.

Related categories

Sockets without USB are in plug sockets and Knightsbridge sockets, app-controlled ones in smart plugs and sockets, and desk and worktop units in floor and pop-up sockets. Grid parts are in Grid switches, and Euro modules in data modules and faceplates. See also USB Charging Modules. More in Knightsbridge electrical.

Brands we stock in USB Sockets

Knightsbridge and Mercury.

Frequently asked questions

What is a USB A+C socket?

A USB A+C socket is a wall socket or charger plate with one USB-A port and one USB-C port, so older and newer devices can charge without a plug adaptor. The two ports usually share the charger's output, so charging can be slower when two devices charge at once. The range here includes switched sockets and modules with USB-A and USB-C ports.

Do USB sockets use power when not in use?

Yes, a USB socket draws a very small amount of standby power to keep its built-in charger ready, even with nothing plugged in. This draw is typically well under a watt, so its effect on household energy use is minor. Check the product details for a standby figure if low energy use matters to you.

Are USB plug sockets safe?

Yes, USB plug sockets are safe when they are made to the relevant standard and fitted correctly by a competent person. Look for BS 1363-2 on the socket outlet and a charger with protection against overload and short circuit. Fit them in a back box deep enough for the charger module, as it takes up extra space behind the plate.

Are USB plug sockets worth fitting?

Yes, USB plug sockets are usually worth fitting where phones and tablets are charged daily, such as bedsides, kitchens and home offices. They leave the three-pin outlets open for other appliances and remove the need for loose plug chargers. Choose a socket with a USB-C port if newer devices need higher-output charging.

What is a USB socket?

A USB socket is a wall socket with built-in USB charging ports beside its standard three-pin outlets, so devices can charge without a separate plug charger. It replaces an ordinary socket on the same circuit, often in a deeper back box. The range here includes switched sockets, shaver sockets and charger plates with USB ports.

Why buy from West Midlands Electrics

  • Established 1975
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Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated