USB sockets in 13A socket outlets. Are they safe?

rustic · 13-02-2016, 09:42

There seems to be a lot of places now selling these double and single wall sockets that have USB's outlets, what a great idea... I thought.

I bought a couple from Aldi last week, at under a tenner... then I thought just how safe are they?

So I searched on the internet and found this test report.

http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org...-from-so32.pdf

Now these things are on 24/7 no way of turning them on or off locally, and are protected only by the 30Amp fuse or trip in the main switch board.

Whilst the report only tested certain ones, and not necessarily Aldi ones, it did set me thinking.
In the report it states there is no provision for them in the current regs for the design of wall sockets, etc, most of those tested fail basic testing, the one that concerns me is the creapage and clearance, this is the protection you have from getting a 240 volt shock from the USB should it fail.

Well I haven't fitted them yet, so when I find the receipt I am off to Aldi for a refund.
Am I being too cautious?

First read the report and make your own decision, and please comment.

Uncle Rustic.
Caring about health and safety, when I have my "Uncle" hat on lol...

13-02-2016, 09:42	#1
rustic Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Staffordshire Vehicle: Maverick Mk I 2.7 TD LWB Posts: 7,825	USB sockets in 13A socket outlets. Are they safe? There seems to be a lot of places now selling these double and single wall sockets that have USB's outlets, what a great idea... I thought. I bought a couple from Aldi last week, at under a tenner... then I thought just how safe are they? So I searched on the internet and found this test report. http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org...-from-so32.pdf Now these things are on 24/7 no way of turning them on or off locally, and are protected only by the 30Amp fuse or trip in the main switch board. Whilst the report only tested certain ones, and not necessarily Aldi ones, it did set me thinking. In the report it states there is no provision for them in the current regs for the design of wall sockets, etc, most of those tested fail basic testing, the one that concerns me is the creapage and clearance, this is the protection you have from getting a 240 volt shock from the USB should it fail. Well I haven't fitted them yet, so when I find the receipt I am off to Aldi for a refund. Am I being too cautious? First read the report and make your own decision, and please comment. Uncle Rustic. Caring about health and safety, when I have my "Uncle" hat on lol... __________________ Ford Maverick GLX 1995 2.7TD LWB in illusion silver, 98k miles. Owned since new, for 22 years. Best car I have ever owned. Just wish I could drive it more.