Testing USB Chargers

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CokemonZ

1047 posts

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#304455 5-May-2023 10:32

Not 100% sure this is the right forum but here we go.

So I bought a couple of 4 port USB chargers from Amazon that looked legitish - 3.1a per port x4.

Now I have received them they look cheap and I am 95% sure the 3.1a is going to be shared across all 4 ports.

With basically no equipment what is the best way for me to test these and what they will actually do?

robertsona

168 posts

Master Geek

Subscriber

#3072616 5-May-2023 10:43

There are a number of charging current meter apps for phones. Perhaps plug your phone into one port and then a variety of other devices into the other ports, and observe changes in current draw by your phone.

timmmay

20505 posts

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#3072637 5-May-2023 11:35

Accubattery works well. You can also buy hardware USB current meters from Ali Express / Ebay.

CokemonZ

1047 posts

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#3072646 5-May-2023 12:08

huh - today I learnt.

Thanks to you both

mdf

3507 posts

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#3072653 5-May-2023 12:44

I've got this style of USB tester: https://www.ebay.com/itm/224269699330 as discussed in this thread: https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=73&topicid=294113.

Seems to work well, though my testing has hardly been exhaustive nor particularly scientific.

DonH

230 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#3072665 5-May-2023 13:04

You only need a Mark 1 Calibrated Eyeball for a rough test.

First, see if it has the maximum wattage marked on the case. if it has a figure around the 60 watt range, it is likely to be 3.1 amps per port. If only 15 watts or so, 3.1 amps total for all 4 ports.

Next, size: if it's the size of a small laptop PSU brick, it is likely to be 3.1 amps per port. If it's a "wall wart" with a case not much bigger than required for the 4 ports, it's likely to be 3.1 amps total.

People hear what they see. - Doris Day

CokemonZ

1047 posts

Uber Geek

#3072684 5-May-2023 13:45

Glad I didn't spend too much on them.

Seems like it has 3 ports sharing 3.1a and one QC 3 port which can separately deliver 15w.

So the 33w rating is accurate - just not spread evenly.

Ok - time to move up the food chain me thinks.

Use case is LED lights - and they want 2a @ 5v, behave a little oddly with only 1a.

Any recommendations? I had a look at the Anker 6 port ones - they seem legit

Anker 60W 6-Port USB Wall Charger, PowerPort 6 for iPhone Xs/XS Max/XR/X / 8/7 / 6 / Plus, iPad Pro/Air 2 / Mini/iPod, Galaxy S7 / S6 / Edge/Plus, Note 5/4, LG, Nexus, HTC and More: Chargers: Amazon.com.au

Or these offbrand 60w ones

https://www.amazon.com.au/HEYMIX-Charging-Station-Charger-Chargers/dp/B09XMHVCDM/ref=sr_1_17?crid=2U857FHQZZ79A&keywords=anker+6+port+usb+charger&qid=1683251052&s=electronics&sprefix=anker+6+port+usb+charge%2Celectronics%2C238&sr=1-17

neb

11294 posts

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#3072795 5-May-2023 21:40

Anker do good-quality chargers, I've tested some with a programmable load and they have essentially flat output at 5.1V across their rated current range. A bigger issue is which cable you use, how are you getting the 5V to the LED chain?

Hatch

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Hatch (affiliate link).

CokemonZ

1047 posts

Uber Geek

#3072798 5-May-2023 22:19

Led lights have a usb connection, only about 30cm long.

Might get a couple of ankers then.

SomeoneSomewhere

1785 posts

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#3073260 7-May-2023 02:36

Need to be pretty careful with USB chargers; there's buckets of lies and fakes, and Amazon is pretty bad at sorting them out. The first thing to go when manufacturers try to cut cost are safety features, so fire prevention and the isolation between primary and secondary.