Power Sockets with USB built in

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Power Sockets with USB built in - worth it?

Reanalyse

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#323330 18-Nov-2025 17:52

We are getting a Sparky in to replace a number of light fittings, light switches and power sockets that are failing from old age.

We have a lot of USB powered devices, and powerboards with a lot of plug packs to charge phones and power android TV devices etc.

Has anyone any experience with dual power sockets that have USB A/USB C built in ?

May be useful in our situation. But I think I have heard that even if they meet the NZ/AU standards the USB in power sockets can be dodgy.

Thanks and Regards

JemS

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#3435763 18-Nov-2025 18:02

They are usually quite underpowered usb sockets, and they aren't replaceable, so when technology and charging speeds move on, you can't upgrade them easily and will end up with usb wall adapters anyway.

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MadEngineer

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#3435765 18-Nov-2025 18:12

Worth it for convenience, even if it is for slow(er) charging.

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Handle9

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#3435766 18-Nov-2025 18:12

If it's a module for a mainstream (Schneider/Clipsal/Legrand etc) socket I'd be ok but they'll cost you. If it's chinesium I just wouldn't.

Putting an electronic component inside walls isn't a great idea unless it's rock solid.

mdf

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#3435767 18-Nov-2025 18:36

I didn't. Sort of convenient but the fact that standards will change means that they are destined for obsolence.

Better use of money would be either buying power boards with your desired USB spec built in, or investing in decent multi USB bricks (ideally the GaN ones) that will charge multiple devices and are somewhat neater. One of the better moves I made was velcroing one of these under each computer desk. Nice and neat and out of the way.

You will end up with cable sprawl regardless. I've got some nice retractable USB self coiling ones that I quite like, and I've seen the magnetic coiling ones.

johno1234

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#3435771 18-Nov-2025 19:03

I find them convenient in certain locations where a USB wall wart is always blocking the plug - such as by AV equipment, bedside tables and kitchen counter.

USB-C is going to be around for a while. Look how long micro-USB lasted.

Even 10W is still useful for running a chromecast/fireTV or charging up a phone or UEBoom.

sir1963

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#3435772 18-Nov-2025 19:08

I have them in the bedrooms, on the kitchen bench, a some in the lounge.

When people come around and need a top up it works well.

All mine are PDL ones, I don't put unknown junk in my walls.

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Yogi02

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#3435775 18-Nov-2025 19:15

Stick with one of the main brands (clipsal) that have the USB in the 3rd mech position.

Makes it changable and upgradable (by a sparky).

Currently have the twin USB-A's which are brilliant.

Personally I wouldnt use the one with the USB-A and -C twin socket as the USB-C is power limited to the USB-A current of 3A and would look at a single USB-C if thats what you needed as its rated as a 25W output fast charger.

richms

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#3435778 18-Nov-2025 19:28

I got some deta ones that had 4 ports on a plate and put them in to plug low draw tat like the xhox controller charging stands, the PS5 charging stands, some rinky dink little LED lights that I modded to have WLED in them and similar.

Would not use for charging devices because they were 5v only.

And putting other stuff on an outlet plate leads to things being blocked. Worst are when they are horizontal and the USB ends up where the extra switch would be on one with an extra switch. And just like the extra switch (a cheap lazy way for sparkies to put a switch in for an insinkerator or dishwasher normally) that part gets blocked by all sorts of plugs.

I would only ever do USB outlets as a separate plate from the normal GPOs which is easily done with a C clip beside the power outlet.

Richard rich.ms

LostBoyNZ

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#3435817 18-Nov-2025 21:23

5 years ago we got one dual power socket that have USB A & USB C built in, we put it on the side of our kitchen island. My wife uses the USB C port to charge her watch, and it seems pretty quick at that. So I think that one was certainly worth getting, and is a bit nicer than a bunch of power adapters on the side, but I'm glad we didn't get them put all over the house.

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mattwnz

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#3435818 18-Nov-2025 21:29

I’ve got some and they are slow and will date over time as tech changes. They also weren’t cheap. IMO not worth it.

nztim

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#3435820 18-Nov-2025 21:41

I would not bother until a 65w USB-C GaN is certified in Australia/New Zealand - Clipsal/PDL are developing one but it has not certified yet (clearances in the back of the flush box I believe)

The best module on the market at the moment is only 25w and you can only fit one on a standard plate 40E1USBCM-VW

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gokiwi64

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#3435989 19-Nov-2025 15:37

We had 45watt ones in the UK - Yes you needed a 25mm or deeper back box (I think they strongly recomended steel) - Its a shame things here just take that bit longer to be approved/standardized.