Everything You Need to Know About Installing USB Power Points

What does USB stand for?

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus and is an industrial standard that is meant to define the connectors and cables used by many electronic gadgets and devices. These cables are used to charge and connect these devices. This cable has replaced many outdated power chargers that were incompatible with one another.

All USB cables are compatible with one another, even the newest versions of the standard USB are compatible with the older versions. For example, a new USB 3.0 cable will always be compatible with the older version 2.0 and vice versa.

Does the USB socket charge the devices faster?

Yes, this socket will charge a USB compatible device faster because it gets more current than a standard wall or auto charger.

A standard charger will usually deliver up to 5 volts at 1000 milliamps, while a USB can deliver as much as 5 volts at 3000 milliamps. This means that your gadgets will charge significantly faster, and you won’t have to wait as long. The aforementioned power point has a higher amperage  that can speed up the charging process of your devices.

What are the main types of USB sockets?

There are several different USB power points that offer a wide range a combinations of USB sockets and power sockets. One of the most popular types of power points is the power point that provides dual sockets, allowing you to charge two USB gadgets while also having two appliances plugged in the standard sockets.

You can also opt for power points that provide double or single USB sockets, or power points that provide up to 6 USB outlets. When choosing a cover plate for the power point you will find a variety of colours and finishes that will make it easy for you to match them with your interior styling.

Should I hire an electrician to install my USB power point?

Yes, you should always hire an electrician, especially when you need to have a power point installed. This is not a DIY task, as you need a licenscd and qualified electrician to do it.

In Australia, an tradie will need to have an electrical licence before being qualified to work on any type of electrical wiring. You are required by law to only hire licenced electricians regardless of whether you are a commercial, residential, or industrial property owner or manager.

By hiring licenced electricians, you ensure that their work complies with all the current Australian standards. Additionally, they will be able to offer you a signed electrical certificate that validates the installation. This document is important for the safety of your home and for your peace of mind.

Keep in mind that you are not only required to hire a licenced electrician, but also to purchase products that meet current Australian standards. The power point that you choose has to be designed, verified, and approved to meet all the Australian safety standards and local conditions.

Where should I install USB charging stations?

When designing electrical plans for your home, you should consider installing multiple USB power points. If installed in key areas such of your home, they can act as convenient charging stations and prevent you from having to move your chargers around.

Some of the best places to install USB power points are hallways, offices, the kitchen, bedrooms, and loungerooms.

How much will installing USB power points cost me?

This is one of the most common questions that homeowners ask before making these upgrades. The price of a USB socket can range between $30 and $100, depending on the size, the quality, and the brand. A power point with several USB sockets will be more expensive, for example, a 6 socket power point can cost up to $350.

Installation costs will depend on the electrician’s fee and whether they charge a flat fee for this type of service or an hourly rate. The flat fee will usually cover around 30 minutes of work and can go up if the job takes longer. You should be prepared for the installation to cost you between $50 and $150 for the service fee and between $60 and $100 per hour, for the hourly rate.

Electricians will usually charge for installing a new USB power point anywhere between $70 and $300 depending on the complexity of the job. Some common factors that will contribute to the final cost are:

• Location you want power points installed
• Accessibility and the type of outlet that you choose
• How long the installation process takes

Getting a fair price for USB power point installation in your by comparing quotes from licenced electricians. All prices and costs found in this article are estimates and may differ slightly to your area.

Thinking of turning your home into a smart home or you just want to have USB power points installed? Looking for a registered electrician to rewire your home or perhaps you’re thinking of bypassing electricity altogether and going solar?

Register on Bricks+Agent today, and list your job. It’s simple, easy and free to connect with quality local professionals and ger the best quote for you!

‍

Want more handy homeowner tips? Sign up to our monthly newsletter below