Your family likely has multiple devices that use USB cables, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, digital media players, portable battery chargers and others. If you’re still recharging these devices the old-fashioned way, you’re dealing with the unnecessary headaches of keeping track of individual AC adapters, as well as finding plug-in space in a wall outlet that’s not already in use.
Fortunately, you now have the option of replacing your standard electrical outlets with USB receptacles to avoid these hassles and bring your home into the 21st century.
How USB Receptacles Work
USB outlets or receptacles combine the usual two electrical plug-in spaces with one or two dedicated USB ports. When you have these outlets installed in your kitchen, bedroom or home office, you can easily charge a device by plugging its USB cable directly into the receptacle. This eliminates any need for using wall adapters if you want to charge two devices, and you still have the two electrical receptacles free for other uses. If you want to charge four devices in one receptacle, you can also plug in two using their AC adapters and two others using USB cables.
Considerations When Installing USB Outlets
While it’s fairly easy to remove your standard electrical outlets and replace them with USB versions using basic tools like a screwdriver and needle-nose pliers, you should keep these considerations in mind:
- Most USB outlets are available in 15- and 20-amp versions. Since mismatching can pose a safety hazard, be sure to check the amperage of your existing outlets before you buy replacements. For example, if you want plan to replace outlets in your kitchen, it’s likely that the existing ones are 20-amp that can supply plenty of power to run small appliances.
- Always shut off the circuit breaker in your main electrical panel that serves the outlet you’re replacing, and double check that there’s no power reaching it before you begin, to limit the risk of shocks or electrocution.
For more advice about technological advancements that can bring your Lorain home into the 21st century, contact us today at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about USB receptacles and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
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