Wifey has me working on our new home....well....she lives there, I am still a holdout -- she's in Oregon, I am in Seattle. But, I digress. Just saw these USB wall outlets and wondered....is this something that every new home is going to have and is the price on these super expensive, despite being on Woot and is it something I should consider when I have to replace a "standard outlet" anyway (I am replacing a couple of them in the next few days). Just wondering... Legrand Radiant USB Charger Outlet
If I were replacing an outlet that I typically used for USB charging I would probably use one with built-in USB outlets myself, but I probably would lean away from getting them from Woot. That’s just one area of my life that I would probably spend a few extra bucks and get a more upper shelf unit.
With the plug i charger, you can always unplug it to get rid of that tiny vampire drain. There are also corded USB charge hubs. Some can organize the charging devices. https://smile.amazon.com/s?k=usb+charge+hub&crid=3O1KMY1DROTNS&sprefix=usb+charge+hub%2Caps%2C79&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
Not really thinking about buying the unit on Woot, although LeGrande is sorta an O.K. label, IIRC??? But, never saw these before and am interested.... Just wondering about in general. Never really thought about it, but if I am going to replace an outlet anyway...and I NEVER buy the .99 cent units...may as well enter the modern world. And, my experience with Woot has been WAY less than stellar -- about a 33 percent "good experience" rate. One of the good being the refurb. HP computer I am using now. BTW, the link bisco posted to Amazon....whew...that's a unit.
I have several, they make sense where you mostly wanted multiple USB adaptors anyway. We each have a mix of USB-A and USB-C devices. ELEGRP 36W QC 3.0 PD 2.0 USB Wall Outlet, Type A & Type C Power Delivery and Quick Charge for iPhone/iPad/Samsung/LG/HTC/Android, 20A USB Receptacle, UL Listed, w/ Wall Plate, 1 Pack, Matte White
Well, I sort of doubt 20 years, but would not be surprised if I am wrong. Hey; I am an old dude. In my day, we got excited about digital watches (high school grad of 1976).
I wouldn't. I have them on my home and on sister's when we purchased them. 1. Theres not enough space on the outlet for USB-A. Almost none of my 3-prong plugs will fit with a USB-A attached. 2. The cost is many multiples of a standard 15a outlet or even a heavy duty 20a. Plus a USB outlet cover style adapter can be installed by anyone and moved at will to other outlets! USB-C looks like it fits much better but still in between the two plugs means AC adapters will be a chore.
That's a lot of money just to add a couple USB chargers that you'll never be able move to a different spot without considerable work. And, as @mmmodem pointed out, they are too crowded for many of the USB-A plugs to fit with three-prong 120v plugs in use.
It's getting closer to interesting, now that they've got USB-A QC and USB-C PD supporting a realistic range of output power. Still, I don't think I'm ready to bite. In places, say, where the current outlet has GFCI, I would have to move that protection elsewhere (say, by switching to a GFCI breaker). In circuits where newer code updates now call for arc-fault protection too, that could lead to some challenges with where to put all the things.
I remember a guy on our track team got the Casio when it first came out in 1974 -- it was a big deal. In the '70s, it was a wonder -- of course Disco was also a wonder at the time. And, these USB outlets just may be a wonder. Think I will buy a couple of power strips that have USB outlets for $15 each and call it good.
For about the same price, I would buy this instead. Will be much faster than the one on the wall, and far more versatile.
It was the Power Glove for me. Everyone wanted one until they tried it and realize it is a POS. That is a very apt analogy. I thought the one USB outlet in our kitchen was so functional and modern. Wonder why they only installed one? I need to add this to every room in the house! After I used it, I realize it's garbage and just allows the builder to advertise built in USB outlets to lure buyers in the brochure. And I was that sucker.
