12 volt USB ports (1 Viewer)

[Verteuil Man]

Hello all

I have a 2016 manufacturered Hymer which was imported as a German model. The importers (L&M) replaced the continental 240 volt sockets with UK ones. There is a set of 3, 240 v, 12v cigar lighter and usb which I want to change. I want to replace the cigar lighter and single usb for 2 twin usb ports. The ones I have found online differ from the originals and I do not want to start dismantling and causing possible damage before I have got suitable replacements. There is a raised section in the cupboard behind this cluster.

Has only one else attempted this job and got any advice.

 

[Mikeco]

It depends how handy you are but you could put in a double domestic socket with build in usb ports, you can get them with various coloured trims, you then need a 12 v usb in a similar size to your existing one. I’ve just changed some in my van but not a problem for me as I did the original installation.

 

[denisejoe]

Check c-line or CBE sockets it probably one of these

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[treblid]

It depends how handy you are but you could put in a double domestic socket with build in usb ports

But the USBs would then only work on EHU. I would presume the OP would like the USBs working from the leisure battery?

 

[Mikeco]

But the USBs would then only work on EHU. I would presume the OP would like the USBs working from the leisure battery?

Correct, that’s why there is a separate 12v usb to use when not on mains.

 

[Manic]

Just swap the single usb socket for one of these

12V Car Cigarette Lighter Socket Dual QC3.0 USB Ports Fast Charger Power Adapter | eBay

Notice: Item cannot be plugged directly into a cigarette lighter，Requires a wire to connect the battery. 【 All-round Protection 】 Certified by CE & ROHS with Over-load, Over-current and Short Circuit Protection to ensure charging safety, guard the safety of your devices.

www.ebay.co.uk

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[ChrisL]

These are the cheapest easiest option.

JOYROOM 5 Multi USB Car Charger Adapter, 6.2A Cigarette Lighter USB Charger, 12v Car Phone Charger with 5FT Cable for Front & Back Seat Charging, Compatible with Samsung, iPhone. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B098JDMTLD/?tag=mhf04-21

 

[Mikeco]

Just swap the single usb socket for one of these

12V Car Cigarette Lighter Socket Dual QC3.0 USB Ports Fast Charger Power Adapter | eBay

Notice: Item cannot be plugged directly into a cigarette lighter，Requires a wire to connect the battery. 【 All-round Protection 】 Certified by CE & ROHS with Over-load, Over-current and Short Circuit Protection to ensure charging safety, guard the safety of your devices.

www.ebay.co.uk

They are the ones that I have used, have 6 scattered around the van.

 

[Guigsy]

If you're going to put in usb, put in a USB C PD socket. I can charge a laptop at up to 30w (which is greater than the 22.5w the specs claim).

Thlevel USB C Car Charger Socket Dual USB Outlet PD & QC 3.0 Fast Car Charger Socket Power Waterproof with Switch for 12V/24V Marine Boat Motorcycle Truck RV (Red) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09534JNNT/?tag=mhf04-21

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[Verteuil Man]

Thanks all for the advice. I have removed the cigar lighter socket with no drama. Found on Amazon (they are also on Ebay) replacement 'inserts' for the existing holder. Coming tomorrow.

The response is a bit slow as I have not been getting email post notifications for a few days.

 

[AdrianChen]

Check c-line or CBE sockets it probably one of these

Look like Berker?

 

[Verteuil Man]

?

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[Manic]

I would have left the cigarettes socket and swap the single usb for a double.

 

[Verteuil Man]

I would have left the cigarettes socket and swap the single usb for a double.

I am changing both. We very rarely use a cigar socket. I have left one by the tv. Most things have USB now.

 

[treblid]

Found on Amazon (they are also on Ebay) replacement 'inserts' for the existing holder. Coming tomorrow.

Those are very low specification USB ports; 1A and 2.1A.

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[tinkertaylor]

Not sure why anyone would swap to a fixed usb socket from a 12 volt socket.

USB charge technology changes from one year to the next, the push in 12 volt usb chargers move along with the changes, fixed don't and require a complete change. USB C is taking over from the standard USB A sockets these fixed types use. Some chargers can provide 60w or even 100w charge rates.

 

[Verteuil Man]

Not sure why anyone would swap to a fixed usb socket from a 12 volt socket.

USB charge technology changes from one year to the next, the push in 12 volt usb chargers move along with the changes, fixed don't and require a complete change. USB C is taking over from the standard USB A sockets these fixed types use. Some chargers can provide 60w or even 100w charge rates.

All the electrical gear with have charges via USB. Tablets, phones, hearing aids, hearing aid cleaner etc are powered by either USB C or Micro. The main outlet point is horizontal about 18" above the table. The cigar lighter/USB converter has always been problematic (have replaced and couple of times) by not getting a good connection then your kit is flat in the morning. Much simpler to have a USB outlet. I am aware that C is taking over but I am not prepared to chuck umpteen very good cables away and by new ones.

Now does it make sense?

 

[Guigsy]

Not sure why anyone would swap to a fixed usb socket from a 12 volt socket.

USB charge technology changes from one year to the next, the push in 12 volt usb chargers move along with the changes, fixed don't and require a complete change. USB C is taking over from the standard USB A sockets these fixed types use. Some chargers can provide 60w or even 100w charge rates.

USB A has been common for about 20 years. It has certainly increased in power output in that time, but if you plugged your phone into a 20 year old USB A socket, it'd still charge overnight.

USB C is nice, I've got one socket that produces 30w and I'm thinking about fitting another. But I still mostly use 1A and 2A USB As.

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[autorouter]

USB A has been common for about 20 years. It has certainly increased in power output in that time, but if you plugged your phone into a 20 year old USB A socket, it'd still charge overnight.

Not necessarily, unless it's powered off. A 1A USB-A supply might not push in power faster than the device was using it, so it would slowly drain.

A modern QuickCharge3 (QC3) or QC4 USB-A socket can supply higher power by using the USB data lines to communicate between the device and charger. If the device responds correctly, the charger ups the voltage to 9V or even 12V, and can supply up to 3A, so that's up tp 36W of power. Those 1A and 2.1A sockets are old tech, and even the 2.4A ones are too. QC3 andQC4 are available if you look for them. And they are compatible with all old devices, because if there's no data communication it just sends the old standard 5V

 

[St3v3]

Not necessarily, unless it's powered off. A 1A USB-A supply might not push in power faster than the device was using it, so it would slowly drain.

I think when he said overnight he meant turned off

 

[Verteuil Man]

I think when he said overnight he meant turned off

Yep. Overnight charging. No teenagers plugged in and using.

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[Guigsy]

Not necessarily, unless it's powered off. A 1A USB-A supply might not push in power faster than the device was using it, so it would slowly drain.

Yes, if the phone is doing some hefty processing with the screen maxed out, 1A wouldn't be enough. But it's easily enough to charge a phone while it's sitting there on standby. If they drained at 5watts even with the screen off, their 5Ah/16wh batteries would last 3 hours without you even touching them.

 

[tinkertaylor]

It's not just phones that are usb powered..... tablets, laptops, drones. The Mrs even has some rechargable hair straightners, USB powered. Most of my 12 volt usb chargers are flush mounted and very reliable, the fact that poor quality 12 volts sockets are temperamental isn't really relevant, buy decent quality ones.

 

[tinkertaylor]

Flush mounted quick charge 3 usb chargers, 2 for £6.

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[tonka]

From your picture the type of fitting certainly looks like "BERKER".
There are many of the old 1 and 2 amp USB plates still out there but if you look around you will find the faster 3 amp USB sockets.
This is what i fitted and bought the higher rated newer unit for less than the old ones.

Caravan Motorhome 12v fast charge double USB Swift Sterling Berker Frame choice | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Caravan Motorhome 12v fast charge double USB Swift Sterling Berker Frame choice at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Verteuil Man]

Many thanks all.