Adding usb points (1 Viewer)

[AlunandFelicie]

I need to add a couple of usb points to the rear of the van,none fitted at the moment,nearest supply is the lighting circuit (led) can usb’s be added to this circuit To charge phone ,I Pad etc?

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

It's a low amp circuit so should be OK. I have linked into a couple of my overhead lights and had no issues.

 

[TheBig1]

yes, but I would caution you to add a switch, so you can switch them off rather than leave them live 24/7.

 

[AlunandFelicie]

yes, but I would caution you to add a switch, so you can switch them off rather than leave them live 24/7.

Why not ?

 

[TheBig1]

Why not ?

Not a question you will like the answer to I am afraid. The majority of the 12v to USB sockets are those made in China and some have a nasty habit of overheating and catching fire, even when not in use. I switched over to higher spec ones with QC3 as I saw so many that had failed of the basic ones. By fitting an inline switch mitigates the risk and prevents any parasitic current draw when not being used.

I make it a habit to regularly touch the USB port before and after use to see if it is getting warm, a sure sign that it may fail soon. These all rely on cheap internal components and those I have dissected after failure are all poorly assembled

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[Lenny HB]

You can get the QC3 ones in aluminium housings a much better option than a lot og the cheap plastic ones.

 

[bigwood]

I fitted a CBE double USB socket to our motorhome matching the other switches. I tapped into the feed for the TV booster that was inside the wardrobe with the other electrics.
So far it seems to ok and is switched with the habitation electrics.

 

[AlunandFelicie]

The ones I bought are cheapQC3 plastic ones from Amazon but I believe they have an on/off switch and come withe a 10a inline fuse. ok or not ?

 

[MisterB]

What usb gadgets need a 10a supply? I would go with advice offered and check for excess heat whilst in use and immediately after all if you're not sure of their integrity.

 

[Googlebot]

I always fit a cigarette socket. They tend to be much simpler with no electronics.

I then use a quality USB adapter to plug in. Also means I have the option of different USB C outlets or multi outlets.

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[autorouter]

What usb gadgets need a 10a supply

USB can be quite high power nowadays. I have a portable monitor that is powered by USB-C, 80W (4A at 20V), and many laptops take 100W. So a couple of those will need a 10A supply at least. But in this case, for charging phones etc a 5A fuse is probably OK.

 

[AlunandFelicie]

Not a question you will like the answer to I am afraid. The majority of the 12v to USB sockets are those made in China and some have a nasty habit of overheating and catching fire, even when not in use. I switched over to higher spec ones with QC3 as I saw so many that had failed of the basic ones. By fitting an inline switch mitigates the risk and prevents any parasitic current draw when not being used.

I make it a habit to regularly touch the USB port before and after use to see if it is getting warm, a sure sign that it may fail soon. These all rely on cheap internal components and those I have dissected after failure are all poorly assembled

We’re did you get high spec ones please ,everywhere I look seems to be Chinese bestest quality velly good it no burn!

 

[TheBig1]

I used a German website, will do a search in a bit to see if I can find it. There are some on eBay and amazon, and of course even the better ones are produced in China. But the better ones are rated at higher currents and some even have a power switch built in now