Twenty years ago, the best-selling mobile phone was a handheld Nokia that lacked a touchscreen and could only do the basics, like texts and calls. Today, nearly all Americans – 85%, according to Pew Research – use smartphones, and those phones usually rely on USB chargers to keep their batteries at max capacity. In addition to smartphones, countless other devices, like laptops and tablets, connect and charge through USBs. If you or your family members often find yourselves looking for free outlet space to charge your devices, one simple home electrical upgrade might make all the difference – USB wall outlets. Today, we will discuss how this minor improvement can massively increase the efficiency and usability of your home.
Basics of the USB Outlet
While they may seem simple, electrical outlets with additional USB slots can be a massive boon to your family. Without USB outlets, charging a device requires you to connect to another device, like a computer or laptop, or plug into an outlet through a USB adapter. When outlet space is at a premium in busy areas of your home, this might force you to unplug a TV, lamp, or fan to make room for the bulky adapter or extra device.
Outlets with USB slots don’t eliminate space for other receptacles. Instead, the USB slots are usually found along the edges of the outlet, giving you access to the standard two plugs found in most outlets and up to four additional USB slots.
Benefits of USB Outlets
More USB slots mean more opportunities, but there are many unexpected benefits that most homeowners fail to realize at first.
To start, convenience. We already touched on how USB outlets allow you to charge devices in otherwise crowded outlet spaces, but they also turn nearly every room of your house into a potential place to recharge your batteries. Most people wouldn’t think to bring their USB charger into the kitchen while cooking dinner, but with USB outlets, any USB cord will let you quickly and easily top off your battery without unplugging and moving around countertop appliances.
Additionally, plugging your devices directly into a USB outlet is more efficient than plugging it into a USB charger – up to 50%, by some estimates. This will lead to less overall energy usage and faster charging times. Additionally, with less power being drawn to the outlet, you lower the risk of tripping your breaker or pulling excessive power into your device, which can lead to permanent damage or fires.
Installing USB Outlets
Installing new outlets is one of the simplest DIY electrical projects, but we still recommend having a professional electrician complete the installation. While installing one or two new USB outlets can be helpful, upgrading all of your current outlets to USB outlets ensures you will never encounter easily-fixable annoyances again. Considering every room of your house might contain up to six outlets, this installation process will quickly become tedious. Inexperienced homeowners might make mistakes during the arduous process. Instead, let an insured and licensed electrician take on the task.
During this process, an electrician will have the opportunity to inspect your outlets and determine if there are any other lingering electrical issues that may cause future harm to you, your family, or your property. Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires that kill thousands of Americans each and every year.
If you are considering upgrading your outlets or undertaking any large home electrical renovation, call Promise Electric today. Promise Electric has served the Sarasota area for decades and is a trusted partner for residents and businesses alike.
