Installing a USB Electrical Outlet Directions:
- Find the studs. Locate the two studs that flank the existing outlet (Photo above) and find a good position in the wall cavity for the new outlet.
- Trace the box. Hold the new “old work” box in place against the wall, making sure it’s plumb and level, and then trace around it (Photo above).
- Cut the hole. ...
- Run the cable. ...
- Make the connections. ...
How to install a USB outlet?
How to Install Your USB Outlet 1 Step One: Turn the Circuit Off for Safety#N#The very first order of business is to disable the electrical circuit you are... 2 Step Two: Remove the Old Outlet More ...
How much does it cost to replace a USB outlet?
Outlets with USB outlet ports come in various configurations and cost $15 to $30 at home centers. For a wider selection, shop online. To comply with electrical code changes, you may have to buy an AFCI outlet ($30) to replace the existing outlet. Ours is protected by an AFCI circuit breaker.
How to fix an electrical outlet that won't turn on?
Now fix the wall plate over the outlet before standing back and admiring your handiwork. Head back to your circuit breaker and flip on the power to the outlet in question. Use the voltage tester to ensure that the outlet is working and that the right amount of electricity is flowing before you plug in a USB device to test it.
How do I connect a new cable to an existing outlet?
You’ll have three cables in the existing box: a power supply, a line feeding downstream outlets and your new cable. Make a pigtail from each colored wire. Connect each pigtail with the rest of the same colored wires from each cable, using wire nuts. Connect the pigtails to their corresponding terminal on the old outlet. 1. Find the studs
Can I replace a regular outlet with a USB outlet?
"The USB charging receptacle installs the same as a standard outlet, so any electrician should be able to do it. If your super does electrical work, they should be able to install it easily, too. Just let them know that you would like to swap out an existing outlet with one that has USB charging capabilities built in."
How do you replace a wall outlet with a USB port?
Follow these steps to install a USB wall outlet:Turn Off the Power. ... Remove Wall Plate and Old Receptacle. ... Take Note of the Wiring. ... Disconnect Wiring From the Old Receptacle. ... Connect the New Receptacle. ... Secure the New Receptacle and Wall Plate. ... Test and Enjoy.
How do I install a USB outlet in my house?
2:194:30How to install USB wall outlet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen we can use the screwdriver to clamp down on the wires. And keep them permanently there take theMoreThen we can use the screwdriver to clamp down on the wires. And keep them permanently there take the outlet and line it up with the top and the bottom screws of this little plastic hole that it sits.
How much does it cost to install a USB outlet?
Outlets with USB outlet ports come in various configurations and cost $15 to $30 at home centers. For a wider selection, shop online. To comply with electrical code changes, you may have to buy an AFCI outlet ($30) to replace the existing outlet. Ours is protected by an AFCI circuit breaker.
Are USB wall outlets worth it?
A USB outlet is, therefore, worth it because you can plug in electrical fixtures and devices without drawing more power or raising your electricity bill. Even if you plug in a USB device from 1996, it will still charge up with a new USB port. Compatibility is one advantage but so is the versatility.
Does USB charge slower than a wall outlet?
Using an adapter to plug your device into a traditional wall outlet will be a bit faster. But by plugging your device directly into an electrical outlet with a USB port, you can charge it up to 40 percent faster than using an adapter.
Are outlets with USB safe?
Since electrical outlets carry so much power, you may wonder if outlets with USB ports safe to use. Yes, outlets with USB ports are safe to use. Power output is reduced to 2.4 amps per USB port with 4.8 amps combined output across two USB ports.
What happens if you plug a USB into an outlet?
Absolutely nothing bad would happen if any standard USB device were plugged into a USB charger. At worst any "power" LEDs that light up when plugged into a computer would still light up, but nothing more. A USB charger puts out 5V unless the device negotiates a higher voltage.
Can you turn a phone jack into a USB port?
0:151:21Run USB Through Phone Lines - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you're going to need is two phone jacks a USB extender. And a phone cord I have dual phoneMoreSo what you're going to need is two phone jacks a USB extender. And a phone cord I have dual phone jacks pictured here but single phone jacks are actually preferred.
How do I run a USB cable through a wall?
If you are going in-wall over 16 feet, you need an active extender as many have pointed out. One alternative to this is to use a Cat5 extender: this allows you to run Cat5e/6 in-wall (riser or plenum cable is rated for in-wall use), then convert to USB at both ends as needed.
How do I install a USB C outlet?
8:1011:08How To Install USB C Outlet With USB Wall Outlet Fast Charging - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe cover plate. Here. So we'll put these two screws in and then secure that to the junction box andMoreThe cover plate. Here. So we'll put these two screws in and then secure that to the junction box and outlet. All right now we have this usb c wall charging outlet installed.
What is a USB outlet?
What are USB outlets? A USB outlet is a wall socket that has one or two USB ports built-in alongside the two typical outlets. With USB outlets, you get to leave the clunky adapters behind and charge your gadgets with just the charging cord it came with.
Are outlets with USB ports safe?
Since electrical outlets carry so much power, you may wonder if outlets with USB ports safe to use. Yes, outlets with USB ports are safe to use. Power output is reduced to 2.4 amps per USB port with 4.8 amps combined output across two USB ports.
How do I wire my Leviton USB outlet?
1:484:42How to Install a USB Charging Receptacle - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe hot wire may be black or red the ground wire may be green or bare copper if you're unsureMoreThe hot wire may be black or red the ground wire may be green or bare copper if you're unsure contact an electrician. Next you need to be sure that the wires are prepared for installation.
Safety First: Buy Name Brand UL-Rated Products
We’re going to echo a sentiment we’ve emphasized in other articles, including our recent USB charging station guide: safety matters. When it comes to buying something like an iPhone case, a cheap $10 knock-off may be fine.
Amps Matter: Get Enough Juice for Your Gadgets
We mention amps a lot when talking about USB-related topic, and with good reason. Whether you’re talking about battery packs or wall chargers, the amount of amperage a charger can put out determines how quickly you can charge your devices.
Port Numbers: Dual Use vs. Dedicated Outlet
USB charging outlets come in two flavors: 120v outlets + USB ports, and all USB ports. In the former, you can use both standard plugs and USB plugs, and in the latter the entire outlet becomes dedicated to USB charging. We recommend against going with a totally dedicated USB outlet unless you have a compelling reason to do so.
Physical Size: The DC Transformer Goes Somewhere
Our final consideration is the size of the replacement outlet. Standard outlets are very skinny (only about as deep as your thumb is wide). Upgraded outlets with integrated USB charging are much thicker.
Step One: Turn the Circuit Off for Safety
The very first order of business is to disable the electrical circuit you are working on by turning off the circuit at the electrical breaker box. If you don’t know which circuit a particular outlet is on because the labeling in your breaker box is missing or ambiguous, you can always turn off the whole-house circuit breaker.
Step Two: Remove the Old Outlet
Now that we know everything is safe, the next step is removing the old outlet. The most important part of this step is paying close attention to how the wiring was attached to the old outlet. Digital cameras are your friend: grab your camera or smartphone to snap pictures of the process in case you need to jog your memory.
Step Three: Install the New Outlet
If you’ve made it this far, the final step is the easiest: you just reverse the whole process, but with the new outlet.
What Are USB Outlets?
Almost exactly what they sound like they are! Typically your plugging in and charging up is limited to the use of adapters, or maybe a spot or two on your PC. USB outlets are simply a smarter, easier, and less obnoxious way to get the access you need.
How Easy Is USB Outlet Installation?
For a trained and certified electrician the job is a snap. It does take some electrical knowledge since the job necessitates the removal and rewiring of the outlet box, so it certainly doesn’t belong on any DIY lists. But the project is a super easy one, and replacing your existing outlets takes very little time as far as electrical services go.
Simple Outlet Installation and USB Port Additions in Maryland
Looking for electricians in Montgomery, Howard, or Frederick County to upgrade the outlets in your Maryland home? Our team can provide the skilled service you need, giving you USB-fitted outlets in no time.
How to loosen electrical wires?
Take your screwdriver and loosen the retaining screws holding the electrical wires in place. Keep in mind that they may be held in place with quick-release clamps rather than screws. If so, find a small screwdriver or similar implement — a SIM tool will even do the job — and press the recessed release button to free the wires.
How to test if a USB is working?
Head back to your circuit breaker and flip on the power to the outlet in question. Use the voltage tester to ensure that the outlet is working and that the right amount of electricity is flowing before you plug in a USB device to test it.
How much does a Legrand TM826USBWCCV outlet cost?
You should be able to pick up this model (and similar units) for around $25. You can check it out here.
Can you use a USB port with a power outlet?
A couple of years ago, you’d be hard-pressed to find a power outlet with integrated USB ports, but now there are several options available. Top models from brands like Legrand and Leviton are some of our top recommendations, but you could also choose a cheap, unbranded outlet. You’ll find a range of configurations and colors available, and you can relax knowing that they’ve been built and tested for safety compliance.
How much does a USB outlet cost?
Outlets with USB outlet ports come in various configurations and cost $15 to $30 at home centers. For a wider selection, shop online. To comply with electrical code changes, you may have to buy an AFCI outlet ($30) to replace the existing outlet. Ours is protected by an AFCI circuit breaker.
How many pigtails are needed for a new outlet?
Wiring the new outlet. At the new junction box, each wire from the cable needs two pigtails, as there are two outlets. Strip the wires and use wire nuts to connect two black pigtails to the black wire, two white pigtails to the white wire and two bare copper pigtails to the ground wire. Connect the pigtails to their corresponding terminals on each ...
Do you need a larger junction box?
You May Need a Larger Junction Box: Electrical codes contain strict rules about how many wires, connectors, switches and outlets can go in a junction box. Since you’re adding wires, your existing box may not be large enough according to code. To see the formula, go to familyhandyman.com and search for “ adding a receptacle.
Can you put a USB charger in a wall outlet?
Doing this is fast and easy if you place the new USB outlet in the same cavity as an existing outlet. Then you won’t have to cut into walls to run cable through studs.
