JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Do you find yourself fighting for outlet space as your family's collection of electrical gadgets grows? If you're tired of juggling three or four different chargers on a two-socket outlet, there's a new and simple solution.
"USB outlets are a new trend and they have been available for about a year now. Electricians expect that they will continue to become more popular, but remember this is probably not a do-it-yourself project because you are getting into electrical work, it's best to hire a professional," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.
Courtesy of highly rated electricians on Angie's List, here are five things you need to know about installing USB ports directly in your electrical outlet.
Angie's List: Top 5 Questions about USB ports in outlets:
What's a USB outlet? Exactly what it sounds like — a wall socket that comes with a powered USB (Universal Service Bus) port or two built in, alongside the usual two electrical outlets. Since installing it means getting into the electrical wiring, you want a licensed electrician to handle the work.Why would I need it? It allows you to recharge an electrical gadget, like a tablet or smartphone, using its regular USB charging cord without the need for an extra adapter or computer. It's handy to have in a kitchen or bedroom where you might frequently recharge your gear. It also leaves the electrical outlets free for regular use.Is it universal? More or less. Most powered gadgets have their own unique connection on the device's end, but most of them use a USB connector for power.How much does it cost to install? If it's the only thing you're installing, about $100. But that's because most electricians charge a minimum labor rate, and the job may take only 15 minutes. If it's part of a larger job where they're already at your house or if you're installing several outlets at once, the per-outlet price goes down considerably.
Will it damage my gadgets? Not as long as you're using manufacturer-approved cords or cables. The port delivers the same amount of power that you can expect from any computer.Copyright 2014 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
