Sockets with built in USB - can any sparkies recommend one that doesn't hum/whine!

M

mjgreen81

Joined
5 Oct 2014
Messages
124
Reaction score
5
Location
Hertfordshire
Country
United Kingdom
Hi all,

I'm going to be replacing a couple of sockets in a bedroom soon and want some with built in USB ports. The current one I have is a cheap BG branded one and gives off an annoying whine/hum which I gather is quite common in cheap ones.

You only notice it when a couple of feet away, but because it's quite close to the bed, it's pretty annoying.

I had read that MK branded ones didn't hum, so I was all set to buy a couple, but then read several reviews on B&Q stating that they also hum.

Any recommendations from electricians who regularly install these?

Thank you
 
One issue is that different people have different ranges of hearing, so a whine may be audible to some people and inaudible to others.
 
they dont whine to me - mind you commensurate with my age and just a little bit more on top of that I cant claim to have noticed.
Some situations I cant hear a conversation i am supposedly in but it can get drowned out by other conversations a little farther away or other distracting noises so i might not be the best person to ask - having said that i have an aversion to USB built in charge points, sockets should be just 13A type etc , i do not like things that are always active anyway.
 
I had an MK one and it lasted about five weeks so I gave LAP a go and they've been fine - not so deep either.
 
ebee said:
having said that i have an aversion to USB built in charge points,
Click to expand...
I think you can’t have enough of them. We've not long got rid of a sofa that had electric recliners and built in USB charge points. I’m still grieving the loss…
 
My LAP ones make a very faint hiss when charging something and a more noticeable buzz when not charging something. If I get time I'll up a video I took (seems it needs uploading to eg YouTube and a link posting) but feel free to PM me an email address if you want to hear it.

As with all these things I do wish that the in built charger was either wired to one of the socket on/off switches or had its own switch but it's just permanently active..
 
Sureitsoff? said:
Dont the mk ones only switch the USB charging gubbins on when you plug a cable in?
Click to expand...
Only the euromodule version with shutters, turns off the supply.
1699952986170.png

I've had one for about 7 years, perfect for my needs and silent.
It was pricey at the time and it may be discontinued.

...although playing around with euromodules could easily give you a switched supply to a USB outlet, should you so wish!
I.e.
1699953230328.png+1699953313477.png
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top