in this video we're going to take a look at the socket outlets from bg
that incorporate high-powered usb type-c chargers
it probably hasn't escaped you notice that more and more devices are relying on usb
type-c connections for their charging and this is only to be expected because this type of connector
is now being rolled out as the standard usb connection even apple have had to cave and
move away from their proprietary connection rest assured steve jobs would not approve the type c
connection has a number of advantages not least of these is that there is no right or wrong way
round to make the connection between socket and plug unlike the older type a connection however
there are still an awful lot of devices leads and connectors that rely on the type a connection
and we can be sure that they'll still be around for a long time to come so bg have produced these
lovely socket outlets that incorporate both a usb type a and a type c connection to charge and
power your devices at the time of shooting they're available in the 900 white moulded
range which is the squarish fitting the 800 white moulded range which is the rounded edge accessory
and in the nexus metal range in black nickel with black inserts polished chrome with white
inserts and brushed steel with grey inserts this last combination being my personal favorite
it's a great looking socket and it's likely that these will be expanded into other finishes and
ranges over time so keep checking the product pages at bg for updates in order to incorporate
the usb charges in the center here the switches have been located in the outboard position meaning
that they could help you to comply with certain elements of part m for further information on how
to keep your wiring accessories compliant with part m please check out our free accredited cpd
made in association with bg at the lucico academy online looking at the usb charger you can see that
you've got the type c on the top there and the type a below now the additional advantage of these
charges is that they are 30 watts output which is a decent size supply and that can be split between
the two charging outlets with up to 4.2 amps being shared across the two ports it's an intelligent
charging point as well in that it will auto detect the usb device plugged in and then adjust the
voltage and current that it delivers to suit the charging characteristics of the device this means
it can deliver 50 charge to mobile phones in just 30 minutes and charges 70 faster than standard 5
watt charging it also supports the usb power delivery and qualcomm quick charge protocols
which give you fast charging options across a vast range of devices and as well for those concerned
with parasitic power or how much power the usb charging component in here is dissipating when
it doesn't have a load connected it actually has a standby mode for when it isn't charging
meaning that it uses less than 75 milliwatts of power when not in use which is so small as to be
negligible to put it into context i did some rough calculations and it will use about two-thirds of
a kilowatt hour a year maybe adding about 6p onto your annual electricity bill depending
on your tariff so that's the customer facing bit what about the electrician's point of view
well with that power capacity that the socket has you'd be forgiven for thinking this socket has a
back on it that would require a wide load sticker and you may be worrying about the depth of the box
required and the extra chopping in that it might need however it's remarkably shallow back here bg
have managed to incorporate the charging unit into here without adding much depth on the back at all
in fact it will comfortably fit into a standard 25 mil back box which is pretty remarkable again for
more information on the space requirements behind the socket outlet please check out that free cpd
at the online lucico academy in addition to this bg have clearly thought about the installer and
have designed the socket with the terminals all in line and at the top of the socket to make the
installation process quicker and easier also those terminals are colour-coded with the conductor
colours to allow positive and quick identification of the correct connections there's also a really
nice additional feature on here as well in the form of an additional earth terminal so if you're
installing this socket on a circuit that requires high integrity earthing say for an it room in a
school or for office space then you've got that extra earth terminal to allow for that one cpc
going to the top terminal and then the other going into the bottom one perfect another feature on
here that i love that it's so discreet it took me a little while before i noticed it and that's
this little plastic shield around the back here on the metal plate electricians of a certain age will
remember the little pieces of loose plastic that used to come with decorative metal sockets and
would be installed behind the accessory between the wall and the outlet it was essential but so
often it used to kind of move and twist or kind of bunch up meaning that the socket looked a bit
weird against the wall but this socket has that piece of plastic perfectly aligned with the edges
of the accessory meaning that you can barely see it once it's been installed of course it's there
to prevent moisture from a recently plastered and or painted wall from coming into contact with the
socket outlet and causing corrosion of the metal bodywork there so i really like these usb sockets
from bg there's a style for every installation there's a lot of thought going into the design
of it from the electrician's point of view and i think they just look really smart but as always we
want to hear from you what do you think of these sockets from bg which is your favorite finish
and insert combination will you be installing them in the near future as always please leave
your thoughts and questions in the comments below and as always thank you very much for watching
you