I am not familiar with such devices sold in the UK, or outside of North America for that matter. However, I can speak to what is available in North America.
Line voltage outlets with integral USB charging ports are not that uncommon in the United States. A number of major outlet manufacturers make versions. Example 1<http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ProductDetail.jsp?partnumber=T5632-GY§ion=63676&minisite=10251> Example 2<http://ecatalog.hubbell-wiring.com/press/pdfs/WLFSB002A.pdf> Example 3<http://www.newertech.com/products/power2u.php> All three are UL Listed under UL 498<http://ulstandardsinfonet.ul.com/scopes/scopes.asp?fn=0498.html> and UL 1310<http://ulstandardsinfonet.ul.com/scopes/scopes.asp?fn=1310.html>. As such, they would have to pass a reasonable electric strength test. The first two claim FCC Part 15 Class B compliance. The would appear to cover the safety and certification issues for the United States. It appears that these outlets also have the necessary safety approvals for Canada and Mexico. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has efficiency requirements for external power supplies, but I don't know exactly how this type of product would be classified. The manufacturers may believe it is out of scope of the DOE rules or they may just not place the information in their specification sheet. In my opinion, the USB chargers would likely be classified as external power supplies making them subject to the DOE rules. As such, starting in February 2016, they would need to meet requirements equivalent to International Efficiency Level VI. The third example above is what showed up on an Amazon search for me. I didn't see any wall outlets of questionable origin for my quick search. I'm sure that they are out there in the United States. However, the availability of integral USB/NEMA 5-15 outlets from reputable vendors may reduce the number of low-cost vendors who are willing to enter the US market. I'm also not sure how to interpret "Look out for an explosion of these items". Is this a comment on their sales potential or safety? ;-) Ted Eckert Compliance Engineer Microsoft Corporation ted.eck...@microsoft.com<mailto:ted.eck...@microsoft.com> The opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer. From: Pearson, John [mailto:john.pear...@polycom.com] Sent: Friday, March 13, 2015 6:51 AM To: EMC-PSTC@LISTSERV.IEEE.ORG Subject: [PSES] USB Mains Outlet sockets Here is a Friday discussion topic for you guys. In the UK we are seeing a plethora of aftermarket 250v AC mains outlet sockets which are supplied for installation, it seems by the homeowner, (this has been a traditional practice over here. In the US I understand that this happens less). The advantage of these sockets is that they also give you 2 USB charging ports in the wall as well as two socket outlets. I see large distributors (Screwfix, Amazon.co.uk and Ebuyer for e.g.) selling several https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=lap+mains+socket&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-GB:IE-Address&ie=&oe=&gfe_rd=cr&ei=edoCVauNDquD8Qekq4HgBQ&gws_rd=ssl#rls=com.microsoft:en-GB:IE-Address&tbm=shop&q=usb+mains+power+socket+outlet . Look out for an explosion of these items is my suspicion as the idea of getting rid of plug in USB chargers is very appealing, even to me! Questions from the compliance side Energy Efficiency Single rail PSU's are subject to mandatory Energy Efficiency marking and performance. All the units I have seen thus far do not mark or declare any performance figures. The PSU being wired into the mains does not to my mind preclude these products from compliance with the Eco-design Directive and 278/2009 specifically, or am I missing something? Safety of USB port All of the devices I have seen are stamped with EN 60950-1 on the back thus appear to be purporting compliance this std. Not seen any DoC's. I do not understand how they can meet the Disconnect Device requirements of CL 3.4 by design unless the mains switches are the disconnect device. I see however that the switches only turn off the mains to the traditional BS1363 sockets. Any thoughts? Certification Several of these items claim ASTA certification. I wonder what ASTA certified them to. I suspect not EN 60950-1. Is that not misleading? Insulation test At least one of these devices states "Do not Megger" the device. Apparently the USB charge circuitry cannot stand high voltage and would likely or possibly fail. As it is recommend in the UK that home wiring be regularly checked for insulation issues is this product "fit for purpose" ? CE marking Several of these are not CE marked. See this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Connekt-Gear-Power-Socket-Charging-white/dp/B00KO1KDN4 Rather bizarrely one supplier with a seemingly non CE marked product issued this http://www.groupgear.co.uk/catalogue/27-2000-Counterfeit-warning.pdf Does outlet sockets require CE marking by the placer on the market and if they also incorporate a PSU for charging ITE product doesn't it become an ITE product itself subject to EMCD and LVD and thus require CE marking for that purpose also? All this said it seems that they are getting great reviews but likely from the user benefit rather than the above Look forward to interesting responses. John - ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. 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