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

[mjgreen81]

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

 

[jurassic sparkk]

I've mostly installed LAP ones they are pretty good.

 

[DIY_Doctor]

Have LAP throughout my house (USB-A). No hum.

 

[plugwash]

One issue is that different people have different ranges of hearing, so a whine may be audible to some people and inaudible to others.

 

[foxhole]

I don’t mind the hum, but depends on the tune.

 

[pete01]

One issue is that different people have different ranges of hearing, so a whine may be audible to some people and inaudible to others.

What was that?

 

[ebee]

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.

 

[chivers67]

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.

 

[kinhell]

You need a male one not a female. That'll stop the whining

 

[jurassic sparkk]

Very funny.

 

[bernardgreen]

having said that i have an aversion to USB built in charge points,

I have the same aversion,

 

[Mottie]

having said that i have an aversion to USB built in charge points,

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…

 

[robinbanks]

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?]

Dont the mk ones only switch the USB charging gubbins on when you plug a cable in?

 

[RandomGrinch]

Dont the mk ones only switch the USB charging gubbins on when you plug a cable in?

Only the euromodule version with shutters, turns off the supply.

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.
+