Wiring a USB socket into lighting circuit.

[EddieJT]

I am planning a shelf near my front door as a convenient place to leave mobile phones.

It would be even more convenient if I could get a USB charging socket to it too. However it's not close to a power socket. It is very close however to a light switch.

I can't find a "light switch with USB socket" like you can with power sockets. Would it be possible to wire a USB socket like this to the lighting circuit?

http://www.needselectricalonline.com/buy_Click+Mode+White+Moulded+1+Gang+1a+5v+USB+Socket.htm

 

[EFLImpudence]

It's unlikely there will be a neutral at the light switch - though not impossible.

 

[EddieJT]

I take it back; here's one:

http://www.kyohaya.com.tw/socket/products.php?cPath=1_4

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[EddieJT]

It's unlikely there will be a neutral at the light switch - though not impossible.

Oh, yes of course. Didn't think of that.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

http://www.kyohaya.com.tw/socket/products.php?cPath=1_4

Is it CE marked?

 

[Taylortwocities]

I take it back; here's one:

http://www.kyohaya.com.tw/socket/products.php?cPath=1_4

If you look at the diagram of the USB/light switch (from the link provided) you will notice that there ae a couple of terminals visible. One is marked "N".
So, if your existing light switch doesn't have an "N" then you'll need to find another solution.

 

[RF Lighting]

First thing to do here before you head out buying anything is to turn your power off. Then unscrew your light switch and take a photo of the wiring behind it with your camera phone. Make sure the photo is well lit and in focus and includes all wires contained within the back box of your switch.

Then screw the switch back taking care not to trap any wires especially with the fixing screws. Turn the power back on and post the photos on here. We will be able then to tell you if your switch idea is a good idea or a none starter.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Eddie - if you want to use the site's own photo library provision you'll find the instructions here: //www.diynot.com/network/DIYnot/albums/67/180

You will need to do all 11 steps.

Or in a fraction of the time use an image hosting site such as http://www.postimage.org

 

[Nozzle]

I'm curious to know why a USB socket 5 feet away from the floor is useful? USB sockets built into mains outlet I can see, but all the way up there?

Nozzle

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Maybe Eddie isn't the only person in the world to want a shelf near a door as a convenient place to leave mobile phones?

 

[winston1]

Both the USB sockets linked to are under rated at only 1amp. Although OK for phones tablets such as the IPad require 2.1 amp USB chargers.

 

[bernardgreen]

When selecting the USB socket give some thought to what will happen if the voltage converter behind the USB socket fails.

Some of the cheaper ones ( that even have a forged C E mark ) are so cheaply made that a failure could result in mains voltage appearing on the USB contacts. This could cause a lot of expensive damage to the device being charged.

They are dangerous and hence illegal an in the UK but they are designed to be sold to UK customers.