USB hub

[superpippo]

As more items become usb powered i was wondering about buying a mains powered USB hub with say 4/6 ports which can remain plugged into the mains by the side of the bed and can be used for charging phones, iPad, etc and also LED reading lights as my eyesight needs a brighter light for reading.
I have had a quick look on Amazon and there is a wide range, many from far east manufacturers with unrecognisable names.
Reviews of them all range from' great ' to 'tripped the lights', 'burnt the carpet'
Does anyone use such a thing on a regular basis and have any recommendations/advice?

 

[troutfisher]

Yes I use three in various places

USB Chargers

Explore our range of chargers, cables, and multiport USB options to keep your phones powered at home or on the go. Shop now.

www.ikea.com

Two of the 3 port ones and one of the clamp ones with no bother at all.
Plugged in are LED bedside lights, phone and tablet chargers.

 

[ancient_mariner]

I've had some, but not recently. My alarm clock has a couple of charging ports built in however.

 

[JonathanRyan]

This isn't cheap but it is a good bit of kit.

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Anker-5-Port-Charger-PowerPort-Samsung-Blue/dp/B01KUTRGS4/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=anker+usb+charger+powerport+5&qid=1636383429&sr=8-3

I have had an older version of it for 4 years according to Amazon and love it because it doesn't have any lights on it (this newer one does have a light on it) so it's great for charging stuff in a dark bedroom.

One really neat option is to rewire the sockets in your bedroom with something like this

LAP 13A 2-Gang SP Switched Socket + 3.1A 15.5W 2-Outlet Type A USB Charger White - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. White moulded socket with 2 x USB charging ports. Features angled, in-line terminals and includes backed-out captive screws for easy installation. Ideal for charging iPads, iPhones, tablets, mobiles, cameras, MP3s and many more devices. FREE next day delivery...

www.screwfix.com

They won't keep up with the ever evolving "standards" of quick charging but are ideal for charging stuff overnight.

 

[Retune]

I was also going to suggest Anker, and Ikea stuff will also be safe. I wouldn't use a no-name hub of unknown safety. It's a shame that Amazon's algorithms make it so hard to sift through all the dross.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Hdn0MuCK_0

 

[Nod]

We have several mains sockets with USB power sockets built in. Having had a cheap one give up providing USB power, I now use BG ones from Toolstation and haven't had one fail yet.

 

[superpippo]

Yes I use three in various places

USB Chargers

Explore our range of chargers, cables, and multiport USB options to keep your phones powered at home or on the go. Shop now.

www.ikea.com

Two of the 3 port ones and one of the clamp ones with no bother at all.
Plugged in are LED bedside lights, phone and tablet chargers.

T/y
That Askstorm is the kind of thing that meant

 

[superpippo]

I've had some, but not recently. My alarm clock has a couple of charging ports built in however.

i like that idea but haven't been able to find such an alarm clock

 

[superpippo]

This isn't cheap but it is a good bit of kit.

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Anker-5-Port-Charger-PowerPort-Samsung-Blue/dp/B01KUTRGS4/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=anker+usb+charger+powerport+5&qid=1636383429&sr=8-3

I have had an older version of it for 4 years according to Amazon and love it because it doesn't have any lights on it (this newer one does have a light on it) so it's great for charging stuff in a dark bedroom.

One really neat option is to rewire the sockets in your bedroom with something like this

LAP 13A 2-Gang SP Switched Socket + 3.1A 15.5W 2-Outlet Type A USB Charger White - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. White moulded socket with 2 x USB charging ports. Features angled, in-line terminals and includes backed-out captive screws for easy installation. Ideal for charging iPads, iPhones, tablets, mobiles, cameras, MP3s and many more devices. FREE next day delivery...

www.screwfix.com

They won't keep up with the ever evolving "standards" of quick charging but are ideal for charging stuff overnight.

That Anker looks good, as you say a bit pricey, but that may a good thing if it is safe.

Does it have a 3 pin plug?

I have an Anker bluetooth speaker which is perfecty acceptable for my use, so I know the brand. It seems well made.

The mains plugs are Ok but would not work in the position that I want the hub and they are limited to two ports

Thank you

 

[superpippo]

I was also going to suggest Anker, and Ikea stuff will also be safe. I wouldn't use a no-name hub of unknown safety. It's a shame that Amazon's algorithms make it so hard to sift through all the dross.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Hdn0MuCK_0

Thank you

 

[superpippo]

We have several mains sockets with USB power sockets built in. Having had a cheap one give up providing USB power, I now use BG ones from Toolstation and haven't had one fail yet.

Thank you

 

[troutfisher]

i like that idea but haven't been able to find such an alarm clock

look at a Pure siesta dab clock radio-1*usb charging socket but they are around £100

 

[ancient_mariner]

i like that idea but haven't been able to find such an alarm clock

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bedrooms-Simple-Display-Digital-Charger/dp/B08VN6N6XC/ref=sr_1_47?keywords=alarm+clock&qid=1636482801&sr=8-47

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CHEREEKI-Digital-Temperature-Display-Charging/dp/B0886D14HX/ref=sr_1_38?keywords=alarm+clock&qid=1636482801&sr=8-38

 

[Deleted member 49549]

it may be worth getting one with USB-C sockets for future proofing.