Panel Mount USB 12V Charging

[gandy]

Hi,
I'm looking for recommendations for USB charging sockets, in a panel mount form. There are loads of options on offer with wildly variable prices, so I would appreciate any suggestions for exact products, or products to avoid. I'll probably go for a dual, but there may be some merit in having two of them in case one fails. I have seen models that have a switch, which seems a really good idea. Of course I could wire my own switch but that's just another thing to do and I'd probably want a power-on indicator as well if it's switched.

Thanks, Tony S

 

[Black Sheep]

Good question - watching for replies.
I gather some of the cheaper ones might be electrically noisy - this may or may not matter, depending on other equipment. (and I don't know how to identify quiet ones).
I bought some cheap ones on Ebay that are illuminated with a bright blue LED - apart from the power drain, totally inappropriate at night, whether trying to sleep or on watch.
I definitely need more than one - several items that need power, and the need for one by each berth.
Switching doesn't bother me - they should use practically nothing when not charging; if I really don't want to charge something, I'll unplug it.

So - watching for recommendations for electrically quiet, non-illuminated USB sockets that are reasonably robust in a boaty environment.

 

[sfellows]

I've used this one as we have 24v on the boat. Bought one for the chart table and it was so good I bought another for the cockpit......

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0888QSCNG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[Little Dorrit]

I purchased a couple of 12 volt ones on eBay for less than £5 which I have simply wired up to my radio toggle switch, they have led lights to indicate they are on and are still working after 5 years.

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

I'm really dubious about the quality/safety of the 12/5V transformers in them so would stick with named brands like Bulgin (which I have and can be had with a wproof cap) or Blue Sea, and would definitely have them switched and behind a decent breaker.

 

[ctva]

I tried the USB sockets (both cheap and not so cheap) some give interference and then there is that bl00dy led light that is always on.

So binned them and put back standard 12v sockets and got the low profile USB adapters which allow the socket to be multifunctional and no led light when not in use.

 

[Hunterlees]

I have one of these from ebay. Has quick charge and PD for devices that support it.
12V-24V USB Type C PD + QC 3.0 Dual Car Charger Adapter 2 Port Cigarette Socket | eBay

 

[lustyd]

I bought one of these which has one USB-C and one USB-A. The USB-C can charge my laptop directly up to 18W which is sufficient for my modern laptop to run at full speed and also charge slowly. I've been looking for one without LEDs on with no luck
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07R8JV1LX

 

[KAM]

I found most chargers pretty unreliable so went for 12v car sockets and just plug the easily replaceable chargers in to those.

 

[lustyd]

Probably worth highlighting that USB-PD used in USB-C uses multiple voltages, including 12V so probably more reliable than a 5V USB A device regardless of form factor. The one I linked above doesn't even get warm when delivering 18W to my laptop even if the other port is in use charging something else.

 

[gandy]

Thanks. This was one example that I saw with a switch, that I hope would get rid of annoying and pointless lights on all the time. Better if it was a mechanical switch, presumably a "Touch Switch" means some electronics are live all the time.

Dual 4.8A USB Car Charger Socket

 

[lustyd]

That one doesn't appear to have PD capability so delivers less power and is stuck at 5V meaning it always has to convert down, meaning probably heat and potential failure increases. This one does have PD so may be a better option which looks almost identical https://www.amazon.co.uk/Upgrade-Charger-Voltmeter-Waterproof-Motorcycle/dp/B087R7QZP1

 

[Daverw]

Always check and dbl check the stated output, I’ve fitted a few and many cannot supply the 3 amps or more needed by todays stuff, gets really annoying when you mid the panels to fit and then find sometimes they work and other times they don’t.

 

[trbt]

Have these 60W PD Type C/QC 3.0 USB Charger with Switch Socket Power Outlet Adapter Waterproof For 12V 24V Car Truck Boat RV Motorcycle
Green light, with switch but sans the silly voltmeter.
Charges my laptop and quick charges phones with usb-pd charging. Of course charges all the rest of usb chargeable things too.
Has a switch, so it is dark when off and at least the green ones are not too distracting when switched on.

 

[lustyd]

Have you checked how many Watts it delivers? Looks a much better option than mine! Assume 30W per port?

 

[trbt]

IIRC my T480s detected it as a 24 watt charger.

 

[Stemar]

I found most chargers pretty unreliable so went for 12v car sockets and just plug the easily replaceable chargers in to those.

My experience is the opposite. The USB sockets on the boat all worked fine; the "cigarette lighter" socket with the plug-in USB adaptor in the car regularly works loose and leaves me with a flat battery in the phone.

I never had any trouble with interference - maybe I was just lucky - but went for the highest current I could get, remembering that the rating on most twin sockets is a total for both - you may get, for example, 4amps with one thing plugged in, but with two, it's likely to be 2amps each.

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

My experience is the opposite. The USB sockets on the boat all worked fine; the "cigarette lighter" socket with the plug-in USB adaptor in the car regularly works loose and leaves me with a flat battery in the phone.

I never had any trouble with interference - maybe I was just lucky - but went for the highest current I could get, remembering that the rating on most twin sockets is a total for both - you may get, for example, 4amps with one thing plugged in, but with two, it's likely to be 2amps each.

Agreed, I hate the things but saw these recently.

12 Volt Power Socket | Cigar Cigarette Socket - Waterproof

 

[Stemar]

Interesting. I wish I'd seen them before I replaced the grotty ones on Jazzcat. I don't think the car will be getting one - I'm far too risk averse to start dismantling the dash!

 

[Wing Mark]

The fussiest gadget I have for USB power is a Raspberry Pi 4.
I run that at home with a step down converter like this:
Buck Converter Step Down DC-DC XL4015 Adjustable with Display Screen Voltmeter | eBay

All our phones and tablets seem to be old enough to run and charge from any reasonable 5V 2A car adaptor, although I suspect SWMBO's Samsung phone doesn't charge as fast as with its mains charger.