USB sockets testing

[loplug]

does anyone test these in any way if so what do you use. Or do you just test the 13a sockets and make an assumption that the usb skts are working ?

 

[DPG]

You can get dedicated USB testers for not a lot of money, but to be honest if you want to test a USB outlet just plug in a cheap USB light.

 

[loplug]

You can get dedicated USB testers for not a lot of money, but to be honest if you want to test a USB outlet just plug in a cheap USB light.

I have seen that they can be got cheep but I was mainly wondering what other people was using or if they even bothered to check the usb output

 

[littlespark]

All you’re testing is a 5v dc supply.
If you know which pins on the plug are the power and which are the data transfer... get an old usb lead, cut it down to the individual cores and use a multimeter to verify 5v + or -

I’ve never actually checked any I’ve fitted. I assume the customer would soon say if it wasn’t working, then it’s a trip to the wholesalers.

 

[Deleted member 105166]

It's a good idea to test any USBs are working before carrying out any work on the circuit, to avoid the risk of being blamed for them not working after you've gone!

 

[loplug]

All you’re testing is a 5v dc supply.
If you know which pins on the plug are the power and which are the data transfer... get an old usb lead, cut it down to the individual cores and use a multimeter to verify 5v + or -

I’ve never actually checked any I’ve fitted. I assume the customer would soon say if it wasn’t working, then it’s a trip to the wholesalers.

Thanks for that and hadn’t even thought to butcher a lead what a simple solution

 

[Toneyz]

Thanks for that and hadn’t even thought to butcher a lead what a simple solution

BUTCHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will give us electricians a bad name We adapt and manipulate I'll have you know.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

does anyone test these in any way if so what do you use. Or do you just test the 13a sockets and make an assumption that the usb skts are working ?

USB Charger Doctor Mobile Power Detector Battery Tester Voltage Current Meter for sale online | eBay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/USB-Charger-Doctor-Mobile-Power-Detector-Battery-Tester-Voltage-Current-Meter/1081769871?iid=192620301411&chn=ps

 

[Markyd]

plug your phone charger in....sorted

 

[Bobster]

plug your phone charger in....sorted

A cheap tester that will display output voltage can be got for less than a fiver.

I've got one of the Charge doctors that @GeorgeCooke posted before.

Better than plugging your far more expensive phone into a potentially faulty port.

 

[loplug]

Better than plugging your far more expensive phone into a potentially faulty port.

That’s why I wanted to do some sort of check to avoid the scenario where a customers expensive phone gets damaged and when asked if I have tested the usb sockets having to reply no

 

[Shoei]

Interesting question, USB sockets are SELV supplies so does anyone routinely measure IR to confirm isolation? 612.4.1 requires insulation resistance measurement for SELV, one to think about.

 

[naylorpd]

Interesting question, USB sockets are SELV supplies so does anyone routinely measure IR to confirm isolation? 612.4.1 requires insulation resistance measurement for SELV, one to think about.

My USB socket was only outputting 2.5V after an IR test. My tenant didn't use it so I don't know what it was like before - but still I'm highly suspicious that the IR test fried it...

 

[Toneyz]

Not had any experience with USB sockets does doing an insulation test at 500v to earth fry them or is it only between L & N?

 

[Strima]

Not had any experience with USB sockets does doing an insulation test at 500v to earth fry them or is it only between L & N?

Some do, some don't.

 

[Toneyz]

Some do, some don't.

Do I take it then a 500v test to earth is safe but between L and N could not be.

 

[Strima]

Do I take it then a 500v test to earth is safe but between L and N could not be.

You'd need to check what manufacturers state for their accessories. If unsure then just do L&N to E.

 

[Shoei]

I quoted from the 17th but it's different in the 18th. Table 64 on page 232 specifies minimum insulation resistance of 0.5 MΩ at 250V DC. 643.3.3 recognizes that some electronics may be damaged by test voltages, and allows a limited test.

These are tests before circuits are energised so for practical purposes it may be worth chopping a USB lead, shorting all four wires together and test USB-live and USB-earth. Shorting the USB pins together should protect the electronics against damage, and if it is damaged by that it's not fit for purpose.