USB Sockets

Hi all,

I am thinking about replacing the two LED lights above the cab chairs (as we don't use/need them) with USB charging sockets. The idea is that we can plug in our devices when on hook-up and put them on the shelf above the cab doors. Just asking in case there is any experience / warnings I can learn from.

Has anyone done this?

What sockets did you use?

Did you have any unexpected issues that you needed to overcome?

Thanks in advance for your wisdom 

What about a normal car 12v socket like lighter?
Plug double usb adaptor into that, or use 12v as is, then you have 2?
Protect wiring with a fuse limiting what you put through the 12v socket
Just a thought......

Sorry re underline!

If the intent is to use the USBs when on an EHU, why not use a cheap multi USB mains plug?  I don't know much about USBs but I would have thought that replacing two low amperage LEDs with two higher amperage USBs could spell trouble and end up with a blown lighting circuit fuse.  Others will know more about this.

Caraman wrote:If the intent is to use the USBs when on an EHU, why not use a cheap multi USB mains plug?  I don't know much about USBs but I would have thought that replacing two low amperage LEDs with two higher amperage USBs could spell trouble and end up with a blown lighting circuit fuse.  Others will know more about this.

Exactly what I do. I fitted a double 13A socket with usb to the underside of the microwave shelf in my  Nuevo.

gpilky wrote:Hi all,

I am thinking about replacing the two LED lights above the cab chairs (as we don't use/need them) with USB charging sockets. The idea is that we can plug in our devices when on hook-up and put them on the shelf above the cab doors. Just asking in case there is any experience / warnings I can learn from.

Has anyone done this?

What sockets did you use?

Did you have any unexpected issues that you needed to overcome?

Thanks in advance for your wisdom 

Good idea. I did the same with fittings similar to these ....
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BZ1BS63/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_JS51JZ0ENT5CFWFHWY2V
However I don't have an AS and these are overbed lights so I can charge anything during the night or power tablets to watch TV.   We now have 4 USB points around the van. 
Rich..

Had forgotten, here's how I did it..

Switch and sockets all in one panel, ebay, so switchable, voltmeter, 2 x USB, 1 x 10A 12v car type socket. £20 or so.
Connected with an inline 10A fuse, direct to LB so all works in transit or not.
Handy map pocket back of seat for tabs, phones etc

IanH wrote:What about a normal car 12v socket like lighter?
Plug double usb adaptor into that, or use 12v as is, then you have 2?
Protect wiring with a fuse limiting what you put through the 12v socket
Just a thought......

Sorry re underline!

 
Hi Ian, thanks for this any your later post. I do have 2 USB 'cigarette lighter' plugs with 4 USB in total and a voltage readout. I use these when travelling, however, the power to the sockets goes off when I turn off the ignition.

I like the solution you have being the drivers (?) seat though. Plan B for me is to do something similar if all else fails.....

G

RML wrote:

gpilky wrote:Hi all,

I am thinking about replacing the two LED lights above the cab chairs (as we don't use/need them) with USB charging sockets. The idea is that we can plug in our devices when on hook-up and put them on the shelf above the cab doors. Just asking in case there is any experience / warnings I can learn from.

Has anyone done this?

What sockets did you use?

Did you have any unexpected issues that you needed to overcome?

Thanks in advance for your wisdom 

Good idea. I did the same with fittings similar to these ....
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BZ1BS63/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_JS51JZ0ENT5CFWFHWY2V
However I don't have an AS and these are overbed lights so I can charge anything during the night or power tablets to watch TV.   We now have 4 USB points around the van. 
Rich..

Thanks Rich - I have seen these and they are one option I'm considering. The other option is a USB socket as I don't really need the lights.

I'd be interested to hear how you got on with these, especially the current from the USB (they never seem to say this on Amazon).

Cheers

G

Gary

Caraman wrote:If the intent is to use the USBs when on an EHU, why not use a cheap multi USB mains plug?  I don't know much about USBs but I would have thought that replacing two low amperage LEDs with two higher amperage USBs could spell trouble and end up with a blown lighting circuit fuse.  Others will know more about this.

Hi Caraman, I've looked at various options wrt the mains plug but the location of the plugs is not ideal - either near the floor, or the sink, to taking space in the kitchen area. So I thought I'd try and add a new one! 

The sockets I'm looking at are 2-3 amps and the fuse on the lighting circuit is 10 amps. As all the lighting is LED I expect there will be enough current for this. Of course I'll check beforehand just in case.....

G

Do you not have the microwave in a unit above the fridge on your Broadway? I looked under the shelf and on the left side there was a round plastic plug in a hole in the shelf on which the microwave sits. I screwed my double mains socket on a slim pattress under that. I was able to run a mains cable up through the hole and make a mains connection behind the microwave. The double 13A has 4 USB sockets rated at 4.2A total

https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-13a-2-gang-unswitched-socket-4-2a-4-outlet-usb-charger-white/4130p

gpilky wrote:

RML wrote:

gpilky wrote:Hi all,

I am thinking about replacing the two LED lights above the cab chairs (as we don't use/need them) with USB charging sockets. The idea is that we can plug in our devices when on hook-up and put them on the shelf above the cab doors. Just asking in case there is any experience / warnings I can learn from.

Has anyone done this?

What sockets did you use?

Did you have any unexpected issues that you needed to overcome?

Thanks in advance for your wisdom 

Good idea. I did the same with fittings similar to these ....
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BZ1BS63/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_JS51JZ0ENT5CFWFHWY2V
However I don't have an AS and these are overbed lights so I can charge anything during the night or power tablets to watch TV.   We now have 4 USB points around the van. 
Rich..

Thanks Rich - I have seen these and they are one option I'm considering. The other option is a USB socket as I don't really need the lights.

I'd be interested to hear how you got on with these, especially the current from the USB (they never seem to say this on Amazon).

Cheers

G

Gary

Hi Gary. I had lights similar to this already there, without usb, but one failed so I replaced them both. Can't tell you the current draw as no information was supplied except a compliance certificate. I believe the current is very low as my tablet takes hours to charge but I'm ok with that, it's convenience that matters to me more than speed.  
Rich..