Powerboard + USB Charging Advice

Wakrak on 08/12/2021 - 21:42
Last edited 08/12/2021 - 21:44

I'm clueless when it comes to understanding things like voltage and charging capacity. And that's because I haven't put in the time to understand what the numbers mean and how currents work.

When I work from home, I usually plug my laptop into this cube powerstation that sits on the floor. I also use it to charge both my phone (USB-C x lighning) and earphones (USB-A x USB-C). Image of Setup

This Gulp powerstation I use seems to have disappeared from this world. Purchased from Mitre10 and can't find any details online.
Image of powerstation details

  • model no: Gulp GPS34- 18
  • voltage: 240v ~ 50Hz
  • max loading: 10A 240V 2400W
  • usb input: 0.25A 240V! 50Hz
  • usboutput: 5V = 3.4A MAX (Total)
  • (Max 2.4AFORONEPORT)

I am looking to replace this cube with a standard flat powerboard with USB ports. It's annoying having to turn the cube around trying to find the right outlet, and I think it'll look tidier if I have a standard powerboard that sits closer to the PC case.

Random options:
Jackson 4way x2 USB-A/C 3.1 PB Tech
Arlec 3outlet powerboard x2 USB-A Kmart

I'm looking for something that is no more than $35 and has 2-5 standard plug outlets. What should I be looking for in terms of specifications? Is USB 3.1 too much? Should I get something with USB-C?

Thanks.

General Discussion

Comments

  • Kiwi on 08/12/2021 - 22:18
    +1

    Really the only consideration is the spec of the USB ports, the rest is going to be the same at that price point. Would recommend something with it's own circuit breaker to reduce the risk to your appliances, they are pretty common with anything but the cheapest junk these days.

    Considerations for USB really would be if your devices use any of the fast charge specs. If not, or if you don't care, or if you use the manufacturers charger for your phone/tablet, then it won't really make a difference anyway. If they do use some sort of fast charge, then you should be using an external hub or it's own charger. The hubs get posted on here/ozb pretty often, and will list the spec that they are compatible with.

    The PBTech one would be good for charging things like headphones or a mouse, etc, plus your phone, slowly, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

    Changing the board won't affect your laptop charger at all. 10A 240V 2400W is standard for pretty much every household outlet in the country, except things like hot water or an oven.

    • Wakrak on 08/12/2021 - 23:04

      Thanks for that. In terms of USB ports, faster would be better but then I guess that increases the price.

      I've been using this Moyork wall charger lately and it's been pretty solid. I guess another option would be to leave that on the powerboard and use whatever cable I need at the time.

  • psychowei on 08/12/2021 - 22:42
    +1

    Price Match from Warehouse Stationary:
    https://www.warehousestationery.co.nz/product/W2275236.html#…
    To:
    https://www.computerlounge.co.nz/shop/components/power-suppl…

    To make it 36.3 and stack with the 10% New user coupon (32.66)

  • huffboy on 08/12/2021 - 22:49

    I got a Belkin 8-Way Surge Protector with Dual USB Port - 48.91 with CSC.

    https://www.noelleeming.co.nz/p/belkin-8-way-surge-protector…

    Powers my router, fiber modem thing, desktop, monitor, laptop, xbox, TV, USBs are used to charge my phone and fitbit.

  • TheDealMan on 08/12/2021 - 23:11

    1-day have this available for $29.99. Annoyingly it's 1c too short for using the 10OFF2021 code. However if you need something else from 1-day that could be a good option. 8 power outlets along with 2 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C. Supports fast charging too (according to the image). Alternatively it's of course on The Market too with 5% off (Xmas code) should that work out better with the $45+ free shipping.

  • wearnes on 08/12/2021 - 23:44

    id probably seperate the charger and powerboard unless its somewhere where i dont do alot. on my desk i've had something like this bolted to the side of it for years… moar ports plz!
    https://www.google.com/search?q=rack+power+board

    (one with a circuit breaker is nice & verticle mount style)

  • Drcspy on 09/12/2021 - 07:30
    +1

    "Is USB 3.1 too much? Should I get something with USB-C?"

    Usb 3.1 is a data transfer protocol
    USB C is a type of physical connector, (also a data transfer protocol is included).

    When you're talking charging devices the Usb 3.1 is irrelevant really. Usb C is a Physical usb plug TYPE. It's different to 'Micro Usb' which was the earlier type. They are NOT interchangeable. Your older devices will use Micro Usb.

    https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fcf.shopee…

    The output of your current device seems to be max @ 2.4A per port. Lower Amps will slow down charging. Higher Amps have the capacity to speed up charging IF the device can make use of them. All usb charging ports are 5 Volts. You could hook your device to a 5v usb charger which had a capability of 1000A, (if you could find one lol), and there would be no damage to the device. Devices only draw whatever Amps they're capable of using. So you can't 'over amp' something. More Amps give greater charge capability.

  • ace310 on 09/12/2021 - 09:31

    My thoughts, would be to keep power board & USB charging separate unless you are using it for charging mouse/keyboard or something which takes 5v/1A input. For any mobile/tablet devices I would use a separate charger/multi port should be fine.

    I have multiple power boards listed above belkin, arlec. Most of them are fine, just get one with circuit breaker.

    The wall charger you have should work just fine unless you want more power or more ports out of one charger.

    • Wakrak on 09/12/2021 - 10:18

      You just reminded me that I have a spare USB port that I bought for my partner. I just hooked it up now (connected to computer).
      https://files.cheapies.nz/upload/9216/3408/261881731_1274817…

      I guess that'll cover the charging side eh? My computer is on most of the time when I'm home. Now I just need a 4-way powerboard and that's it.

      • ace310 on 09/12/2021 - 10:37

        Mind you, those usb ports will have minimum output as it is hooked up with computer and not to a power adapter. It will give you the slowest charging speed if you intend to charge something.

        Fyi: for that belkin powerboard, remember that the plug is not angled, so if you want to hide it behind your desk, make sure you have enough space. For that reason I bought another powerboard, as there was not enough space behind my tv unit and needed a flat plug to make it work.

        • Wakrak on 09/12/2021 - 10:45
          +1

          Good point. Should be alright though in terms of plug angles. I do have another of those Zendure 4-ports on its way, so I guess that can live permanently on my future powerboard.

  • Huntakillaz on 25/06/2023 - 01:52

    Anyone able to find any other nz sites that have this?
    Need a new power board by my bed and the backlight switches and with QC/PD make it so ideal
    https://jacksonpower.com.au/products/raptor-surge-protected-…

    https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/jackson-powerboard-6-outlet-b…

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