USB Power Points vs Standard Power Points: What’s Right for Your Renovation?
Key Takeaways
- USB power points keep the standard 230 to 240 volt sockets and add built-in USB charging ports, so phones and tablets plug straight into the wall.
- USB-C is the better choice for new work because most current phones and tablets use it, while USB-A suits older cables.
- Check the per-port and total wattage before relying on a wall outlet to charge a laptop.
- Standard power points still suit laundries, fixed-load appliances and rooms where few devices are charged.
- In the NT, only a person who holds an electrical work licence can perform or supervise electrical work, so installation is a job for a licensed electrician.
USB Power Points vs Standard Power Points: What Is the Difference?
A USB power point is a wall outlet that combines standard 230 to 240 volt Australian sockets with built-in low-voltage USB charging ports. A standard power point supplies mains AC only, so charging a phone means plugging in an adapter that uses up one of your sockets.
Inside a USB power point, a small module converts mains supply into regulated low-voltage DC, so your devices charge without a separate adapter. Most products sold in Australia are combination models that keep one or two standard sockets and add USB ports. USB-only plates are also available for dedicated charging spots such as a desk or a bench.
| Feature | Standard power point | USB power point |
|---|---|---|
| What it supplies | 230 to 240 volt AC sockets only | The same AC sockets plus built-in USB charging ports |
| Charging a phone | Needs a plug-in adapter that takes up a socket | Plug the USB cable straight into the wall |
| Cable clutter | Adapters and extra cables around the outlet | Fewer adapters, so the wall stays tidier |
| Best suited to | Laundries, hot water systems, fixed-load points and rooms with few devices | Bedrooms, kitchens, studies and shared rooms |
The most common format in homes is the double power point with built-in USB, which keeps both standard sockets and adds the USB ports on the same plate. It sits in a standard wall position, so many existing power point locations can be upgraded during a renovation.
USB-A vs USB-C: Which Port Type Should You Choose?
For new installations, USB-C is usually the better choice, because most current phones, tablets and earbuds use it, and so do many laptops. USB-A is still useful where older cables are in use, and a plate with one of each covers both.
USB-A: The Older Rectangular Port
USB-A is the flat rectangular port found on many older cables, chargers and accessories. It is fine for general phone and accessory charging, but it is usually slower than modern USB-C fast charging. It still makes sense in rentals and guest rooms, where visitors and tenants often carry older cables.
USB-C and Power Delivery: The Faster Option
USB-C is the newer reversible connector. When the port supports Power Delivery, the port and your device negotiate higher voltages and currents, which allows faster phone top-ups and laptop charging. A device that does not support Power Delivery will still charge, just at a slower default rate. The cable matters too, so an old USB-A cable will not deliver fast charging from a USB-C port.
Shared Wattage: Read the Fine Print
Multi-port outlets quote a total output, and charging slows when several devices are connected at once. If you plan to charge a laptop from the wall, check the per-port output and confirm USB-C Power Delivery support first. Many wall-mounted USB-C outlets are rated for phones and tablets only, so a laptop that needs 45 watts or more may not charge properly.
Where to Use USB Power Points in a Renovation
USB power points earn their place in the rooms where devices charge every day, and standard power points still win everywhere else. Planning this early in a renovation keeps the wiring and wall positions simple.
- Bedrooms: a USB power point at the bedside keeps phones and tablets charging overnight without an adapter.
- Kitchens: a USB power point near the bench frees up standard sockets for appliances.
- Studies and home offices: choose a higher-wattage USB-C model near the desk, and keep standard sockets for monitors, printers and other equipment.
- Rentals and guest rooms: a plate with both USB-A and USB-C suits a mix of old and new devices.
- Laundries and fixed-load points: stick with standard power points for hot water systems and other fixed appliances.
A renovation is also a good time to replace old switches and power points, because the plastic becomes brittle with age and can crack and expose live parts. If a room simply runs short of sockets, adding new points is safer than plugging one power board into another. Our guide on how to safely add power points without overloading your home explains why.
What to Know Before USB Power Point Installation
USB power points are mains-powered fittings wired into your home, so installation must be done by a licensed electrician. NT WorkSafe states that a person must hold an electrical work licence to perform or supervise electrical work.
Every Florance Electrical electrician is fully licensed and insured and holds an NT electrical A grade licence. That matters for more than the paperwork. A licensed electrician can check your circuit, test the installation and make sure the fitting is compatible with your existing wall box.
Wall box depth is worth raising early. Many USB modules need a deeper mounting block than a standard power point, and finding that out on the day can delay the job. Ask your electrician to check before you order.
Quality is the other thing to watch. Not all power points are equal, and cheaper imports can fail within months. Stick with well-known brands that have been on the market for years, and buy from reputable distributors who will back the product. If you are comparing quotes, ask each electrician which brand and model they plan to install.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a USB power point?
A USB power point is a wall outlet that combines standard Australian 230 to 240 volt sockets with built-in USB charging ports. It lets you charge phones and tablets directly from the wall without a plug-in adapter, which frees up your standard sockets for other appliances in the same wall position.
Are USB power points worth it?
USB power points are worth it in rooms where devices charge daily, such as bedrooms, kitchens and studies, because they save sockets and reduce adapter clutter. They matter less in laundries, hot water systems and other fixed-load points, where a standard power point does the same job and few devices are charged.
What are the different types of USB power ports?
The two main types are USB-A and USB-C. USB-A is the older flat rectangular port used by many older cables. USB-C is the newer reversible port used by most current phones, tablets and many laptops, and it supports faster charging when the outlet offers Power Delivery.
Can I install a USB power point myself?
No. A hardwired USB power point connects to your home’s mains wiring, and NT WorkSafe says a person must hold an electrical work licence to perform or supervise electrical work. A licensed electrician should install, replace or relocate it, and can check the wall box and circuit before starting.
Get a Free Quote for Your Renovation
Planning a renovation in Darwin and want USB charging built in? Our licensed electricians can help you choose the right outlets for each room. Browse our residential electrical services or call (08) 8983 3000 to request a free quote.