By the end of 2024, new EU regulations state a new mobile phone, tablet or camera must be equipped with a USB Type c charging port. This also will extend to laptop devices from spring 2026. This has simplified the chargers required, particularly when consumers purchase a new device.
Before these changes come to affect, you may be worrying about certain elements regarding USB chargers and the devices compatible. It’s important to remember that though new devices will need the USB C, there are existing technologies that may still have other ports.
This guide will explore what you should know about USB chargers, looking at the most common queries and how CMD can help.
Click on the relevant link to jump to that section:
- What is a USB charging port?
- How does a USB charger work?
- Can a USB power module charge multiple devices?
- Why are some USB chargers faster than others?
- What is the power output from a computer USB port?
- USB versions and connectors — an overview
- What is the difference between USB-A, USB-C, and micro-USB?
- Are wireless chargers as effective as USB chargers?
- How CMD can help
WHAT IS A USB CHARGING PORT?
USB stands for Universal Serial Bus (USB), with the computing term ‘bus’ referring to a system that transfers data between computers or components within a computer.
Ports are used to connect one device to another, including computer mice, smartphones, printers and keyboards.
In order to allow these devices to function, the USB port also transfers an amount of electrical current from the main (powered) device (the host) to its peripheral devices.
Find out more about how data is transferred between devices by USB with our expert guide here.
HOW DOES A USB CHARGER WORK?
A USB charger works by converting the electrical power from a wall socket or another power source (like a laptop or computer) into a format that your electronic devices can safely use.
USBs transfer both data and power. Traditionally, power only flowed in one direction — from the host to the device. However, advances in power delivery technology mean that it can be transferred in both directions.
Over the years, USB ports have evolved and their technology advanced. Though the original, USB A is gradually being phased out in favour of newer standards; it’s often still found on older devices.
USB C is the latest standard and seen as the most common port type, supporting faster data transfer and charging speeds. Type C connectors have 24 pins, ideal for charging high-powered devices and transferring data in a workplace.
Browse our entire range of workstation power modules, with USB ports, here.
CAN A USB POWER MODULE CHARGE MULTIPLE DEVICES?
USB power modules are designed to be able to charge multiple devices at the same time.
While voltage will be standard across the different USB ports, some modules ‘share’ their current across ports. This may result in slower charging times when more devices are connected.
Also, remember that different devices have different optimum currents from which to charge. Charging with a lower-than-optimum current can reduce charging time.
Our top device with multiple charging points:
Shop the Inca power module here.
WHY ARE SOME USB CHARGERS FASTER THAN OTHERS?
This relates to the current a charging point supplies, measured in amps.
Both voltage and current affect how quickly a device will charge. To protect electronic equipment from overloading, chargers take the UK’s 240V electricity supply and convert it to a standard 5V.
However, the current (in amps) can vary from charging source to charging source. Computers typically only allow 0.5A of current, making charging quite slow and laborious. Plugs into which you insert a USB charging cord usually offer 1A. Specialised USB charging modules can provide anything from 1–5A.
The cable that you use to charge a device can also affect speed. Thinner cables reduce amperage, leading to longer charging times.
WHAT IS THE POWER OUTPUT FROM A COMPUTER USB PORT?
Most computer USB ports supply 5V electricity with a maximum current of 0.5A. This amount of current is standard for the majority of computers and means the overall power output will be 2.5 Watts at best. Later USB designs bring that current up to 0.9A. However, most devices attached to a computer’s USB port will only draw 0.1A of power unless more is required.
USB VERSIONS AND CONNECTORS — AN OVERVIEW
USB has seen several versions over the years, both in terms of physical port shape and data transfer speeds. Depending on the age of your device, you may have one or several versions of USB ports on your devices.
The following tables look at the major versions and their specifications:
USB VERSIONS
| Version | Name | Release date | Transmission rate |
|---|---|---|---|
USB 1.1 | Full Speed USB | 1998 | 12 Mbps |
USB 2.0 | High Speed USB | 2000 | 480 Mbps |
USB 3.0 | SuperSpeed USB | 2008 | 5 Gbps |
USB 3.1 | SuperSpeed+ | 2013 | 10 Gbps |
USB 3.2 | SuperSpeed+ USB | 2017 | 20 Gbps |
USB4 | USB | 2019 | 40 Gbps |
USB4 2.0 | USB | 2022 | 80 Gbps |
The latest USB version, USB4 2.0, doubles performance and powers external drives and displays of high resolutions (like 4K and 6K).
USB CONNECTORS
Most people will be more familiar with the physical shape of USB connectors. These typically feature a flat rectangular plug (the male connector) at one end that fits into the port on your computer or power module (the receptacle). The other end of a charging wire will either feature the same type of plug, or one of several shapes that have developed over the years for connecting to different devices.
Browse the table below to identify your USB connector:
| USB cable type | Image | Official name | Description | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
USB A |  | USB Standard-A | By far the most common type, and is used on nearly all USB cables. | USB 1.1 Type A, USB 2.0 Type A, and USB 3.0 |
USB B |  | USB Standard-B | This square-shaped plug is often used to connect computers with printers, scanners or similar devices. | USB 1.1 Type B, USB 2.0 Type B, USB 3.0 Type B |
USB C |  | USB Type C | The type C plug works like a standard smartphone charger but is horizontally symmetrical, meaning it can be put in ‘upside down’. It is becoming increasingly popular. | USB 3.0 |
USB-Mini B |  | USB Mini B | These plugs were used to charge older mobile phones, cameras and MP3s, but are largely redundant now. | USB 2.0 Mini-B and Mini-AB |
USB Micro B |  | Micro-USB | The USB 2 micro B is the standard plug shape found on all modern Android smartphones. | USB 3 Micro-B |
USB 3.0 Micro B |  | Micro-B SuperSpeed | The new USB 3 micro B is capable of transferring extra data. | USB 3.0 Micro–B and USB 3.0 Micro-AB |
For more information, read our expert guide on identifying USB connectors here.
What is the difference between USB-A, USB-C, and micro-USB?
USB-A is the standard rectangular USB port found on most computers and older chargers. USB-C is a newer, smaller, and reversible connector that offers faster charging and data transfer speeds. Micro-USB is a smaller version of USB-A, commonly used in older smartphones and devices. USB-C is becoming the standard for new devices.
Are wireless chargers as effective as USB chargers?
Wireless chargers are convenient, but they may charge devices more slowly compared to wired USB chargers. They also generate more heat during charging. However, if your device supports wireless charging and you prioritise convenience over speed, wireless charging is a viable option.
Read more about wireless phone charging, their benefits and place in the office, with our expert guide here.
How CMD can help
CMD provides a range of workstation power modules, including on desk, in desk, and under desk devices. We aim to ensure your workplace remains connected and powered with adaptable power modules possessing the ability to connect multiple devices. This include devices with standard UK plug sockets, dual USB A and USB C ports, and wireless charging.
If you would like to find out more and see how we can help your business stay connected, contact the CMD team today.
