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Ask HN: Why is there no wall plug with multiple USB-c ports

6 points by iraldir 8y ago

I can't be the only with multiple usb-c device (computer, phone, battery pack, switch) that would like to have one wall plug with multiple usb-c exits. (to enjoy full speed charge on all devices). Is there some technical reason this is not possible?

jaclaz 8y ago
What do you mean by "wall plug"? Something like this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/USB-Type-c-Wall-Socket-High-Speed-4-8A-Charger-Adapter-Wall-Mounting-Power-Outlet-Plate/32842323549.html https://www.aliexpress.com/item/USB-Type-c-Wall-Socket-High-... Or you mean an adapter like these: http://www.tnpproducts.com/product/quick-charge-3-0-usb-wall-charger-multi-port-5-port-40w-fast-charging-station-power-adapter-plug-usb-c-usb-type-c-for-galaxy-s7-s6-edge-plus-iphone-7-6s-plus-ipad-pro-air-2-mini/ http://www.tnpproducts.com/product/quick-charge-3-0-usb-wall... https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Smart-Led-Display-Power-Adapter-Fast-Charging-Station-Multiple-USB-Charger-40W-8A-8-Port-Desktop/32881322334.html https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Smart-Led-Display-Power-Adap... but with multiple USB-C ports?
davman 8y ago
I'm no electrical engineer, but the spec says each usb-c port can provide up to 5amps at 20v, which you would need to do the full speed charge you wish for. If you think about the size of the adapters that can do this already, you'd probably have to imagine nearly doubling the size for each additional port you added. Plus thermals, etc. I could be wrong but I imagine its related to the physical limits of providing that much power in a small space.
- yuhong 8y ago
  On the other hand, a single power adapter would be more efficient than multiple ones.
kop316 8y ago
Unless I am mistaken, isn't this what you are looking for? https://store.google.com/product/usb_c_dual_port_charger https://store.google.com/product/usb_c_dual_port_charger
Spooky23 8y ago
They exist. You won’t see them for a few years at Walmart or whatever because not too many people have a need yet.
Bucky1694 8y ago
I work in this space. The question that should be asked is how much power do I need to charge my devices? Am I charging my phone (18W) or am I charging my laptop (60W)? The technology exists to create a multi-port USB-C PD charger. However, is there enough market demand today to drive a company launch a product. Would the market accept a giant wall adapter, do to the space needed to dissipate the heat on a dual 60W charger? I believe as more devices switch to USB-C PD charging, you will see more of the products you want on the market place. And technology will keep improving to reduce the size of the adapter. I saw this on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Type-C-Travel-Charger-Adapter/dp/B07M97XGNZ/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=usb-c+wall+adapter+multiple&qid=1551883842&s=electronics&sr=1-4 https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Type-C-Travel-Charger-Adapter...
- iraldir 8y ago
  Sorry I forgot to reply but thanks for the recommendation, I bought it, it is exactly what I was looking for.

6 points by iraldir 8y ago

jaclaz 8y ago

What do you mean by "wall plug"? Something like this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/USB-Type-c-Wall-Socket-High-Speed-4-8A-Charger-Adapter-Wall-Mounting-Power-Outlet-Plate/32842323549.html https://www.aliexpress.com/item/USB-Type-c-Wall-Socket-High-... Or you mean an adapter like these: http://www.tnpproducts.com/product/quick-charge-3-0-usb-wall-charger-multi-port-5-port-40w-fast-charging-station-power-adapter-plug-usb-c-usb-type-c-for-galaxy-s7-s6-edge-plus-iphone-7-6s-plus-ipad-pro-air-2-mini/ http://www.tnpproducts.com/product/quick-charge-3-0-usb-wall... https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Smart-Led-Display-Power-Adapter-Fast-Charging-Station-Multiple-USB-Charger-40W-8A-8-Port-Desktop/32881322334.html https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Smart-Led-Display-Power-Adap... but with multiple USB-C ports?

davman 8y ago

I'm no electrical engineer, but the spec says each usb-c port can provide up to 5amps at 20v, which you would need to do the full speed charge you wish for. If you think about the size of the adapters that can do this already, you'd probably have to imagine nearly doubling the size for each additional port you added. Plus thermals, etc. I could be wrong but I imagine its related to the physical limits of providing that much power in a small space.

yuhong 8y ago
On the other hand, a single power adapter would be more efficient than multiple ones.

kop316 8y ago

Unless I am mistaken, isn't this what you are looking for? https://store.google.com/product/usb_c_dual_port_charger https://store.google.com/product/usb_c_dual_port_charger

Spooky23 8y ago

They exist. You won’t see them for a few years at Walmart or whatever because not too many people have a need yet.

Bucky1694 8y ago

I work in this space. The question that should be asked is how much power do I need to charge my devices? Am I charging my phone (18W) or am I charging my laptop (60W)? The technology exists to create a multi-port USB-C PD charger. However, is there enough market demand today to drive a company launch a product. Would the market accept a giant wall adapter, do to the space needed to dissipate the heat on a dual 60W charger? I believe as more devices switch to USB-C PD charging, you will see more of the products you want on the market place. And technology will keep improving to reduce the size of the adapter. I saw this on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Type-C-Travel-Charger-Adapter/dp/B07M97XGNZ/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=usb-c+wall+adapter+multiple&qid=1551883842&s=electronics&sr=1-4 https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Type-C-Travel-Charger-Adapter...

iraldir 8y ago
Sorry I forgot to reply but thanks for the recommendation, I bought it, it is exactly what I was looking for.