5 ways USB hubs are so much better than just a plug
Blog Post
October 23 | 5 min read
5 WAYS A USB HUB IS WAY BETTER THAN A
POWER ADAPTOR & A PLUG SOCKET
The age-old debate...
Why buy a USB hub for your desk, or integrate a USB into a cabinet or trolley when you can just buy a Power Adaptor?
With the latest iPhones no longer shipping with a power adapter (and other manufacturers likely to follow), it means the way you charge and manage mobile devices may need to be reconsidered in the future.
In this post we explore why a plug is not always the cheapest or most suitable option.
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Here's a example...
Let’s take the following example.
You need to charge 15 mobile devices and you don’t have 15 plug sockets you can use.
So, what are your options?
If costs are a factor, you’ll probably buy 3 x 5 Socket extension leads and then 15 x Power Adaptors (plugs).
This seems like the cheapest and easiest option right?
We think you'll be surprised - read on to uncover the five secrets.

1.
Costs
An intelligent smart USB hub can save you money. Maybe not what you expected to read?
In fact, you can save £160 in initial hardware costs alone.
Here's the breakdown on how that's worked out:
- 15 x 10W power adapter (The official Apple Power Adapter retails at £19.99) = £299.85
- 3 x 5 Socket Extension Lead (let’s conservatively say £20 each) = £100
- Our PowerPad15C retails at just £199.99
2.
The right charging amount for your device
Intelligent charging ensures the mobile device gets just the right amount of power to charge it at the optimum rate. Pretty smart!
Cambrionix USB hubs auto-detect attached devices and automatically adjust the current output to the highest level permitted by the device manufacturer and USB specifications USB Battery Charging V1.2.
This means as well as ensuring your mobile device gets the right amount of charge, you could even create a mix and match of devices that all receive their optimum charging level - all from one hub and one plug socket.
3.
Need more than just charge?
Obviously with a plug socket, you know you’ll just get power.
But what if you want to control or update all your devices at once via Apple Configurator/ADB or monitor the battery health or the phones via LiveViewer? Our smart USB hubs allow you to do more than just charge.
You might not need this every day, but it's a great feature to have that you just won't get with a plug.
4.
Admin reduction
During annual PAT testing (recommended in the UK), you would only need to PAT test a single product.
If using the Power Adaptor and Extension Lead (Power Strips) route you would need to PAT test each power strip individually (with chargers removed) and each charger individually.
With an average PAT test costing a minimum of £1 per item, this would save at least another £20 a year.
5.
An easier approach - who would say no to that?
Using a USB hub makes administration and maintenance much easier throughout your device management - both the devices right now and also the devices you'll have in the future.
- Easier to install (on your desk, inside a cabinet or trolley)
- Easier to maintain if anything goes wrong
- Easier to upgrade (you’re just switching cables)
- Our USB hubs weighs less, consumes less volume and is cheaper and greener.
Give the PowerPad15C the love it deserves. Your wallet and enterprise will thank you later.

PowerPad15C
15 port USB 2 hub.
Charge 15 USB 2 devices at up to 2.1 Amps per port with this industrial USB hub.
Features access to our software for device monitoring and control.
Optimised for small spaces.
Delivers safe, reliable charing in a quiet and highly compact unit.