1 Gang Single 13A 10W USB-A Socket - Charcoal

Charcoal plates have a way of settling into a wall rather than shouting from it, and this one keeps its screwless front clean and unbroken. The switched 13A power point takes a chrome insert and a neon indicator, so a glance tells you whether the rocker is on. Two USB-A ports sit alongside, sharing 10W between them, which is enough to keep a phone and a set of earbuds going overnight without an adaptor taking up the socket.

We reach for a socket like this where charging happens and space is short: a bedside table, a kitchen worktop, a desk in a spare room, a shelf in the hall by the front door. It suits households forever hunting for a spare charger, and the darker plate sits comfortably against deep grey or inky paintwork, brick and darker tiling, where a white plate tends to jump forward. The rocker switch is easy to read across a room, and the neon marker helps in the small hours.

The plate is moulded ABS, finished in charcoal, with the chrome insert lifting the area around the switch and pin apertures. For cleaning, a dry cloth over the plate is usually all it wants; where fingers have marked the area by the rocker, use a barely damp cloth and dry it straight after, and keep sprays, polishes and kitchen degreasers well clear. This one belongs in indoor rooms running on a household supply, and it needs an earth connection. It carries a ten year warranty. If you are working along a wall, we would keep the rest of the plates on that run in the same charcoal so the finishes read as a set rather than a patchwork.

How much charging power do the USB ports give?

The two USB-A ports share 10W. One device on its own draws the full amount, while two plugged in together split it between them.

What size is the front plate?

It measures 88mm by 88mm, with a depth of 35mm behind the plate.

Is the socket switched?

Yes. It has a rocker switch with a neon indicator so you can see when the power point is live.

Can it go in a bathroom or outside?

No. It is rated for dry indoor rooms only, so keep it to bedrooms, kitchens, halls, offices and living spaces.

What is the plate made from, and how should it be cleaned?

The plate is ABS in a charcoal finish with a chrome insert. Dust it with a dry cloth, and lift finger marks with a barely damp cloth, drying immediately afterwards. Avoid solvents and abrasive creams, which can dull the finish.

Is there a warranty?

It carries a 10 year warranty from the manufacturer.