We live in a wireless world. Or so it would seem, until you look at all the cables and cords connected to our electronics. How is it that these so-called wireless devices need so many wires to make them work?
Mobile phones and tablets need be plugged into a power source to recharge the batteries. We have two of each, which means four cables and four power adapters. Two laptop computers that must be plugged into a power outlet to recharge the batteries. An Apple TV set-top-box that captures a wireless signal, but it needs to be connected to the television set with an HDMI cable and plugged into a power outlet, and two soundbars and subwoofers for two TV’s, both of which need a power connection and also audio jacks to the TV’s. A SONOS sound system that requires a power cord. A wireless printer that comes with a power cord and a USB cable for its initial setup, and finally a Centurylink DSL modem-wireless router with a power cord and DSL phone connection. Back in New York we also have Verizon cable coming into our house, so in addition to the modem with coaxial cabling and a power cord, we have two DVR set-top boxes that need power and cables to connect to the television sets. Wireless we are not!
All of these devices requiring power connections can put a strain on the outlets in your home, not to mention the problems that can occur in the event of a power surge. Devices with small digital components and microprocessors are extremely sensitive, and even a small, 10-volt fluctuation in electrical current can be detrimental to the device. To protect your electronic equipment, you should always plug them into a good quality surge protector that will double as a power strip, adding additional outlets to your home.
Surge protectors are rated in joules (a joule is a unit of energy). When purchasing a surge protector, look for one with an energy absorption/dissipation rate of a minimum of 600 joules — more is better, a response time of less than one nanosecond, and a status light to let you know that the surge protection is working.
When it comes to mobile phones and tablets, the power cables used for these devices double as a cord to connect the device to a computer. Apple devices use a cable with a proprietary connection called a lightening connector on one end, and a USB connection on the other. Most other devices use a cable with a standard USB connection on one end and a micro USB connection on the other. In both cases, the standard USB connection plugs into a computer, or a power brick that plugs into the wall, and the other end plugs into the device. A power brick is simply a power supply for almost every device on the market similar in size and shape of a small brick, hence the name. It plugs into an outlet and you can plug components into it for recharging.
To simplify plugging in two or more devices you can replace the individual power bricks with a wall charging hub that can connect the cable for two or more devices. Another alternative is to purchase a surge protector that plugs directly into the wall and also doubles as a USB charger. Using this type of surge protector eliminates extra wires on the floor while still expanding the number of available outlets. When purchasing an outlet with USB connections, it is important to know the output amp rating (amount of current). A mobile phone typically requires 1 amp and a tablet requires 2.1 amps. To charge both a phone and tablet at the same time the rating should be 3.1 amps or higher. As a device will only take as much current as it needs — a 1 amp device can charge in a 2 amp connection, but a 2 amp device in a 1 amp connection will charge extremely slow, if at all. The photos show examples of both types of units.
There are rumors that Apple may be introducing iPhones that can charge wirelessly in the near future. For now, wireless doesn’t mean truly wireless, but with some planning you can better manage the wires in your house.
Until next week, visit onmouseclick.blogspot.com for the online version of OnMouseClick.
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