The CE Tech Dual Port In-Wall USB Charger, model number PC204B, SKU # 0000-160-806, is a moderately priced mobile device charger. It converts 120-volt house current into the 5-volt USB format. Then you can charge typical and high-current mobile phones, tablets, iPads, Androids, and any USB device.
We bought ours to replace a couple of burned-out stock chargers that came with the Victor Reader Stream, New Generation reading device. This USB power supply cost less than half of the Stream’s replacement charger, and appears more rugged.
Features, Benefits, Pros, and Advantages of this CE Tech Dual USB Charger
Sturdy Black Plastic Case
The unit also has a heavy feel to it. It does not sound hollow when you tap the sides. Plus, the case does not give much when you squeeze it. Solid construction indeed.
Fast Charges Most USB 2.0 Devices
Out tests show this charger to rapidly charge the Kindle Fire HDX, iPad Air, the Victor Reader Stream (New Generation), and the Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 tablet.
This CE Tech Dual USB Charger Stays Pretty Cool During Charging
Even at full current draw, this mobile device charger only becomes lukewarm to the touch.
Well-Fitting USB Female Ports
Tight, plug-gripping USB ports that hold the charge cable in place through moderate-strength tugs, pulls, and jerks on the cable.
Low Purchase Cost
Quite affordable at less than $15 per unit.
Easy to Use
You just plug it into a standard 120-volt wall mains outlet. Then, plug a USB cable into one of its two USB ports. We find the simple use instructions on the packaging.
Recharge Two Mobile Devices at Once with this CE Tech Dual USB Charger
You can charge two devices at the same time from this charger, so long as the total current draw does not exceed 3.1 amps (15 watts total power).
Small Size
Smaller than many transformer-based power supplies. So, it typically does not block nearby outlets when you plug it into power strips, where sockets are often close by each other.
Switching Power Supply Technology
This is a switching power adapter. This is good because of its very steady voltage output. But as with most supplies of this type, some electrical noise from this charger can interfere with other devices. Yet this charger meets the interference limits for a class B computing device. So interference happens very little. If you see any, try using a Belkin Isolator power strip. This filtering power unit stops RF interference from flowing among its connected devices.
Disadvantages, Cons, Problems, and Limitations of the CE Tech Dual USB Charger
A Bit Noisy
Emits a high-pitched, sizzling sound when charging higher current devices, which we can hear several feet away. The sizzling sounds like something is frying inside. But after several hours of charging with this wall accessory, we’re convinced that this is just a normal sound of this device.
No Pilot Lamp
So there’s no light to show that this charger has power. Thus you must feel or listen to it to be sure.
The Two Ports Differ in Output Wattage on the CE Tech Dual USB Charger
Some devices charge best when plugged into one, while the other port works well for others. One port provides typical levels of USB current, at up to one amp. The other can juice a phone or tablet computer with up to 2.1 amps. Just make sure that your device is in fact, charging whenever you select a port on this wall supply.
Easy to Confuse the Normal and High Current Ports
Since the two charge ports are the same style of USB female D connector, it’s easy to confuse the two; especially since there’s no tactile indication of which one is the high current port. A high current device cable fits just as readily into the regular current port. Confusing the ports could mean that the next morning, you’ll wake up to find that your high current device did not charge fully. So be careful, and select the right port for your device.
A Little Long from Front to Back
At over two and a half inches in length, this “wall wart,” juts out from the outlet quite a ways. So you can easily knock it out of the outlet or damage it by bumping into it. So be sure to plug this into only those outlets and power strips that are, “off the beaten path.” This is a bulky device for a charger.
The CE Tech Dual USB Charger Has Non Retractable Plug Prongs
Many chargers feature a 120-volt connection that folds into the body of the unit itself for portable use. Not this one however. So, take care not to bend the prongs during transport. This device is neither compact, nor foldable.
Special Considerations
When charging a tablet or high capacity phone from the 2.1 amp USB port, be sure that you’re using a high-current USB cable. Why? Because if the cord you choose is too thin, it might limit the charging current too much. Thus, either your device will require very much more than usual time to fully charge, or it will not charge at all.
Always test exceptionally long USB cables (those exceeding 6 feet in length) before relying on them for charging. Longer cables have more resistance, and may limit the charge current too much for high current mobile devices.
This charger will not recharge devices any faster necessarily. If your portable device needs the current that this charger delivers (like the 2.1 amps required by many tablets), then as compared to a charger that can deliver only 1.5 amps, then this charger will indeed provide a faster time to a complete charge-up. But if you’re charging a smartphone that requires only 1.0 amps to attain a full charge, then this charger will not charge it any faster than a smaller charger would.
Our Rating on the CE Tech Dual USB Charger
We were pleased to find such a cheap alternative replacement wall charger for our Victor Reader; one that seems quite capable of delivering any current that the Stream demands. We love the price and capacity, even though the size seems rather large compared to other similarly outfitted USB chargers. However, due to this CE Tech device’s ability to charge any USB device, whether it have a normal or high-current requirement, we really like it, and would rate it at 95 out of 100.
Where to Buy the CE Tech Dual USB Charger
These CE Tech charger accessories appear to be sold exclusively by Home Depot, so you may not be able to find them at your typical electronics shops.
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References for this Review of the CE Tech Dual USB Charger
Revision History
- 2022-08-26: Updated outbound links.
- 2019-02-26: Added key phrase targeting, more subheadings, and tags.
- 2017-02-06: Revised the tags list.
- 2015-11-30: Added appropriate tags.
- 2014-12-20: Added whitespace, revised content, and adjusted ad placement within the text.
- 2014-10-03: Originally published this piece.