The CE Tech USB charger model 166878 PC01 features high current charging capability from all four of its ports at the same time. This means that you can charge as many as four power hungry tablet computers simultaneously.
CE Tech USB Charger 166878 PC01 Introduction
This wall charger, made in China, is built from a thick black plastic, had clear blue plastic piece on the USB side, sports a well-insulated power cable with a non polarized plug, and resembles a notebook power adapter, except that the output cable found in those, has been replaced with a sleek row of four USB heavy duty connectors.
It clears out as many as three of the outlets on your power strips, at it replaces up to four of those old-fashioned wall wart chargers. It converts one 120-volt outlet into four USB sockets, eliminating the need for those single-device chargers. At roughly $40 per copy, this seemed a bit pricey, but not so expensive as to discourage anyone from buying it, who wants the convenience of running a single charger to power up to four smartphones, tablets, iPads, and Androids.
Benefits, Features, Pros, and Advantages of the CE Tech USB Charger 166878
Modern Looking
Attractive, hi-tech looking case, with rubber feet, to reduce skidding and sliding off of tables, shelves, and such.
Non Polarized Plug
This assures that you can insert the plug into a 120-volt outlet either way. User safety is not compromised since there is no exposed metal chassis that might become “hot” with such interchangeability supported.
The CE Tech USB Charger 166878 has Silent Operation
While plugged in, the PC01 emits no audible noise, hash, squeals, hums, or sizzles.
Well Regulated Output
We observed no degradation in charging performance, whether refueling just one USB device, two, three, or four.
All Ports Charge the Same
The four USB sockets are electrically identical to each other. So you need not worry about matching up devices needing up to 2 amps of high current charging, with the correct ports. All ports deliver this level of current as needed. Further, all ports can charge normal current draw devices too.
The CE Tech USB Charger 166878 Works with iPhone, iPad, and iPod
Have tested this with the 1st generation iPod Touch, iPad Air, and Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 tablets. All of these charged rapidly. No overheating of the brick itself was observed.
Strong Gripping USB Ports
The USB ports really grab inserted plugs. Plugs stay put.
Cool Operation
The well-vented case remains virtually cool to the touch, even when all four ports have thirsty devices plugged into them. Neither did we hear any fans come on inside. The unit remained just slightly warm without any assistance from fans.
AC Plug Fits into Tight Places
The 120-volt plug is small-to-normal sized, and so, it occupies only one outlet space in even the most compactly designed power strips. The real size of the charger has been removed from the plug area itself, separated by a flexible power cord.
The CE Tech USB Charger 166878 Offers Low Electrical Interference
We observed no objectionable electrical noise, EMI, or RFI generated by this device. Radios and televisions continued playing normally, even with this charger plugged into the same circuit.
2 Amp Charging Per Port
Includes a well-regulated, switching power supply, that draws a maximum of 1.0 amps from the mains. Maximum output power is 40 watts (ten watts per port).
About the Right Size
Physically, this wall charger is about the same size and weight that we’d expect for similar devices providing this much charge current.
No Buttons
Just Pure USB Charging. No controls to add complexity to unit operation.
Low Profile yet Effective Design
Place the CE Tech USB Charger 166878 Anywhere its Cord Reaches
Does not hang from a wall outlet, unlike the traditional wall wart chargers, since the power cable, which is nearly five feet long, allows the power supply box itself to rest on the floor, or other more appropriate utility space.
No Moving Parts
This thing is all electronic. No fans to break down or oil.
Disadvantages, Problems, Limitations, and Cons of the CE Tech USB Charger 166878
Non Detachable 120-Volt Power Cord
Unusual for a charging device to not provide a removable power cable.
No Port Dust Covers
The USB ports are not covered when not in use. So dust accumulation, causing erratic charging is possible. Thus, another reason for operating the PC01 in dust-free, dry environments.
Non Gold Plated Terminals in the Ports
This would have been a prudent additional step to guarantee good charge connections.
The CE Tech USB Charger Model 166878 No Pilot Lamp
USB charge cables not included.
A Little Expensive at $40 Retail
Hard to find, except for at Home Depot stores nationwide.
We recommend that you unplug this unit when not actually charging devices, to lengthen its service life. However, in the gold old days, of transformer-based battery chargers, rarely was such a warning needed. Though they provide better voltage and current regulation, switch mode power supplies, such as what’s found here, are more sensitive to power surges. So disconnecting from the mains until actually charging something, limits their exposure to such surges.
Warnings and Cautions
Buy High Current Cables
To get high current charging out of this unit, you’ll need USB cables capable of carrying 2.1 amps (high current cables). Exceptionally thin or long cables might not work. High current capability does not imply faster charging times.
This is an Indoor Device
Keep it away from heat, rain, excessive humidity, and vibration in order to maximize its life. Avoid places operating this charger where liquids are spilled often. The well-vented enclosure would freely admit liquids thus into its interior, causing perhaps permanent malfunction.
Move Charger Around if Interference Occurs
Being that this charger incorporates a switching power supply design, there is the potential that it will interfere with nearby radios, TVs, and computing devices. If that occurs, relocate your charging station or the devices with which it is interfering.
Our Rating for the CE Tech 166878 USB Charger
This 4-port charging station is hefty, and though a bit costly, we didn’t mind paying the extra cash due to its solid and heavy construction. Easy to find this, if you happen to live near a Home Depot. But even if you do not, this accessory can be ordered online. So, we’d rate this in-home charger at 96 out of 100. Hard to beat the PC01 as among the best mobile phone chargers on the market today.
Where to Buy the CE Tech USB Charger 166878
We bought ours at Home Depot, and have only ever seen the CE Tech Charger line of mobile accessories sold there, so far.
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