How do I add USB outlets to my New Brunswick home?

Question

New Brunswick Electrical · Accepted Answer

Adding USB Outlets to Your New Brunswick Home

USB outlets combine a standard electrical receptacle with built-in USB charging ports, eliminating the need for bulky wall adapters. They're one of the simplest and most appreciated electrical upgrades you can make.

Types of USB Outlets

USB-A outlets (rectangular port)
The original USB standard. Charges phones, tablets, and most devices at 2.1–2.4 amps per port. Being phased out by manufacturers in favour of USB-C but still useful for older devices.

USB-C outlets (oval port)
The current standard. Supports faster charging (up to 30W on some outlets) and works with newer phones, laptops, tablets, and earbuds. Most new devices ship with USB-C cables only.

Combination outlets (USB-A + USB-C)
The most versatile option — includes both port types plus standard receptacles. Best for households with a mix of newer and older devices. This is what most NB homeowners should buy in 2025–2026.

USB-C Power Delivery (PD) outlets
High-power USB-C ports that can charge laptops and tablets at 30W+. More expensive ($35–$60 per outlet) but eliminate the need for laptop charger bricks.

Where to Install USB Outlets

Prioritize locations where you actually charge devices:

1. Kitchen counter — charging phones while cooking, recipe viewing on tablets
2. Bedside / nightstand — overnight phone and watch charging
3. Home office / desk area — phone, tablet, wireless earbuds
4. Living room end tables — guest-friendly charging
5. Entryway / mudroom — charge phones upon arriving home
6. Bathroom vanity — electric toothbrush, shaver (some USB-powered models)

Skip USB outlets in locations where you rarely need charging: closets, hallways, laundry rooms, garages.

DIY Installation

Replacing a standard outlet with a USB outlet is a straightforward swap that homeowners in New Brunswick can legally do themselves (no new wiring, no TSANB permit needed).

Tools needed:
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Non-contact voltage tester ($15–$25)
- Wire strippers (if adjusting wire lengths)

Steps:
1. Turn off the breaker for that outlet's circuit
2. Verify power is off with a non-contact voltage tester — test on a known-live outlet first to confirm the tester works
3. Remove the cover plate and unscrew the outlet from the box
4. Photograph the wiring before disconnecting anything
5. Disconnect wires from the old outlet (loosen screw terminals or release backstab clips)
6. Connect wires to the new USB outlet — black to brass/hot terminal, white to silver/neutral terminal, bare copper to green/ground terminal
7. Carefully fold wires back into the box — USB outlets are deeper than standard outlets, so box fill can be tight. If the box is shallow, you may need to trim wire length slightly.
8. Screw the outlet into the box and install the cover plate
9. Restore power and test — plug in a device to verify USB charging works, and test the standard receptacles with a lamp or outlet tester

Time: 15–30 minutes per outlet.

Common Installation Issues

Shallow boxes: USB outlets are physically deeper than standard outlets because of the USB charging circuitry inside. If your electrical box is a shallow "old work" box (common in older NB homes), the outlet may not sit flush with the wall. Solutions:
- Use a box extension ring ($2–$5)
- Choose a slim-profile USB outlet (Leviton and Legrand make thinner models)
- Some boxes can be pushed back slightly into the wall cavity

Aluminum wiring: If your NB home has aluminum wiring (silver-coloured, common in 1965–1976 homes), you MUST use a USB outlet rated for aluminum connections (marked "AL" or "CO/ALR"). Most USB outlets are copper-only. If unsure, have a licensed electrician handle the installation.

GFCI locations: In kitchens, bathrooms, and other locations requiring GFCI protection, use a USB outlet that includes GFCI protection, or ensure the circuit is protected by an upstream GFCI outlet or GFCI breaker. Standard USB outlets do NOT include GFCI — installing one in a bathroom without GFCI protection elsewhere on the circuit is a code violation.

Costs

| Product | Cost Per Outlet |
|---------|----------------|
| USB-A only outlet | $15–$25 |
| USB-A + USB-C combo outlet | $20–$35 |
| USB-C PD (30W) outlet | $35–$60 |
| GFCI + USB combo outlet | $35–$55 |

DIY total for 6 outlets: $120–$210 in materials + 2–3 hours of time.

Electrician installation: $75–$150 per outlet (device + labour). Many electricians offer a reduced per-outlet rate when doing multiple outlets in one visit — 6 outlets might run $400–$700 total.

Recommended Brands

- Leviton T5633 — USB-A/C combo, reliable, good fit in standard boxes. $25–$30.
- Legrand radiant USB — slim profile, good for shallow boxes. $25–$35.
- Topgreener TU21558AC — budget-friendly USB-A/C combo. $18–$25.
- Leviton T5635 — USB-C with 30W PD for laptop charging. $45–$55.

All are available at Kent, Home Hardware, or online retailers shipping to New Brunswick.

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