Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by speleding 1352 days ago
The main problem I have with USB-C is that it is not a particularly good standard for power delivery. For one, USB-C is not "IP rated" for use in the kitchen or the bathroom, so you still need separate chargers there. Also the USB-C connector supports fast data delivery, which makes it a lot more expensive than a connector that focusses on power only.

A standard that would do just power delivery <100W and works in damp environments, so it could cheap and universal, would have been so much better.
2 comments
thatfrenchguy 1352 days ago
> A standard that would do just power delivery <100W and works in damp environments, so it could cheap and universal, would have been so much better.

Don't you just have a RCD/GFCI on your outlet / breaker for this purpose?

link
speleding 1352 days ago
The breaker box is a last line of defence if things have gone wrong. Plugs designed for use in a bathroom will not short out if they get a bit damp, etc.
link
crote 1352 days ago
Agree on the IP rating, that is definitely not ideal - although excusable in practice.

Regarding cost: the fast data is optional. Charging-only usb-c receptables are available for $0.025 / each. To be fair, a micro-b can be found for $0.015 so it is more expensive, but it's not exactly going to bankrupt anyone.

link