I think I have found the year’s best Secret Santa for nerds – the HPM 4 outlet powerboard with USB-C and USB-A charge ports and its $33 at Bunnings or wherever HPM is sold.
Why do I like HPM 4 outlet powerboard with USB-C and USB-A charge? The USB-C port has 5V/3A (15W), and the USB-A port has 5V/2.4A (12W). No, it predates USB-PD – but it will deliver up to the stated amperage so you can use it safely on any micro-USB, mini-USB or USB-A device.
We set out to see what the HPM 4 outlet powerboard with USB-C and USB-A charge ports is like. Spoiler alert: It is great and saves you buying two additional USB chargers.
Who is HPM?
An Aussie company established in the 1930s started life as a plastic button moulding company. They branched out to plastic utensils like salad servers and shoehorns, radio set knobs and later power points and power accessories. Since 2007 it is a member of the global Legrand Group.
HPM 4 outlet powerboard with USB-C and USB-A charge ports Model D105PAUSBACWE
Website here.
Price $TBA. I can only find it online at Amazon for $30.47 plus delivery.
Bunnings have the more expensive switched version D104PAUSBACWE for $45.75.
Build
I don’t know about you, but I tend to buy 4 port power boards regularly – usually at the dollar shops for under $10. So, I was most curious to see if the HPM product was better.
I can only be subjective, but it looks better, and it has the all-important C-tick stamp that is missing from the cheapies.
HPM Says where other brands import cheap products from overseas and short-cut compliance testing, it has a large Research & Development team based in Sydney and a fully accredited NATA testing lab. HPM’s technical team participate on the boards of all the key compliance governing bodies.
So, I am sold.
Features – Exceed
- 4 x 230V power points total 240V/10A (usual)
- I x USB-C 5V/3A
- 1 x USB-A 5V/2.4A
- 1.5 m long lead (convenient)
- Overload protection on both power points and USB ports
- Surge protection
- Wall mountable – horizontal or vertical
Tests – Pass
- We were able to draw the full 3A from the USB-C port – PASS
- Ditto 2.4A from the USB-A port
- Combined use of both ports if 5A but you will never have an issue connecting two large draw devices
The HPM 4 outlet powerboard with USB-C and USB-A is ideal for – Nerds and USB users
If you look under my bench you will find power boards chockers with power cords, adapters and USB chargers – many of the latter are overly large or have cords coming out of inconvenient places like the side so you can’t use the adjacent port.
Don’t think of this as a 4 outlet – it is really a 6 outlet.
Note you can also get 240V wallplates with USB.
Hi, I genuinely don’t know why you need the USB C as a separate charging port.
Every device I have that has a USB C port on it, I charge with a USB A to USB C cable.
I have a Cosmos powerboard that has 6x 240v, 4x USB A and 1x USB C, and i can’t figure it what the USB C actually does.
please let me know, add I’d love to use it for something.
cheers.
USB-C has a new PD standard (Power Delivery) that is intelligent and ranged from 3-20V. At a minimum a 5V/3A dumb output.
USB-A is dumb and ranged from 5V/.5A to a maximum of about 2.4A. If you use a USB-A cable to USB-C and a USB-A port you won’t get fast charge. Have a read of our guide to USB types.
http://www.gadgetguy.com.au/wordpress/usb-thunderbolt-and-power-delivery-for-dummies/
Hi Rayzor,
Thank you for reviewing the HPM 4 outlet powerboard with USB-C and USB-A. Can you confirm if you can charge a MacBoor Air 13″ 2020 1M using this powerboard. My understanding is that the charger for the MacBoor Air requires a 30W USB-C Power Adapter. Many thanks in advance!