How Much Current Is In A USB Cable

Have you ever wondered how fast your USB-C cable is – that’s exactly what we’re here to talk about!

A USB Type-C cable is the fastest USB standard going. The wire inside has a certain voltage, wattage, and data transfer rate. Each has a maximum and to achieve that, you require a capable device, the right USB port, and a working cable.

The average USB charger for iPhones and Android smartphones carries 1 amp of current and approximately 5 watts of power. A step up, however, is a Quick Charge USB charger which maximizes out at 2 amps of current and 12 watts of power or more.

Those limits apply to USB chargers. When we’re talking USB Type-C cables, they often are faster than what most chargers will allow. USB-C can power almost anything. A USB-C cable has a capacity of 3 amps of power and up to 100 watts, believe it or not.

In terms of voltage, a USB Type-C cable carries much higher voltage. Enjoy up to 20 volts combined with 100 watts, allowing you to power devices at unparalleled speeds.

Why Is Current In A USB Cable Important?

Things like amps, voltages, watts, and charging speeds are integral to ensuring your devices receive a fast charge.

What a USB-C cable can do is charge large devices, such as laptops and tablets. This type of fast-charging speed opens up the possibilities of what can be provided power and what can go wireless.

USB Type-C is also being put onto security cameras and HDMI displays. When plugged into a USB 3.1 port, a USB-C cable transfers up to 10 Gpbs.

Plugging into a USB 3.2 port nets 20 Gbps and connecting through a Thunderbolt 3 port speeds that up to 40 Gbps. USB-C is able to transfer power and data in a way that no other USB standard has been able to.

That said, to get as high as 40Gbps, one is limited based on current cable technology. For example, as distance increases, current faces more of a struggle to get from one side of a USB cable to the other. The longer the cable, the more current you lose due to resistance. At present, 40Gbps is only achieved in cables under 0.5 metres.

If you’re looking to buy a USB-C cable, you may want to ensure it is high-quality and Nylon-braided. A braided USB cable provides extra protection to wear-and-tear, prevents tangle damage, is heat resistant and corrosion-resistant, and is pet-chew resistant.

There is no better USB cable on the market, if you’re fortunate enough to have devices that use USB-C. Shop USB cables at PrimeCables.ca today.

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