USB-C Charging Cables Do Not Charge Certain "Dumb" Devices

browser on 09/07/2024 - 13:34
Last edited 09/07/2024 - 15:14

Wondering why certain dump devices, such as LED lights, do not charge over USB-C to USB-C cables? They charge fine over USB-A to USB-C cables.

The chargers and cables charge other devices just fine, so it seems the device itself is incompatible. But why? Is it taping power from the wrong pins?

It's somewhat annoying because I have more USB-C charges and cables.

Interestingly, using a USB-C to USB-A adapter, and then an USB-A o USB-C cable charges the device that would not charge over direct USB-C to USB-C cables.

Electrical & Electronics USB Cable

Comments

  • askbargain on 09/07/2024 - 13:38
    -7

    Did it not occur to use google or ChatGPT?

    • browser on 09/07/2024 - 13:39

      It did, no relevant answers. Maybe did not use the right keywords.

      • askbargain on 09/07/2024 - 13:43
        -6

        Searching your first paragraph already gives the answer :/

        • rumblytangara on 09/07/2024 - 14:41

          And how do you know that it's the right answer? Or does it tell you to use craft glue to stop the pizza toppings from sliding off the cable?

      • bargaino on 09/07/2024 - 14:43

        I pasted your question into google, complete with errors, and saw a bunch of answers (not counting the first link :-)

  • RichardL on 09/07/2024 - 13:41
    +11

    From a Reddit Post:

    TL;DR: USB-A charging ports by default provide 5V to whatever is plugged in. USB-C charging ports don't.

    USB-C charging ports can only charge devices that are capable of telling the charger what charging voltage they need. And in order to do this, these devices need to conform to the USB Power Delivery (PD) protocol, usually through the use of a PD controller IC/chip, which increases the BOM/cost.

    As a result devices that are designed to be cheap and/or designed to only charge at 5V usually don't implement USB PD, and come with a USB-A to C charging cable in the box.

    A workaround to be able to charge these devices using a USB-C port is to buy yourself a USB-C male to USB-A female adapter, and plug the USB-A to C charging cable into that. This works because the adapter tells the charger that it needs a 5V output on the USB-A side. This essentially gives you a USB-C to C cable that can only charges at 5V.

    • browser on 09/07/2024 - 13:49

      Thanks, that answers the question, was confused why some LED lights, such as Wuben flashlight can charge but some cheaper ones can't, they are missing the PD controller.

      The workaround is exactly what I did as a test, it works but not ideal.

      All previous searches suggested to clean the connector/port, that's the first technical explanation.

      • RichardL on 09/07/2024 - 13:59

        I've also encountered the same issues in the past when trying to charge Retro Handheld Devices from China and found that some 60W USB-C Cable works for charging (ie. these 60W Baseus Cables worked for me.)

        • browser on 09/07/2024 - 15:28

          Will check it out.

          So these cables some how detect the PD "hand shake", if none it defaults to 5V?

  • bargaino on 09/07/2024 - 14:00
    +1

    What is a "dump device"? You mean "dumb"?

    For a short answer, it is not the cable but the supply (charger). Do not use a USB-PD supply with a dumb load.

    • browser on 09/07/2024 - 15:28

      Yeah, "dumb" and corrected.

      But a USB-C charger is by default PD right? Unless it also has an USB-A port.

      Which makes sense why many multi-port charges have at least 1 USB-A port.

      • bargaino on 09/07/2024 - 15:34

        Generally, but not always.
        A common example would be the USB-C ports on you PC or laptop. You can use that to charge a dumb device such as earpods.

  • Shadowsfury on 09/07/2024 - 14:08

    Interesting - I have come across this issue but didn't occur to me what it was, other than trying a USB-A cable and it working

    I will have to keep it in mind to keep a few USB-A to C ones lying around the place

  • Wiadro on 09/07/2024 - 14:18
    +1

    My dump device (toilet) does not require charging

  • randomusername2017 on 09/07/2024 - 14:43
    +1

    Wondering why certain dump devices

    Heated toilet seats 🤔

  • MeesusEff on 09/07/2024 - 19:26

    The blackview tab 11 doesn't charge with a C to C cable as well. Just assumed the charge was too much for it in dummy terms lol

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