Amazon clamps down on dangerous, laptop-destroying USB-C cab

[Mr. Man-wai Chang]

Maximum output of USB Type-C 2.0 is 20V, 5A. Could it kill??



Full story:
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/mar/30/amazon-clamps-down-dangerous-usb-c-cables

Amazon has banned USB-C charging cables that do not comply with
specifications, awhich are considered dangerous as they can damage
devices they are used with and potentially cause safety risks.

The USB-C specification, which includes a reversible connector that can
plug in either way up, was designed as the do-it-all cable capable of
charging computers as well as smartphones, tablets and other low-power
gadgets.

Amazon’s move sees it acting as a de facto quality control agent for the
USB-C cables, helping users steer clear of much needed but sub-standard
products. Many USB-C enabled devices come only with USB-C to USB-C
cables, not with cables for plugging into older chargers or computers –
which commonly have USB-A connections.

Designed under the USB 3.1 specification, USB-C can deliver a larger
amount of power than older USB cables allowing them to be used to charge
computers such as Apple’s MacBook and Google’s Chromebook, both of which
require significantly more power than smartphones do.

To do so, USB-C cables have a 56k ohm resistor that allows the power
supply and the device plugged into it to work out the correct power
level that suits both ends of the charging party, making sure the device
does not draw more power than the plug can supply.
The Amazon sign
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Amazon nows prohibit ‘any USB-C (or USB Type-C) cable or adapter product
that is not compliant with standard specifications issued by ‘USB
Implementers Forum Inc’.” Photograph: Reed Saxon/AP

Unfortunately some USB-C cables have been made with the incorrect
resistor, typically only 10k ohm, which means that it is possible for
the device to draw more power than the plug can safely supply or
potentially for the plug to push more power than the device can take.
Others are wired incorrectly, which could destroy whatever they are
plugged into.


--
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/( _ )\ May the Force and farces be with you!
^ ^ (x86_64 Ubuntu 9.10) Linux 2.6.39.3
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we spoke of this at work today so at lunch we wired 100 together attached to a long probe.

There was an elephant in the parking lot. The elephant was grounded and stuck with the probe.

the elephant died instantly.

medics were called. the elephant was resused using a reversed vacuum cleaner.

the elephant wandered off n hired a lawyer.

 

[Mr. Man-wai Chang]

On 3/09/16 08:57, avagadro7@gmail.com wrote:

medics were called. the elephant was resused using a reversed vacuum cleaner.

I want this toy!

--
@~@ Remain silent! Drink, Blink, Stretch! Live long and prosper!!
/ v \ Simplicity is Beauty!
/( _ )\ May the Force and farces be with you!
^ ^ (x86_64 Ubuntu 9.10) Linux 2.6.39.3
不借貸! 不詐騙! 不援交! 不打交! 不打劫! 不自殺! 請考慮綜援 (CSSA):
http://www.swd.gov.hk/tc/index/site_pubsvc/page_socsecu/sub_addressesa