USB-C PD Explained: Fast, Smart Charging for Modern Devices

USB-C PD Explained: Fast, Smart Charging for Modern Devices

BROWSE USB-C SOLUTIONS

Technology is always advancing, and Docking Drawer keeps pace! Our lineup now includes ⚡️ Docking Drawer Blade and Blade Duo charging outlets, both equipped with USB-C power delivery (PD).

With USB-C PD, you can charge your phone or tablet up to three times faster compared to standard chargers—all while keeping your device safe. The built-in smart chip helps prevent overheating and ensures quick, reliable charging.

Own a USB-C PD device, such as a laptop? Charge and power it straight from the outlet, so you can finally set aside that cumbersome power brick!

What Is USB-C?

USB-C, sometimes referred to as USB Type-C, is the modern, forward-looking connector standard created by the USB Implementers’ Forum (USB-IF), a group that includes top electronics brands such as Apple, Intel, Dell, and Belkin. With backing from leading global manufacturers, USB-C is rapidly becoming the new universal connector, set to phase out older USB forms like USB-A, USB-B, and USB Mini-B.

As more devices feature the USB-C port—notably smaller and more compact than previous USB connectors—product designs are trending toward greater slimness and reduced weight. The USB-C port’s streamlined size not only simplifies connecting accessories but also supports the development of sleeker, more efficient electronics.

usb-c cord

Additional Insights on USB-C

The USB-C standard is now found in a broad range of electronics, from laptops and tablets to smartphones, gaming systems, wireless headphones, and portable speakers. Its reversible design allows the connector to be inserted in any direction. Although USB-C is a recent development, it remains compatible with earlier USB 3.0 and lower devices through standard adapters. USB-C technology enables data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps (USB4®) and supports 8K video, making it a top choice for demanding tasks such as connecting to advanced docking stations.

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USB-C Power Delivery (PD) marks a major leap forward, enabling a single USB-C cable to both charge a laptop and connect it to various accessories. This flexibility is rapidly gaining traction, especially as new EU rules mandate USB-C ports for small devices by 2024 and for laptops by 2026, ensuring even broader adoption

_DD-Icons-Battery.svg__PID:11b7c348-03c0-406d-9e91-f1d3fc4de6ee

USB PD technology enables USB-C PD chargers to provide consistent power profiles, so each device gets the correct charging level. The USB power delivery chipset efficiently controls power allocation, making USB-C PD specification essential for today’s advanced electronics.

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USB-C cables, including the standard USB cable, play a central role in this technology. Their capability to manage both rapid data transmission and efficient power delivery at the same time makes them a must-have for today’s electronics. As the USB PD standard becomes more widely adopted, a single USB power delivery charger or USB-C power delivery cable can now meet a broad spectrum of charging and connectivity requirements.

The USB-C port, type C connector, and USB-C standard are revolutionizing device connectivity and charging. Thanks to the USB-C PD specification, the need for multiple chargers and cables is fading—now, just one USB-C cable or standard USB PD charger can handle nearly all your daily device requirements.

Fast Charging USB Outlets

15 amp Blade Series Outlets featuring 65W and 30W USB-C power options.

usb-c charging station
MOST VERSATILE

15 amp Blade Duo
1514-278W

SHOP NOW
QUICK SPECS
30W USB-C drawer outlet
ALL USB

15 amp Blade Duo
1514-288W

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QUICK SPECS
in-drawer outlet with 65W USB-C

15 amp Blade Duo
1514-277W

MOST POWERFUL
SHOP NOW
QUICK SPECS
fast charging in drawer outlet

15 amp Blade
1514-170W

COMPACT & POWERFUL
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QUICK SPECS

Advantages of Docking Drawer Blade & Blade Duo Outlets with USB-C Power Delivery

faster icon

SPEED

more powerful icon

MORE CAPABLE

safer icon

ENHANCED SAFETY

Speed

USB-C PD can boost your device’s charging rate by up to 70% compared to standard 12W USB-A ports. This accelerates charging times, so your devices reach full power sooner. In just 10 minutes of charging with USB-C PD, you may gain enough battery for your next activity. This rapid charging is a major leap beyond older USB charging solutions.

Power

Thanks to USB power delivery technology, Docking Drawer Blade and Blade Duo outlets with USB-C PD deliver twice the charging strength of regular USB outlets. Each duplex outlet supports up to 30W per port, enabling you to charge larger electronics like tablets and laptops using only USB-C cables.

wattages of different devices
outlet thermoregulator icon

Safety

The USB power delivery outlets in Docking Drawer Blade and Blade Duo assemblies include a smart chip for enhanced safety, offering three important benefits:

• Automatically detects and adjusts to each device’s specific charging needs, supporting the latest high-power requirements.
• Equipped with overcurrent protection to ensure connected devices never receive excessive power.
• Includes an internal temperature regulator to prevent overheating during charging—a feature not available with USB-A outlets.

Docking Drawer Blade and Blade Duo USB-C PD Specifications

Macbook

Docking Drawer Blade and Blade Duo USB-C (PD) outlets are capable of charging MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro devices. While MacBooks typically ship with a 60–85W charger, a 30W USB-C PD outlet from Docking Drawer is sufficient for both charging and operating these laptops.

iPad Pro

iPad Pro devices will charge noticeably faster with Docking Drawer Blade and Blade Duo USB-C (PD) outlets compared to the included 18W plug-in charger. Since the iPad Pro supports Power Delivery, using a Blade USB-C outlet at 30W can nearly double the charging speed.

Chromebooks and Smartphones

Chromebooks and smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S9 and iPhone 8 (and newer iPhones with a USB-C to Lightning cable), will fast charge when connected to Docking Drawer Blade and Blade Duo USB-C power delivery outlets.

Future-Proof Solution

With USB power delivery rapidly becoming the charging standard, installing an in-drawer outlet equipped with USB PD ensures you’ll enjoy the fastest possible charging for all future Power Delivery-enabled devices.

SpecBlade 
(2) USB-A & (2) AC
Blade
(2) 30W USB-C & (2) AC
Blade
(2) 65W USB-C & (2) AC
Max Power Per Port
(Note: The total output for the USB-C charging outlet is 30 watts. This can be divided between both USB-C ports or directed entirely to one port when a single PD-enabled device is plugged in)
12 watts30 watts65 watts
Max Voltage5 volts DCUp to
15 volts DC
Up to
15 volts DC
Max CurrentUSB-A:
3.6 amps @ 5 VDC

AC:
15 amps @ 120 VAC
USB-C (PD Device):
3 amps @ 9 VDC (30W)

AC:
15 amps @ 120 VAC
USB-C (PD Device):
3 amps @ 9 VDC (65W)

AC:
15 amps @ 120 VAC

What Do I Need?

usb-c outlet

A DOCKING DRAWER BLADE OR BLADE DUO IN DRAWER OUTLET EQUIPPED WITH USB-C (PD) TECHNOLOGY.

usb cable

A USB-C CABLE FOR CONNECTING YOUR DEVICES.

usb-c enable devices

A CELL PHONE, TABLET, OR LAPTOP THAT SUPPORTS USB-C (PD) CHARGING.

What’s the Difference between USB-C and USB-C with Power Delivery (PD)?

A regular USB-C outlet without power delivery will charge your devices at the same rate as a USB-A charger. This means charging times are longer, and these outlets typically do not provide enough power for laptops.

A USB-C outlet with power delivery (PD) charges devices much faster—often in half the time—and eliminates the need for a bulky charging block. Want proof? Here’s what you should know.

The iPad Pro, for example, ships with an 18W charger but supports power delivery. When paired with a Blade USB-C outlet, it charges at nearly double the speed thanks to the 30W capacity. Docking Drawer Blade and Blade Duo USB-C (PD) outlets also fast charge iPhone 8 and newer models when used with a USB-C to Lightning cable.

Keep in mind that not all USB-C chargers include power delivery, so always check the specifications before purchasing.

outlets charge up to 70% faster

Differences in USB Technology

usb-a cable
USB-A
usb-c cable
USB-C (PD)
thunderbolt cable
Thunderbolt
usb-c cable
USB-C (PD)

How Do USB-A and USB-C with Power Delivery (PD) Compare?

USB-C with power delivery provides charging speeds up to 70% faster than standard 5W USB-A outlets. In addition, USB-C PD outlets feature a smart chip that identifies and adapts to each device’s charging requirements. As a result, both laptops and mobile phones charge much more rapidly with USB-C PD than with standard USB-A or basic USB-C outlets, which cannot match the tailored power output of USB-PD.

Is USB-C with PD the Same as Thunderbolt™?

No, Thunderbolt™, a technology created by Intel®, goes beyond standard USB connectivity by delivering advanced data and video performance. When Thunderbolt™ is paired with a USB-C port—through a partnership with the USB-IF—the result is Thunderbolt™ 3, recognized as the fastest port solution available. Thunderbolt™ 3 allows users to link to Thunderbolt™ peripherals, high-definition and 4K monitors, and a wide range of USB devices using a single, compact, reversible connector. This combination provides data transfer speeds up to four times greater and twice the video bandwidth compared to most other cables.

Upgrade Your Device Charging with Docking Drawer

Ready to step into the next generation of charging? Redefine how you power your electronics using Docking Drawer’s advanced USB-C power delivery outlets. Experience quicker, safer, and more streamlined charging for all your favorite devices.

Don’t delay—enhance your setup now with Docking Drawer’s forward-thinking technology.