Understanding USB Type C or USB-C Cables and Chargers

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USB-C, or Universal Serial Bus Type-C, is a standard connection type for mobile and portable devices. It provides a single reversible connector to transmit both power for charging and data for transfers.

While many devices are compatible with USB-C charging, not every USB-C charger will work with every device. For example, a smartphone requires a different amount of power than a laptop does. In these scenarios, it will take abnormally long for your device to charge, or your device may not be able to charge while turned on.

If you need to buy a replacement charger for your laptop, smartphone, or tablet, it's a good idea to consult the owner's manual or the device manufacturer's support site to find out how much power your device expects to receive from a charger. This would be communicated in watts (W) or volts (V) and amps (A). Volts and amps can be converted to watts by multiplying them together (W=VxA).

If purchasing a separate USB-C cable and charger, it is important to make sure that both support the wattage that your device expects.

It's not necessary to buy the official charger from the device manufacturer. It is, however, vital that you purchase a charger from a reputable manufacturer/seller and to ensure that both the cable and wall adapter are rated for the level of charging that your device requires. Counterfeit or no-name electronics generally offer substandard performance and can actually be hazardous. We recommend looking at review sites for guidance. Examples:

Here are some additional articles and support sites related to USB-C charging:

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Article ID: 2126
Created
Mon 8/19/24 4:30 PM
Modified
Tue 3/11/25 8:00 AM

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IT SERVICE DELIVERY AND SUPPORT Pitt IT provides Drop-In Support to provide hands-on help for the personal devices of students, faculty, and staff.

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