Slickdeals is community-supported.  We may get paid by brands for deals, including promoted items.
Forum Thread

Managing and Testing Charging Cables/Blocks

291 November 20, 2024 at 07:34 AM
Is there a device that will test the usability of charging cables and blocks? Something like a battery tester or multimeter?

Like most households, we are overrun with cables and charging blocks. Mostly Lightning and USB-C, but still some c-Micro and c-Mini.

The worst are those that are inconsistent (especially Lightnings). A cable will work on one device but not another. It will work "sometimes". It may work if I plug it into the wall but not the power strip. It didn't work TODAY, but I swear it usually works, so let's not throw it away.

Is there any way to test them other than just trial and error on a compatible device? I'd like to verify both cables and blocks.
About the OP
JHB
Texas Joined Dec 2003 L3: Novice
2 Deals Posted
6 Votes Submitted
291 Comments Posted

Your comment cannot be blank.

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Joined Sep 2021
L3: Novice
> bubble2 266 Posts
101 Reputation
InflationHater
11-20-2024 at 07:48 AM.
Reply
Joined Dec 2003
L3: Novice
> bubble2 291 Posts
Original Poster
JHB
11-20-2024 at 01:57 PM.
11-20-2024 at 01:57 PM.
Thanks for the response, $784 is a bit steep for limited household use. Other ideas?

And, yes, I'm aware that just sitting down and trying with various devices, discarding if questionable is the default process.
Reply
Joined Dec 2017
L5: Journeyman
> bubble2 777 Posts
224 Reputation
zeroflight
11-20-2024 at 03:28 PM.
11-20-2024 at 03:28 PM.
Quote from JHB :
Thanks for the response, $784 is a bit steep for limited household use. Other ideas?

And, yes, I'm aware that just sitting down and trying with various devices, discarding if questionable is the default process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2x5WEWHTEA

You'll still need a device that can use the cables.
Reply
Joined Sep 2021
L3: Novice
> bubble2 266 Posts
101 Reputation
InflationHater
11-20-2024 at 08:09 PM.
11-20-2024 at 08:09 PM.
Quote from JHB :
Thanks for the response, $784 is a bit steep for limited household use. Other ideas?

And, yes, I'm aware that just sitting down and trying with various devices, discarding if questionable is the default process.

You can get USB power meters off Amazon for $30 or less. They'll tell you what the cable is letting through. Just not whether it's safe or can handle full power.
Reply
Joined Jun 2005
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
> bubble2 8,770 Posts
3,152 Reputation
komondor
11-22-2024 at 12:27 PM.
11-22-2024 at 12:27 PM.
This could be useful

17 bucks
Reply
Joined Jun 2004
L5: Journeyman
> bubble2 675 Posts
180 Reputation
maddog55
11-24-2024 at 09:07 AM.
11-24-2024 at 09:07 AM.
Quote from JHB :
Is there a device that will test the usability of charging cables and blocks? Something like a battery tester or multimeter?

Like most households, we are overrun with cables and charging blocks. Mostly Lightning and USB-C, but still some c-Micro and c-Mini.

The worst are those that are inconsistent (especially Lightnings). A cable will work on one device but not another. It will work "sometimes". It may work if I plug it into the wall but not the power strip. It didn't work TODAY, but I swear it usually works, so let's not throw it away.

Is there any way to test them other than just trial and error on a compatible device? I'd like to verify both cables and blocks.
Wouldn't a simple multimeter work for you?
Lots of YouTube videos on how to use them. I wouldn't spend much given your needs.

https://www.leonetworkgroup.com/n....5%20volts.
Reply
Page 1 of 1
Start the Conversation
 
Link Copied

The link has been copied to the clipboard.