A one-size fits all universal charging solution, developed by the International Telecommunicatons Union (ITU), has been developed to maximise the benefits for end users by extending its use to a wider variety of devices and making it even more efficient with respect to the use of electricity supply
Soon, it will no longer be necessary to provide a new electric charger with every new ICT device.
A detachable cable with standardised end connectors will allow connection to devices including all mobile phones and other handheld devices (including MP3/MP4 players, tablet computers, cameras, wireless headphones, GPS devices etc). This also means that it can be used for data transfer, avoiding an unnecessary duplicate cable and thus further reducing costs and e-waste.
ITU Membership also agreed to specify a noload power consumption of the power adapter below 0.03W which is the most efficient available today. Billions of these chargers will be made available in the market in the next few years, enabling a significant global reduction in electrical energy consumption. Chargers will be safer and use eco-friendly materials.
Meeting standards
Also, the user guide reminds people to unplug their chargers when not in use, to reduce the environmental impact of charging. And the recommended charging current has been increased – in the range 750 to 1500 mA – to reduce charging time. Furthermore, the standard meets the requirements of the Basel Convention on e-waste.
Secretary-General of the ITU Hamadoun Touré said, “Other standards claim to be universal and energy efficient, but only ITU’s solution is truly universal and a real step forward in addressing environmental and climate change issues. This updated standard will bring the benefits of the universal charger to a wider range of devices and consumers.”
