BG Nexus Metal Brushed Steel 13A Single A+C USB Socket Black Insert | NBS21UAC18B

Premium Brushed Steel 13A Socket with Black Inserts & 18W USB-A + USB-C Fast Charging

The BG Nexus Metal NBS21UAC18B combines a traditional 13A single switched socket with integrated USB-A and USB-C fast charging, allowing you to power a mains appliance and charge compatible mobile devices without sacrificing the socket outlet.

Finished in contemporary brushed steel with contrasting black inserts, this premium wiring accessory is ideal for modern homes, offices, hotels and commercial interiors. BG confirms the NBS21UAC18B as the black-insert version of its brushed-steel single switched USB A+C socket.

The integrated charger provides up to 18W fast charging, while the combination of USB Type-A and USB Type-C connections accommodates both established and newer charging cables. The socket also features installer-friendly angled colour-coded terminals, backed-out captive screws and twin earth terminals, while requiring a minimum 25mm mounting box depth.

Features

• BG Nexus Metal 13A Single Switched Socket
• Product Code NBS21UAC18B
• Premium Brushed Steel Finish
• Contrasting Black Inserts
• 1 x USB Type-A Charging Port
• 1 x USB Type-C Charging Port
• Maximum 18W USB Fast Charging
• Variable-Voltage Fast Charging
• Supports PD & QC Fast-Charging Protocols
• Suitable for Compatible Android & iOS Devices
• Smart USB Charging Technology
• 13A UK Socket Outlet
• Single Pole Switching
• 220–240V AC Operation
• USB Maximum Current Up to 3A
• Angled Colour-Coded Terminals
• Backed-Out Captive Terminal Screws
• Twin Earth Terminals
• Minimum 25mm Mounting Box Depth
• Suitable for Retrofit & New Installations
• Premium Slimline Metal Profile
• Softly Rounded Edges
• Integrated Moisture-Control Gasket
• Ideal for Smartphones, Tablets & USB-Powered Devices

BG's current Nexus Metal range confirms that NBS21UAC18B is the brushed-steel, black-insert version with a single switched socket and 1 x USB-A plus 1 x USB-C connection.

13A Mains Power & USB Charging from One Socket

The NBS21UAC18B provides a convenient way to add dedicated USB charging without taking up the conventional mains socket.

A standard electrical appliance can remain connected to the 13A outlet while a smartphone, tablet or other compatible device is charged through the integrated USB ports.

This makes it particularly useful beside beds, desks, kitchen worktops and other locations where mains power and USB charging are regularly needed at the same time.

18W Fast USB Charging

The integrated USB charger provides up to 18W of charging power, offering substantially more charging capability than basic low-power USB wall sockets.

It uses variable-voltage charging to support compatible fast-charge devices, helping reduce charging times when used with an appropriate smartphone, tablet or other USB device and suitable cable.

The USB system supports fast-charging technologies including Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge (QC), making the socket suitable for a broad selection of modern Android and iOS devices.

USB-A & USB-C Ports

Rather than providing two identical USB connections, the NBS21UAC18B incorporates:

• 1 x USB Type-A
• 1 x USB Type-C

This combination provides excellent flexibility when households or commercial premises have a mixture of older USB-A cables and newer USB-C equipment.

The socket can therefore accommodate existing charging leads while providing USB-C connectivity for newer smartphones, tablets and other compatible devices.

Up to 18W USB Output

The USB charging system provides a maximum output of 18W.

When used individually, the USB outlets can provide up to 3A18W and 3A.

When both USB outlets are used, available charging power is shared between the connected devices.

Smart USB Charging

The integrated USB system is designed to detect compatible connected equipment and provide an appropriate charging pattern.

This makes the NBS21UAC18B a much neater permanent charging solution than leaving plug-in USB adapters permanently connected to the wall.

For bedrooms, kitchens, home offices, hotels and similar environments, users can simply connect an appropriate USB-A or USB-C cable directly to the socket.

Premium Brushed Steel with Black Inserts

The key difference between the NBS21UAC18B and the NBS21UAC18G is the insert colour.

The NBS21UAC18B features black inserts, creating a stronger contrast against the brushed-steel faceplate and giving the accessory a particularly contemporary appearance. BG's catalogue convention confirms that the “B” suffix denotes the black-insert version of its brushed-steel accessories.

The combination works particularly well alongside black switches, dark kitchen hardware, black appliances, contemporary light fittings and other darker interior details.

Sleek Nexus Metal Design

The NBS21UAC18B forms part of the popular BG Nexus Metal decorative wiring accessory range.

Nexus Metal accessories feature a sleek, slim design with softly rounded corners, providing a more refined appearance than conventional moulded wiring accessories. The range also incorporates a gasket designed to help protect the metal edges from moisture.

The black inserts provide an attractive finishing detail while allowing the socket to coordinate with other black-accented Nexus Metal accessories throughout an installation.

Moisture-Control Gasket

The Nexus Metal design incorporates an integrated moisture-control gasket.

This helps protect the metal edges from moisture and can reduce the risk of tarnishing associated with installation onto newly plastered surfaces.

This small but practical feature makes Nexus Metal particularly suitable for refurbishment and new-build projects where decorative accessories may be fitted soon after walls have been finished.

Installer-Friendly Angled Terminals

BG Nexus Metal accessories are designed to simplify electrical installation.

The NBS21UAC18B features angled, colour-coded terminals, making the connection points easier to identify and access.

The terminal screws are both backed out and captive, reducing preparation time and helping prevent screws from being accidentally lost during installation. BG identifies angled colour-coded captive terminals as one of the principal installation features of the Nexus Metal range.

Twin Earth Terminals

The socket incorporates two earth terminals, providing additional flexibility during installation.

BG includes twin earth connections as a standard design feature across the relevant Nexus Metal socket range.

Ideal Retrofit USB Socket

Despite incorporating both USB-A and USB-C charging electronics, the NBS21UAC18B requires a minimum 25mm mounting box depth

This makes it particularly attractive when replacing an existing standard single socket, where changing the back box for a substantially deeper model may otherwise create additional work.

Available cable space and conductor arrangement should still be checked before installation.

Standard Single-Gang Format

The socket uses the familiar UK single-gang 86mm x 86mm format with 60.3mm fixing centres, allowing it to integrate neatly into standard wiring accessory installations.

The combination of a conventional footprint and modern integrated charging makes it a practical upgrade for both existing and new electrical installations.

• Brand: British General / BG Electrical
• Range: Nexus Metal
• Product Code: NBS21UAC18B
• Product Type: Single Switched Socket with USB-A & USB-C
• Number of Gangs: 1 Gang
• Number of Sockets: 1
• Number of Switches: 1
• Switch Type: Single Pole
• Socket Rating: 13A
• Operating Voltage: 220–240V AC
• Faceplate Finish: Brushed Steel
• Insert Colour: Black
• USB Ports: 1 x USB Type-A + 1 x USB Type-C
• Maximum USB Power: 18W
• Maximum USB Current: 3A
• Fast Charging: Yes
• PD Charging Support: Yes
• QC Charging Support: Yes
• USB Power Sharing: Yes, when both ports are used
• Terminal Arrangement: Angled
• Colour-Coded Terminals: Yes
• Captive Terminal Screws: Yes
• Backed-Out Terminal Screws: Yes
• Maximum Terminal Capacity: Up to 6mm²
• Number of Earth Terminals: 2
• Minimum Mounting Box Depth: 25mm
• Fixing Centres: 60.3mm
• Product Height: 86mm
• Product Width: 86mm
• Moisture-Control Gasket: Yes
• Fixing Screws Supplied: Yes

Suitable Applications

• Bedrooms
• Living Rooms
• Kitchens
• Home Offices
• Studies
• Dining Areas
• Hallways
• Houses & Apartments
• New-Build Homes
• Residential Refurbishments
• Hotels & Guest Rooms
• Student Accommodation
• Offices
• Meeting Rooms
• Commercial Premises
• Retail Environments
• Smartphone Charging
• Tablet Charging
• USB-Powered Devices
• Replacement Single Sockets
• Decorative Wiring Accessory Installations
• Brushed Steel & Black Interior Schemes

Why Choose the BG Nexus Metal NBS21UAC18B?

The BG Nexus Metal NBS21UAC18B offers a practical way to introduce modern USB charging into an electrical installation without losing access to the conventional 13A socket.

Its combination of USB-A and USB-C connectivity with up to 18W fast charging makes it suitable for both established and newer charging cables, while the variable-voltage charging system supports compatible fast-charge devices.

Installation is equally well considered. Angled colour-coded terminals, backed-out captive screws, twin earth connections and a minimum 25mm box depth make it a practical choice for electricians undertaking both new installations and retrofit upgrades.

The key aesthetic advantage of this particular model is its black insert. Combined with the slim brushed-steel Nexus Metal faceplate and softly rounded edges, it creates a sophisticated contrast that works particularly well in contemporary residential and commercial interiors.

For customers looking for a brushed steel 13A socket with black inserts, USB-A, USB-C and fast charging, the NBS21UAC18B provides a stylish all-in-one solution from BG Electrical.