BG Nexus Metal Brushed Steel 13A Single A+C USB Socket White Insert | NBS21UAC18W

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

The BG Nexus Metal NBS21UAC18W combines a conventional 13A single switched socket with integrated USB-A and USB-C fast charging, allowing mains appliances and compatible USB devices to be powered from one convenient wiring accessory.

Finished in stylish brushed steel with contrasting white inserts, the NBS21UAC18W offers a clean, contemporary appearance that coordinates particularly well with modern residential and commercial interiors. The slim Nexus Metal profile, softly rounded edges and minimal visible plastic provide a premium alternative to conventional moulded sockets.

The integrated USB charger delivers up to 18W variable-voltage fast charging and supports PD and QC charging protocols for compatible Android and iOS devices. Smart USB technology automatically detects the connected device and adjusts the charging pattern accordingly, helping smartphones, tablets and other compatible devices charge quickly and efficiently.

With angled colour-coded terminals, backed-out captive screws, twin earth terminals and a minimum 25mm mounting box depth, the NBS21UAC18W has also been designed with straightforward installation and retrofit applications in mind.

Features

• BG Nexus Metal 13A Single Switched Socket
• Product Code NBS21UAC18W
• Premium Brushed Steel Finish
• Contrasting White Inserts
• 1 x USB Type-A Charging Port
• 1 x USB Type-C Charging Port
• Maximum 18W USB Fast Charging
• Variable-Voltage Fast Charging
• PD Fast-Charging Protocol Support
• QC Fast-Charging Protocol Support
• Compatible with Android & iOS Devices
• Smart USB AutoDetect Technology
• Automatically Adjusts Charging Pattern to Suit Connected Device
• USB Protective Overload Function
• Standby Mode When Device is Fully Charged
• Up to 50% Phone Charge in 30 Minutes*
• Up to 70% Faster Charging than Standard 5V Charging*
• 13A UK Socket Outlet
• Single Pole Switching
• 220–240V AC Operation
• Angled Colour-Coded Terminals
• Backed-Out Captive Terminal Screws
• Twin Earth Terminals
• Minimum 25mm Mounting Box Depth
• Ideal for Retrofit Installations
• Slim Premium Metal Profile
• Softly Rounded Edges
• Integrated Moisture-Control Gasket
• Ideal for Smartphones, Tablets & USB-Chargeable Devices

*Actual charging speed depends on the connected device, cable, supported charging protocol and operating conditions.

13A Mains Power & USB Charging in One

The NBS21UAC18W provides a convenient solution for locations where both mains power and USB charging are regularly required.

Unlike using a conventional socket with a separate plug-in USB adapter, the integrated charger allows the 13A socket outlet to remain available for an electrical appliance while a smartphone, tablet or other compatible device is charged directly from either USB port.

This makes it particularly useful beside beds, desks, kitchen worktops and other areas where convenient charging is important.

18W Variable-Voltage Fast Charging

The integrated charger provides up to 18W of USB power, offering faster charging for compatible devices than basic fixed 5V USB outlets.

Variable-voltage charging allows a compatible device to negotiate the appropriate charging profile, enabling supported smartphones and tablets to take advantage of fast-charging technology.

BG states that compatible mobile phones can achieve up to 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes, with charging performance up to 70% faster than standard 5V charging.

USB-A & USB-C Charging Ports

The NBS21UAC18W incorporates both major USB connector formats:

• 1 x USB Type-A Port
• 1 x USB Type-C Port

This provides excellent compatibility for households and commercial environments containing a mixture of established USB-A cables and newer USB-C equipment.

The USB-C connection is particularly useful for modern smartphones, tablets and accessories, while the USB-A connection ensures existing charging cables can continue to be used.

PD & QC Fast-Charging Support

The integrated USB system supports Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge (QC) protocols, allowing compatible devices to benefit from faster variable-voltage charging.

This makes the NBS21UAC18W suitable for a broad range of modern Android and iOS devices without requiring a separate plug-in USB power adapter.

For best performance, the connected device and charging cable must also support the appropriate fast-charging protocol.

Smart USB AutoDetect Technology

The NBS21UAC18W incorporates Smart USB AutoDetect technology, which detects the connected USB device and adjusts the charging pattern to suit.

This removes the need for the user to manually select a charging mode or output.

The charging system also incorporates a protective overload function and enters standby mode when the connected device is fully charged, providing a convenient permanent USB charging solution for the home or workplace.

Charge Two USB Devices

Both the USB-A and USB-C connections can be used, allowing two compatible USB devices to be connected simultaneously.

When both USB ports are in use, the available charging capacity is shared between the connected devices.

This is particularly convenient in bedrooms, kitchens, offices, hotels and other environments where multiple personal devices may need charging.

Premium Brushed Steel with White Inserts

The white insert is the key aesthetic feature distinguishing the NBS21UAC18W from the grey-insert NBS21UAC18G and black-insert NBS21UAC18B variants.

The clean white detailing provides a softer contrast against the brushed steel faceplate, making this version particularly well suited to lighter interior schemes and installations where white wiring accessories are already present elsewhere in the room.

The combination of brushed steel and white works especially well alongside stainless-steel appliances, chrome fittings, white kitchen cabinetry and contemporary neutral interiors.

Sleek Nexus Metal Design

Part of the popular BG Nexus Metal range, the NBS21UAC18W features a slim premium metal faceplate with softly rounded edges.

The design provides a more refined alternative to conventional moulded wiring accessories while retaining the practical dimensions required for a standard UK single-gang socket installation.

Its modern styling makes it equally suitable for new-build properties, refurbishments and upgrades to existing electrical installations.

Moisture-Control Gasket

BG incorporates a moisture-control gasket into the Nexus Metal design.

The gasket helps protect the metal edges from moisture and is particularly useful when accessories are installed onto newly plastered walls, where residual moisture could otherwise contribute to premature tarnishing.

This makes the socket a practical choice for both refurbishment projects and newly finished interiors.

Installer-Friendly Angled Terminals

Installation has been carefully considered with angled, colour-coded terminals that provide easy identification and improved access during wiring.

The terminal screws are supplied backed out and captive, helping reduce preparation time while preventing loose terminal screws from being accidentally lost during installation.

This combination makes the socket particularly installer-friendly when replacing existing accessories or fitting large numbers of sockets on a project.

Generous Terminal Capacity

The socket provides terminal capacity suitable for common UK fixed wiring arrangements.

• 3 x 2.5mm² Conductors
• 3 x 4mm² Conductors
• 2 x 6mm² Conductors

This provides useful flexibility when terminating conductors in typical domestic and commercial socket circuits.

Twin Earth Terminals

The NBS21UAC18W incorporates two earth terminals as part of its installer-friendly design.

Twin earth terminals provide additional flexibility during installation and can assist with suitable high-integrity earthing arrangements where required by the electrical design.

Minimum 25mm Back Box Depth

Despite incorporating both USB-A and USB-C fast-charging electronics, BG specifies a minimum mounting box depth of just 25mm.

This is an important advantage for retrofit projects because many existing single socket positions may already use a 25mm box.

It can therefore provide a much simpler route to adding integrated USB charging than products requiring substantially deeper mounting boxes.

Actual available wiring space should always be checked, particularly where multiple or larger conductors are installed.

Standard Single-Gang Format

The NBS21UAC18W uses a standard single-gang format, making it suitable for conventional UK socket positions.

With fixing centres of approximately 60.3mm, it provides a practical upgrade for an existing single socket while adding both USB-A and USB-C charging capability.

• Brand: British General / BG Electrical
• Range: Nexus Metal
• Product Code: NBS21UAC18W
• Package Code: NBS21UAC18W-01
• 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: White
• USB Ports: 1 x USB Type-A + 1 x USB Type-C
• Maximum USB Power: 18W
• Maximum USB Current: Up to 3A
• Variable-Voltage Charging: Yes
• PD Fast Charging: Yes
• QC Fast Charging: Yes
• Smart USB AutoDetect: Yes
• USB Power Sharing: Yes
• Standby When Device Fully Charged: Yes
• Protective Overload Function: Yes
• Terminal Arrangement: Angled
• Colour-Coded Terminals: Yes
• Captive Terminal Screws: Yes
• Backed-Out Terminal Screws: Yes
• Terminal Capacity: 3 x 2.5mm², 3 x 4mm² or 2 x 6mm²
• Number of Earth Terminals: 2
• Minimum Mounting Box Depth: 25mm
• Fixing Centres: 60.3mm
• Product Height: Approx. 86mm
• Product Width: Approx. 86mm
• Moisture-Control Gasket: Yes
• Fixing Screws Supplied: Yes

Ideal Retrofit Upgrade

The combination of USB-A, USB-C and a conventional 13A outlet makes the NBS21UAC18W an excellent upgrade for existing single socket positions.

Instead of occupying the mains socket with a USB charging plug, users can connect compatible devices directly to the integrated USB ports while keeping the 13A outlet available.

With a minimum 25mm mounting box requirement, the socket has also been designed with retrofit installations firmly in mind.

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 & White Interior Schemes

Why Choose the BG Nexus Metal NBS21UAC18W?

The BG Nexus Metal NBS21UAC18W provides a convenient way to introduce modern fast USB charging into an electrical installation without sacrificing the conventional 13A mains socket.

The combination of USB-A and USB-C connectivity, 18W variable-voltage charging, PD and QC protocol support and Smart USB AutoDetect technology makes it suitable for a wide selection of compatible smartphones, tablets and other USB-powered devices.

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

Finished in premium brushed steel with clean white inserts, the NBS21UAC18W combines modern charging technology with the sophisticated styling of the BG Nexus Metal range, making it an excellent choice for contemporary residential and commercial interiors.