Extending a USB cable to charge the Note 8 - can it be done?

[PaulQ]

This isn't necessarily a Note 8 specific question but that's the phone I want to do it with.

I got this cool magnetic charging cable that would be perfect to use in my car. However, the cable is too short to plug in to where i have the cig lighter adapter. Is it possible to use an extension cable that goes on the USB-A cable end (the end that plugs into the charger)?

We're talking power delivery here. I don't know if I should even use one in terms of damaging my phone.

Anyone doing this already?

This is an example of the cable: https://smile.amazon.com/AmazonBasi...269&sr=8-4&keywords=usb+power+cable+extension

Thanks!

 

[anon(7901790)]

It'll work. Using an extension won't increase the amount of voltage.

 

[PaulQ]

It'll work. Using an extension won't increase the amount of voltage.

Cool. And safe for fast charging too?

 

[anon(7901790)]

Yes. If it's a good quality extension cable. Low quality cables tend to cause slow charging.

 

[blaine07]

I use extensions on several of my cables. Have a 15ft one in living room for communal use. Everything will be fine mate

 

[PaulQ]

Thanks guys!

 

[PaulQ]

Annnnd..... that was pointless. I should have actually tested the fast charging capabilities of the magnetic cable before I sought to extend it. It doesn't support it. Hopes dashed. Oh well.

 

[Telstar1948]

There are general restrictions that apply depending on the length of the USB cable. I've forgotten the actual length beyond which data speed/power drops off somewhat, but you can look it up easily.

As far as fast charging, I have no doubt that the type of cable is probably a factor as well. I seem to recall reading that fast charging requires a certain type of USB cable for optimal results.

 

[trucksmoveamerica#AC]

Annnnd..... that was pointless. I should have actually tested the fast charging capabilities of the magnetic cable before I sought to extend it. It doesn't support it. Hopes dashed. Oh well.

Plug your phone in on fast charging, drop the notification bar down and see the estimated time to charge, then unplug it, turn fast charging off, plug the phone back in and look at estimated time to charge with fast charging off,.

I think you will see there's not much difference in time. IMO, fast charging is not what it used to be anymore. If the extension is beneficial to you, it probably outweighs the fast charging benefits, would for me anyway.

 

[Gayle Lynn]

USB C Extension Cable, Cellularize [3.3FT/1M] USB 3.1 Type C Extension Cable (10Gbps) for Nintendo Switch, Macbook and More - Black
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072FMVF2C/?tag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUacUvbUpU6141804

 

[Soundman72]

why not just buy a longer cable

 

[LeoRex]

Annnnd..... that was pointless. I should have actually tested the fast charging capabilities of the magnetic cable before I sought to extend it. It doesn't support it. Hopes dashed. Oh well.

Yeah... My guess is that the magnetic connection isn't good enough to push the full wattage needed for faster charging.

 

[PaulQ]

why not just buy a longer cable

The magnetic end of the cable is built in to the cable and there are not options for a longer version of this cable. There are several others but this was the only one with good ratings.

 

[PaulQ]

I think you will see there's not much difference in time. IMO, fast charging is not what it used to be anymore. If the extension is beneficial to you, it probably outweighs the fast charging benefits, would for me anyway.

My experience is that fast charging is much faster. I have a standard cable charger in my office and it definitely runs slower than the fast charger. I haven't done a head to head comparison though like what you mentioned but I know there is a difference for me. I like the fast charge in my car because I'm only dricing for about 15-20 minutes at a time.