Kill-A-Watt interrupts fast charging of cell phone

[Zizzer_Zazzer_Zuz]

I'm in the process of collecting data on my electrical usage with a Kill-A-Watt meter.

I noticed that with my Samsung factory fast charger my cell phone will only charge at the slower rate when plugged in to the Kill-A-Watt meter. Unplugging the charger and plugging it in to the same wall outlet the phone charges at the fast rate.

Can anyone explain the power consumption and differences between the slow and fast charging power supplies.

I have a Samsung S6 and for this test I have been using the factory provided charger.

 

[SternWake]

That is strange.  I don't have an answer but I'll put out some feelers.

What is the maximum output of the fast charger?  It should be written on the unit itself, like output 5v 2.1 amps, which would be 10.2 watts.

The mAH capacity of the battery should be available, and then one can estimate how much juice it will take to charge the phone.

BUt charging it while using it of course uses more juice.

Consider this measurement tool or similar, as it will show actual voltage
(USB sources work from 4.75 to 5.25 volts)

It will also show amperage and amp hours, well milli amp hours, at 5 volts.

https://www.amazon.com/PowerJive-Vo...UTF8&qid=1487184709&sr=8-7&keywords=usb+meter

There are many similar products, but some do not count mAh which make them less desirable.
I have a different clone of the above product.

Here is an In depth review on it:

http://lygte-info.dk/review/USBmeter KCX-017 UK.html

And I am sure you are aware of this, but you do not need to run the inverter just to use a plug in USB source. Many capable units fit into a ciggy plug receptacle, and while I despise ciggy receptacles, at 10.2 watts they will present no issues
  My favorite 12vDC powered USB source is this:

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Sys...&qid=1487185181&sr=8-1&keywords=blue+seas+USB

I use the older 2.1 amp version.  The 4.2 amp version is much newer has a much smaller parasitic draw.

It is my favorite source as it maintains 5.12 volts under a 1 amp load, where my other sources struggle to hold 4.95v.  This higher voltage in combination with a shorter quality micro USB cable charges my S4 mini battery much faster than my other sources, but I have no hungrier USB devices that could load it at 2.1 amps.

The 12vciggy plug/powerport USB styles are numerous too.
 https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...eywords=12v+usb&rh=n:15684181,k:12v+usb&ajr=0

One thing which I have noticed also speeds charging is a clean micro USB connector.

Consider acquiring this kit, as it is so useful when any electrical connection comes into question.
https://www.amazon.com/DeoxITKit-In...1&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=caig+industrial+kit

These Caig DeOxit products also lubricate and reduce wear on the micro USB connector, which appears to be the downfall of many a smartphone whose owner does not feel the need to upgrade with every new model.

 

[Trebor English]

When you noticed that the Kill A Watt slowed down the Samsung charging was it plugged in to utility power or an inverter? What does it say about the power? What's the voltage and frequency? What's the power factor and the watts being used?

 

[John61CT]

I think for fast-charging the device just needs the direct connection, probably does a quick sensing algorithm before starting to pull charge.

The internal shunting whatever of the killawatt just isn't "transparent" enough.

 

[RVTravel]

what john said. The charger sensed the difference and changed on its own.

 

[John61CT]

The phone has the intelligence, the charger just presents what it has to offer.