If you've seen the term PD charging on a charger or cable and wondered what it means, you're not alone. PD stands for Power Delivery — a fast-charging standard that delivers higher levels of power over a USB-C connection. In simple terms, PD chargers help smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices charge faster and more efficiently than traditional USB chargers.
In this guide, we’ll explain what PD charging is, how it works, what “PD” means on a charger, and how to know if your devices are compatible.
What is PD charging?
Power Delivery (PD) Charging is the latest mobile device charging standard. It lets us quickly charge larger capacity batteries than we were able to in the past. Phones, tablets and laptops can all use PD Charging.
How does USB-C PD work?
A USB-C PD Charger can detect the device it’s connected to. If that device supports PD protocol, it will negotiate/communicate between the charger and device, and it will send the right amount of power to provide the fastest charge possible.
How much power does USB-C PD deliver?
Varies on a product basis. Check your device for specifics.
Can I use my old charger on PD devices?
This is a broader question than people realise. Your old charger can take a USB-A to Type C cable which can connect to a Type C port on a new device and in some cases, may work. So, if you already have the charger and the cable there’s no harm in trying it out.
But most devices will not charge properly, and some will not charge at all. This is important to remember when investing in new hardware.
How do watts factor into mobile device charging?
The Watt capacity (Wattage) of a charger is the amount of power a charger can supply to a device that requests it. Note it is the devices prerogative to request that charge.
The Wattage of a device is the amount of power a device can source from a suitable charger.
There is no danger to either device of charger if the relative wattages do not match.
It is ideal for the device (in terms of charge time) that the charger Wattage matches or exceeds the Wattage of the device.
What are the best charging stations for PD Charging?
Not all charging stations are created equal — especially when it comes to USB-C PD (Power Delivery). If your organisation relies on fast-charging mobile devices like iPads, Chromebooks, or USB-C laptops, choosing a PD-compatible charging station is essential for minimising downtime and maximising device availability.
Below, we’ve listed the best LocknCharge charging stations and smart lockers that support USB-C PD charging, with options tailored for everything from classrooms and healthcare to IT-managed enterprise fleets. Whether you need compact portability or full remote locker access, there’s a solution built for your workflow.
iQ 10 Charging Station with USB-C PD
The iQ 10 Charging Station with USB-C PD is a compact, wall- or desk-mounted unit designed for schools and businesses needing a secure place to store and charge multiple USB-C devices. With built-in USB-C PD charging, it can charge up to 10 iPads, tablets, or other USB-C-enabled devices simultaneously. Its compact footprint and lockable front door make it ideal for classrooms, labs, or shared workspaces where space is tight but secure charging is essential.
✅ Best for: iPads, tablets, and small-form USB-C devices in space-constrained environments
CarryOn Charging Station with USB-C PD
The CarryOn is LocknCharge’s most portable charging station — a lightweight, briefcase-style solution that securely stores and charges 5 USB-C devices using USB-C PD. Built for mobility, it's perfect for scenarios where educators, IT staff, or frontline workers need to transport charged devices between locations. Devices stay protected during transit and charge while stored, making the CarryOn a go-to for flexible deployments.
✅ Best for: Mobile device deployments in schools, healthcare, or hybrid teams needing grab-and-go convenience
Best Smart Charging Lockers with USB-C PD
The FUYL Tower Pro Smart Charging Locker is LocknCharge’s most advanced solution, combining cloud-based device management with USB-C PD charging in each of its 5 or 15 individually lockable bays. It allows IT teams to deploy, track, and recover devices without needing to be on site — supporting workflows like self-service loaners, broken device swaps, and off-hours checkouts.
Each bay includes both an AC outlet and a USB-C PD port, so devices can charge securely even while unattended. IT teams have full visibility and control through the FUYL Portal.
✅ Best for: IT-managed device fleets in education, enterprise, healthcare, and public service
Looking for PD-compatible charging solutions for schools or teams?
LocknCharge offers scalable charging stations that keep your USB-C devices secure, powered, and ready to use — with support for Power Delivery protocols.
FAQ
What’s the benefit of PD Charging standard and Type C connector, and why do I need PD Charging?
Together, PD Charging standard and Type C connector are the dream team! The PD Charging standard and the Type C connector were developed in tandem with the aim being as universal as possible.
Are Lightning devices PD compatible?
Lightning devices like the iPhone 12, iPhone X and various iPads have been PD compatible for some time. Using a PD charger in conjunction with an MFI-certified Type-C to Lightning cable allows for higher current draw and faster charging.
What is the difference between a Type C cable vs. Type C device/connector?
Type C is much more than just a cable connector or a device socket. There’s a standard for the connector and socket, several standards for the charging method and yet more standards for the communication of data. Just because a device has a Type C socket does not necessarily mean it also supports PD or high-speed data.
How does USB PD select charging voltage?
Voltage is selected by negotiation/communication between the charger and the device.
What devices use USB-C PD?
iPhone 12, iPhone X, iPhone 8/ 8 Plus, iPad Pro, Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel 2 XL, Samsung S20 and Note are just some of the popular devices that use PD. When investing in new hardware it’s important to know your new devices are fully compatible with the supporting hardware.
What happens if my device doesn’t support PD protocol, but I plug it into a PD charger?
If the attached device does not support the PD protocol, communication cannot be established. By default, a lower charge rate is used. The short of this being that it may just take longer to charge than normal.