Getting my first USB type C mobile soon and need some help from knowledgeable folk to ensure I get the right cable.

Unlike normal USB cables, you really don't want to get a cheap USB C cable unless you're happy toasting your device as Benson Leung will testify to:

http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/02/02/google-engineer-benson-leung-finds-a-usb-type-c-cable-that-isnt-just-dangerous-on-paper-it-allegedly-fried-his-hardware/

So I'm checking out the few that are certified and safe but some are USB A 2.0 and others USB A 3.x.

Now I know you can get USB 3 ports and USB 2 ports, but what will happen if you use a USB 3 cable in a port/charger which was built to USB 2 standards with a maximum output of 1A or 2.1A?

Will the device see a USB 3 cable and try to pull more power than the port/charger can deliver wrecking the charger or computer, or would it simply act as a USB 2 cable because it's not a USB 3 port?

Given Bensons advice and reading a string of devastation caused by getting it wrong, I'm not keen to either send something up in flames or wreck my new handset through using the wrong spec cable.

Essentially I'm looking at Belkin USB 2.0 & 3.1 A to C cables as I know they'll be 100% compliant having been tested by Benson as they're the only ones he's tested which are available on Amazon UK.

Have asked Belkin but not had a reply yet.

Found the following which also seems to be tested by Benson as a stop gap to make use of all my existing cables. I'll still stick to my Belkin Micro USB cables though just to be sure of no damage

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01AHKYIRS/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_6kL-xb82TY4RQ

But still keen to establish which are the correct type C cables for all eventualities.

USB standards are made to step down to the lowest thing they are plugged into.

 

So plug a USB 3 thing into a USB 2 (or 1) port and it'll act at USB 2.

Thanks.

Thats what I thought, but USB-C and the potential damage has me worried you death.

http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/how-to-find-safe-usb-type-c-cables

https://plus.google.com/+BensonLeung/posts/HakwCMmd346

Like this

Non-compliant is they key but if the chap in the vid is right you'd never know and you'd fry your stuff.

 

I guess the only way around is to only use one cable for one function.

Indeed.

Does Apple use hardware instead of an additional chip inside their lightening plugs?

That is the bit which is the issue with these C cables it seems.

USB has become a real mess of standards

https://www.chipworks.com/about-chipworks/overview/blog/systems-analysis-apple-lightning-usb-cable

 

There are chips but beyond that....?