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Electronics

Power2U offers USB charging straight from the wall

By Ben Coxworth
January 09, 2012
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The Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet lets you charge devices via a USB Cable, directly from the wall
The Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet lets you charge devices via a USB Cable, directly from the wall
The Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet lets you charge devices via a USB Cable, directly from the wall
A back view of the The Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet
The Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet requires an existing 16 cubic-inch outlet box
The Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet lets you charge devices via a USB Cable, directly from the wall
The Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet helps lessen clutter on desks
The Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet lets you charge devices via a USB Cable, directly from the wall
The Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet lets you charge devices via a USB Cable, directly from the wall
The Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet lets you charge devices via a USB Cable, directly from the wall
The Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet lets you charge devices via a USB Cable, directly from the wall
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While it's certainly convenient that most mobile devices can be charged via one of your computer's USB ports, what happens if all of the ports are in use? Even if they're not, you don't always want your devices and their cables cluttering up your desk. You can buy USB adapters for wall outlets, but then you end up needing to find an available outlet, and subsequently occupying it (in older homes especially, unused AC outlets are often something of a rarity). Now, there's an alternative to using your computer or an adapter to charge your gizmos - it's the Newer Technology Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet.

The outlet can reportedly be easily user-installed, in place of an existing wall outlet on a 15-Amp circuit. It incorporates the usual two AC receptacles, but it also features two USB 3.0/2.0 ports. All four plug-ins can be used at once, with a power-saving feature delivering only enough power to the USB ports necessary for charging the attached device.

When a device is unplugged, a spring-loaded safety shutter snaps into place, both protecting the USB port and completely shutting off its power supply - so, there's no "vampire power" draw when it's not in use.

The Power2U outlet is compatible with all models of iPhone, iPad and USB-chargeable iPods, along with Android devices and pretty much anything else that can be charged using a USB 1.1 or higher cable. It's available for US$27.99 via Other World Computing.

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ElectronicsMobile PhonesUSBCharging
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Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.
15 comments
Henry Van Campa
Only for American wall sockets!
SpaceBagels
Nice idea. But China will just copy this and sell it 90% cheaper using political prisoner labour and design it so everyone who isn\'t living in the \'US\' of A can buy it.
This is why American inventors always lose.
Bill Bennett
Oh get over it Henry, you ever see me whine for European only stuff? And just to make sure to get your undies in a bunch, I am gonna order FOUR, yes 4 of them,, BAWAHH,, I am gonna have USB outlets in the living room, kitchen, bedroom, and yes, I will be able to charge my camera,,, ahhem, yes in the bathroom, wo. wo, wo, phew, OMG, sigh, breathing hard, yeah sarcasm

MrGadget
If I have kids, I would rather have them plug their usb toys into a computer than to plug it into a jack so close to the AC main, especially one that is not GFCI protected.
Facebook User
Why not just keep using your laptop or desktop - unless you need more than 0.5 amp output this works perfectly, and your machine is designed to do this.
flink
@Bill Bennet - Before you order, make certain that the circuit where you intend to use the device is not wired to a 20 AMP circuit breaker (common in newer homes).
@MrGadget - You can make the socket GCFI by upgrading the circuit breaker.
@Michael JR - Many devices plug into USB to recharge. For example, phones, tablets, and remotes.
flink
CAUTION!!!
If your socket is a 20 AMP device (i.e., if it has one hole that looks like a \"T\"), you CANNOT safely use a Power2U device. It will fit, but if there is a overload on that line, the extra 5 amps that the circuit breaker allows will fry the 15 amp Power2U device and can easily start a fire.
The sockets that are shown in the Power2U FAQ are 20 amp devices. Those are the type that you can\'t replace with a Power2U device.
noriega
Don\'t listen to these guys, that\'s not true. The plugs are 15 AMP plugs, and it isn\'t a pass through device. There is nothing that prevents you from putting this on a 20 amp circuit, you can\'t though plug in a 20 amp device. That\'s why the device has a 5-15 NEMA receptacle.
I do think the snap close off switch is neat, so long as you remove the attaching cable. I think that having a cell charger cord dangling permanently might be more the use case, but it\'s a cool option.
Kim Smed
Perhaps you haven\'t heard of the U-socket? These have been selling at retailers for over a year. This is just another same priced version.
Stan Sieler
Looks like a better version of Cooper Industries TR7740, which was announced last July (IIRC). I\'ve got a couple of those waiting to be installed. The Cooper product has an LED to indicate \"charging\" (but the spec sheet fails to comment on \"vampire\" draw).
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