Blogger Pittsburgh, PA on Jun 08, 2012

The U-Socket Just Might be the Future of Wall Outlets

Hi everyone, Becky Sue from Hometalk inspired me to purchase and install the U-Socket in my kitchen. We have numerous electronic devices (iPhone, camera, etc.) and a regular phone that plugs into an outlet, but this all happens in one location. And to boot, sometimes you don't get an AC adapter with certain devices so you're stuck charging them at your computer. The U-Socket has two USB ports built into a standard wall receptacle. My latest blog post is a tutorial on how any DIYer can install this nifty invention and why it's a good idea (water + smartphone = headache waiting to happen)

http://www.homerepairtutor.com/usocket-usb-o...

37 Comments Displaying 25 of 37 comments | See Previous

Home Repair Tutor Pittsburgh, PA

Thanks Kris, I feel your pain with all the devices!! Sometimes I feel like we're a mini Best Buy, LOL.

on Jun 08, 2012 · Like 0
Marg C Middletown, NY

thanks Nilda, this looks great too with 4 outlets and 2 usb...I like it better and especially since it's cheaper :)

on Jun 08, 2012 · Like 0
Charlie S Sanford, NC

Careful with playing with your wiring kids ----- could be hazardous to your health and anything you plug in. Buyer beware as in all things and don't play with anything you don't understand completely. Just sayin'.... ;)
The outlet shown is a 15 amp receptacle and it does not meet current NEC (national electrical code) requirements as it is not tamper proof. Also, caution needs to be taken as to how many other ...»
receptacles are on the same circuit as the one where you want to put this one. A 15 amp circuit can safely carry approx 1500 watts at 120 volts. So you need to know how many other outlets, lights, etc. may be on the same branch circuit. Get it? It's a nifty little device for sure but I can see potential problems here for the do-it-yourselfer. Be careful.
:)

on Jun 08, 2012 · Like 2
Alison G Dingmans Ferry, PA

Nilda - like your idea better - surge protection too.....15.49 w/free shipping :-)

on Jun 08, 2012 · Like 0
Sharyna A Portola, CA

Throw a GFI on that sucker and I'm there....

on Jun 08, 2012 · Like 0
Home Repair Tutor Pittsburgh, PA

I was doing some research on electricity and read that a circuit's "safe capacity" is defined as the total capacity minus 20%. For example, if you have a 120 V (15 amp) circuit the total capacity in watts is 15 amps x 120 volts = 1800 watts. The "safe capacity" is therefore 1800 watts x 0.20 = 1440 watts or 15 amp x 0.20 = 12 amps. Keep in mind the formula of
Amps x Volts = Watts (brings back memories of High School Physics!) ...»

There is also a general rule that some people follow. It states you should allow only 100 watts for each amp. Thus, a 15 amp circuit should only have 1500 Watts on it.
How does this all relate to the U-Socket? You need to determine what circuit the U-Socket is plugged into and then determine which outlets are on this same circuit. Add up all the watts of every light, device, appliance on this circuit. For example, if you have 5 outlets on one 120 V(15 amp) circuit and there's a toaster (800 watts), TV (100 watts), and Coffee Maker (80 watts) all plugged sharing this circuit then you're already at 980 watts. If my math is right you'll have 1440 watts - 980 watts = 480 watts left to "use" on this circuit.
At this point you'll need to add up all the watt ratings on your devices. I think the output for the iPhone AC adapter is 1 amp and 5V which is 5 watts if you use the above formula. So this device isn't using all that much power.
Plus the U-Socket has a built in smart sensor that automatically detects the amount of wattage needed to charge the device. So when the device becomes fully charged the U-Socket stops sending electricity to it. This a really great attribute that is environmentally friendly. Here's a link to the U-Socket description on FastMac's website. http://fastmac.com/usocket.php

on Jun 08, 2012 · Like 0
Jesse T Midland Park, NJ

There is a small transformer in the device that lowers the voltage that comes thru the outlet to about 5 volts opposed to the 120 volts the regular outlet produces.

on Jun 08, 2012 · Like 0
BeckySue, Certified Maste... Lawrenceville, GA

Nilda's option is certainly a option, but not really a fair comparison to the U-socket as I know it. Id rather spend $10-15 more and have less wires and cleaner look. The U-socket gives the transformation of a regular outlet rather than have something that sticks out and plugs into one. Not trying to discredit it .. just not comprobable.

on Jun 08, 2012 · Like 1
Home Repair Tutor Pittsburgh, PA

Thanks Nilda for your suggestion. I do like the U-Socket a little bit more because you can get a tamper resistant version that not only complies with current electrical codes but prevents children from getting shocked. I also agree with Becky Sue about the styling being better for a kitchen, which is where I installed it. That said, we need to know all the options for charging our devices :)

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 0
Mark B Vassar, MI

That's pretty cool,

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 0
Home Repair Tutor Pittsburgh, PA

It's really a great option Mark for anyone with a smartphone or e-reader.

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 0
911 Address Signs Lawrenceville, GA

Need to do this in every room in my house now.To many smartphone, computers,etc. Everything now has a USB charger.

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 0
Curtis J Daytona Beach, FL

I need this

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 0
Home Repair Tutor Pittsburgh, PA

Thank you 911 and Curtis for your comments. Who knows, maybe the price will come down such that you could possibly install a U-Socket in each room.

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 1
Charlie S Sanford, NC

I think this thing is a cool device though I myself don't need one since all my stuff has charging capabilities already. I'm just saying care should be taken with the installation and protection (electrically) of the thing. National electrical codes require the circuit that feeds it to be arc-fault protected and ground fault protected depending upon the location it is installed. While this device is probably UL listed (make sure it is), that doesn't matter at all if incorrectly installed ...»
or installed in such a manner as to potentially overload an existing circuit. As far as surge protection goes, that can be easily accomplished at the service entrance with a whole house protector fairly inexpensively with a Sycom protector. My advice would be to call a qualified electrician to be SURE you are fully safe. It wouldn't cost you much for total peace of mind. ;)))

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

a USB port is only 5 volts DC and draws about 100 to 500 milli-amps....in the household power consumption dept...this is diddly squat.
From wiki
The USB 1.x and 2.0 specifications provide a 5 V supply on a single wire from which connected USB devices may draw power. The specification provides for no more than 5.25 V and no less than 4.75 ...»
V (5 V±5%) between the positive and negative bus power lines. For USB 3.0, the voltage supplied by low-powered hub ports is 4.45–5.25 V.[42]
A unit load is defined as 100 mA in USB 2.0, and 150 mA in USB 3.0. A device may draw a maximum of 5 unit loads (500 mA) from a port in USB 2.0; 6 (900 mA) in USB 3.0. There are two types of devices: low-power and high-power. A low-power device draws at most 1 unit load, with minimum operating voltage of 4.4 V in USB 2.0, and 4 V in USB 3.0. A high-power device draws the maximum number of unit loads permitted by the standard.

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 0
Hudson Designs Loganville, GA

That's a lot of cash to pay to have 2 usb outlets.
Why not just go this route and have many more for less.
$17.99 http://www.microcenter.com
on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 1
Home Repair Tutor Pittsburgh, PA

Thanks so much Charlie for your comments, really great discussion here on the product and electrical safety. I can tell you that for my tutorial the outlet I replaced was not a GFI and didn't need to be since it wasn't located within 3 ft of water. With that said, I don't believe you can get a U-Socket with a GFI configuration so it should only replace outlets that are not GFIs. Good catch on your part. ...»

A nice feature of the U-Socket is that it has an indicator light that glows if wired incorrectly. And one action I think all people should do when performing simple electrical work is to take a picture of the wiring of the outlet or switch. This is especially true if the outlet/switch was installed by a licensed electrician, then you can be sure to wire the new U-Socket the correct way.

I totally agree with your suggestion to use a whole house surge protector. We finally had our electrician to this for us at the main panel for $200. Well worth the price considering all the computers and appliances that could be ruined by a sudden surge in electricity.
Thanks again Charlie for bringing up great questions :)

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

here is one that can use regular switch plate covers and is tamper resistant...
http://www.amazon.com/Cooper-Wiring-Devices-...
on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 1
Home Repair Tutor Pittsburgh, PA

Thanks KMS for the in depth explanation. Sounds like the bottom line is the U-Socket is drawing very little power from the USB ports. The toaster is more of a power issue than the iPhone. I probably wouldn't plug a toaster into the U-Socket, though wouldn't it be cool if new toasters came USB 3.0 enabled-LOL.

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 0
Nilda D Albany, NY

KMS I like the regular switch an other good option with kids in the house.

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 0
BeckySue, Certified Maste... Lawrenceville, GA

Hudson Design .. the main advantage of the usocket type device is that you are not having to have more plug ins, or another device laying on the counter.
KMS -- your caption to the photo says a better design, just because its tamper resistent? What makes that one resistant?
Here is another brand I blogged about earlier this year you might like too? https://designsbybsb.com/2012/02/wall-usb-a...

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 0
Home Repair Tutor Pittsburgh, PA

Thanks Becky Sue and KMS for your comments. The U-Socket is availabe in Tamper Resistant designs as well but only in white at this time.

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

BSB...the TR on the face of the plug indicate its a Tamper resistant design...which is done with plastic "doors" where the tines plug in.
To me the better design has to due with using regular covers...we have a number of artisan covers...in our home
http://geoplate.com/pages/R1oneofkindA.html

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 0
Home Repair Tutor Pittsburgh, PA

Thanks KMS for your comment, I agree with your idea of better design. I just prefer something that is integrated into the wall. But if I need a ton of extra USB charging ports in my office then Hudson Design's option would be fantastic. Everyone has so many great ideas :)

on Jun 11, 2012 · Like 1

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The U-Socket Just Might be the Future of Wall Outlets

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