It is often the simple solutions in life that make the biggest difference.
The 2 way UK power socket with 2 USB ports is one such example in my opinion.
I have the pleasure of seeing some great and really poor examples of technical innovations and this for me is up there with some of the best.
No it does not do anything particularly new, but what it does do is take 2 very important things in most peoples lives and puts it in a package that is very convenient.
As the name and image implies, this product is designed to replace an existing 2 socket faceplate you may have in your home. By replacing your existing faceplate, you get 2 3 pin sockets like you had but now two USB sockets for connecting your gadgets too.
If you are anything like me, you will have a few devices that require power regularly, be it a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, maybe a fitness product amongst others. That is just myself. My girlfriend has a similar array of tech. If you have children they too may have a couple of devices as well.
I personally have a charger in the kitchen and in the bedroom as for me these are the two most logical places. Whilst 70% of the time my phone is charged at night by my bed, there are times where an extra charge during the day is necessary and this is often completed in my kitchen.
I have a 4 gang extension running of a dual socket in my bedroom, because I have an alarm clock, bedside lamp, a shaver, electric toothbrush, phone charger all connected.
By now you get the picture of where I am going and the problem. There are cables everywhere.
The 2 way socket with USB ports does not reduce the number of devices that need charging but the way that they are charged and potentially doing away with an extension lead and making the whole solution a little safer.
Suitable only for use within the UK, the process of installation is very simple.
- First turn of the mains power within your home.
- Unscrew the existing faceplate.
- Disconnect the live, earth and neutral wires.
- Reconnect these in the appropriate place on the new faceplate.
- Screw in the new faceplate (fixings supplied).
- Turn the power on.
This process takes less than 5 minutes really.
I have now replaced 3 sockets in my home, 1 in the kitchen and 1 either side of the bed. I am pleased to say they work just as advertised and I am pleased and even my girlfriend is (believe me that is a compliment to this product),
The USB sockets offer up to 2 Amps each, if the current exceeds this they will shut off.
When two USB cables are connected the power is split between the two, but the socket will only draw what is required.
When the USB cable is disconnected, the transformer shuts down and the power is not supplied to the socket.
At £20 they could be considered an expensive solution, but really for the tidiness and convenience they bring they really pay for themselves. Of course you need only replace one or a few in your home.
Now I am sure you have some queries about the technical and safety side of the socket. Let me give you the facts.
- The faceplate can be attached to any standard backbox with a minimum depth of 25mm.
- It is BE & CE approved.
- The USB ports are rated up to 2 Amps.
- USB socket draws only required power.
- USB socket switches off when no USB cable is connected.
- Surge & spike protected
Currently the faceplate is only available in white, there may soon be other colour options but no confirmed arrival date on these.
I personally feel that this is a great product and having shared on social media it would seem others think the same and some have already installed such.
This is one new ‘toy’ or ‘gadget’ that anyone in your home (including visitors) can seek benefit from. What more justification do you need?
You can order yours today by purchasing now from Clove.
