Not more power through the house, but better access to it. There are so many devices that my family uses that rely on USB charging. Some of these rely on sucking up power daily. But if you already have a bunch of plugs stuck in your outlets, you might want to stop juggling those wall warts and install the NewerTech Power2U.

After CES, I got the Power2U plugs (they're on sale now from OWC). They won't match the covers from the 30s, but the plates in my office are long overdue for a facelift. And I need the plug space.

Here's the thing. We're all getting more and more devices that need to get plugged into something daily. There are two issues that follow this dependency on power. The first is that most of the USB powered devices need a wall wart adapter to make it work. The second is (at least in my house), many of the outlets that I want to use are already locked up with other things that are permanently plugged in.

The Power2U lets you plug in USB cables without their wall adapters. Love this.

   
GET IT. UNPLUG THE SOCKET HOG. GET CLEANED UP.

Right now, you can get one for $25. You can get them for $20 each after purchasing 2 or more. It's the kind of hardware your contractor should be looking at before you start converting the kid's room into a home office.

There are a couple of simple warnings before you go crazy ordering these for your entire house:

1) Make sure you'll have a single gang electrical box that the Power2U will fit into. Some older houses may need some retrofitting, but newer houses should be okay.

2) MAKE SURE YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH ELECTRICITY if you are attempting to install it yourself. If you're not good with breakers - FIND SOMEONE TO DO IT FOR YOU. The first tech product that I've gotten that says, "Failure to follow these instructions can cause death or permanent injury." awesome.

AC Description: 15 Amp, 125 Volt, NEMA 5-15R, 2P, 3W, Decora Body Duplex
Receptacle, Straight Blade, Residential Grade, Self Grounding, Back & Side
Wired, Steel Strap - White
DC Description: 5 Volt, 2000mA (10W) Duplex USB Charging Receptacle, With
Integrated On/Off Safety Switch for USB Power
Color: White
NNEMA: 5-15R

Product Features
AC Horsepower Ratings
At rated voltage: 1/2HP


Electrical Specificaions

• Grounding: Self
• Amperage: 15 Amp
• Voltage: 125 Volt
• NEMA: 5-15R Compliant
• Pole: 2
• Wire: 3
• DC power specs: 5.2 volt, 2000mA** (10W) Duplex USB charging receptacle with integrated on/off safety switch for USB power
• Dielectric Voltage: Withstands 2000V per UL 498
• Overload Test, HP Ratings: 125V AC 58.8A
• Current Limiting: Full Rated Current
• Temperature Rise: 15A, Maximum contact temperature rise 62.95° F (17.2° C); Maximum terminal temperature rise 59.36° F (15.2° C)