[Dornier]

I put custom shelves in my hall closet.

I have a 36" shelf intended for charging about 5 USB things and 4 plugs (iPads, phones, kindle, cameras, etc.)

I want to build an in-wall bank of outlets. Power strips aren't good as the rectifiers and transformers of some devices are oriented in ways that block some of the outlets.

I've seen USB/Recptacle plates but nothing like a large charging bank.

I keep leaning toward a gang box of receptacles and maybe a plate of 5 USB outlets--if those are made. Still searching.

Also, I'm not seeing any that have surge protection.

Any experience or successes would be great.

Thanks as always.

 

[zl700]

Just google USB recepticle.
Combination single or duplex outlets with built in USB plugs have been out for awhile.
Put a four gang box in and you will have 4-8 115v outlets and 8 USB charger outlets.

http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/SectionDisplay.jsp?section=53874&minisite=10251

http://www.lowes.com/pd_437535-334-...tricalOutletsAdapters-_-4165007&"cagpspn=pla"

I have a double in my kitchen, can charge 2 iPads simultaneously

 

[Dornier]

That Leviton said it couldn't charge two high draw USBs at the same time. It guides to use the receptacle and a USB.

The cooper items didn't say that. I need to add up my draw now.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I'd go with the gangbox method myself. I made a power bar a while back for all my computer stuff. One side is UPS protected and the other is not (for bigger things like printer etc).

It makes cable management easier and plenty of room for those big wall warts.

You could do something like this but to fit in the space you have. Maybe built in.

 

[zl700]

That Leviton said it couldn't charge two high draw USBs at the same time. It guides to use the receptacle and a USB.

The cooper items didn't say that. I need to add up my draw now.

My Hubbell brand outlet does

 

[Dornier]

What about surge protection? I know we don't normally think about it when plugging into a wall but it's always a consideration with power strips behind the TV, theater, etc.

 

[gregzoll]

What you need is a USB Charging station. Plenty to choose from. http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&keywords=usb charging station&page=1&rh=i:aps,k:usb charging station Just need to find one that fits your liking. You could also just use the mini usb plug in transformers, like Apple sends with their iPhones. They only take one outlet. The other choice is to go with the Powermat for the iPhones http://www.duracellpowermat.com/

Camera would have rechargeable batteries, so it would need just to have the charger plugged in when you only need it, then unplugged after done. Keep in mind, that leaving the chargers powered up, creates the "Vampire" affect on your electricity use.

 

[Dornier]

Does the vampire effect apply with the (for example) iPhone plug in the socket without the phone attached?

 

[gregzoll]

Yes it can, plus it prematurely wears out the transformer. I always unplug the charger when I am done, vs. leaving it plugged in all of the time. I have seen some actually short out, that people are lucky that they did not cause a fire.

 

[Dornier]

Yes it can, plus it prematurely wears out the transformer. I always unplug the charger when I am done, vs. leaving it plugged in all of the time. I have seen some actually short out, that people are lucky that they did not cause a fire.

Thanks. I think I might just skip USB as all the items have a TRU on them like the iPhone plugs.

What about surge protection. Why do power strips have it when they don't know the amps of each device used? Otherwise wouldn't a surge trip the wall's circuit?

 

[gregzoll]

No. The surge protector is to protect the devices plugged into it. The breaker is there to protect the strip from overload. If that breaker fails, then the circuit breaker on the circuit that the outlets is on, should trip.