NewerTech® : iDevice : Power2U

Power2U

Power2U USB Plug
Power2U 20amp USB Ports
Make your walls "Today Ready" The perfect upgrade to your digital life
Power2U
– Ideal for users of multiple USB 2.0 chargeable devices
– Modern, centralized location for charging/powering USB devices
– Smart circuitry only outputs enough charging power required
– Spring-loaded Safety Shutters eliminates "vampire" energy draw
Install with confidence with free how-to video
Eliminates Clutter
Charge & Power up to 4 devices
2012 Stevie Awards People's Choice Winner UL Listed Number
  • "I installed one unit...and immediately got hooked...quality of the unit is top-notch..." Len Kaufman North Florida Macintosh Users Group
  • "I'm...a huge fan of the Power2U... a great accessory for anyone with multiple gadgets to charge...easy enough for anyone to install" Josh Smith Gotta Be Mobile
  • "...an awesome addition to any geeky home... so convenient, you'll wish all of your outlets were like this." Geek Culture
Power2U

Power2U

AC/USB Wall Outlet - The convenient and energy-efficient in-wall solution for powering and charging USB devices.
Designed for standard 15A circuits in homes and other living spaces.

The NewerTech Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet is the convenient and energy-efficient in-wall solution for powering and charging USB devices. Now you can charge and/or power up to four devices at once when using the USB ports and the National Electrical Code (NEC) compliant tamper-resistant AC receptacles, while eliminating unsightly clutter created by multiple cables and bulky power adapters.

Charge Four Devices At Once!
Unlike other similar products, the port and outlet layout of the Power2U doesn't create "plug barriers". This accessible design enables you to charge up to four device at once!
Ideal "DIY" Upgrade For Multiple Device Users
Ideal for users of multiple USB chargeable devices, the Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet is a basic "DIY" install on any 15Amp circuit with a 16 cubic inch electrical box** to blend seamlessly into the wall as a standard power outlet. A "straightforward" rated "how to" video demonstrates how the Power2U can be installed in as little as 20 minutes.
Money Saving, Energy Efficient Design
Offering a modern, centralized location for charging/powering USB devices, the Power2U offers two energy efficient features to complement its use convenience. The Smart circuitry only outputs enough charging power required by the attached device, while spring-loaded Safety Shutters turn power off to the USB ports to eliminate "vampire" energy draw when a connecting cable is removed.
New Slimmer Design for Even Easier Install
The 2013 Power2U model offers a more compact design than previous models for an even easier install.
Install With Confidence
Fully UL-Listed and featuring NEC compliant tamper-resistant AC receptacles, Power2U offers peace of mind confidence. And with its more compact design and free how-to installation video, you can have Power2U installed in as little as 20 minutes!
Compatibility:
Apple iPad (all models)*
Apple iPhone (all models)
Apple iPod (all USB chargeable models)
Android™ tablets and phones, tablet computers, cellphones, gaming systems (Nintendo, Sony PSP, etc.), Bluetooth headsets, digital cameras, or GPS devices which charge via standard USB plug
*To maintain factory-stated charging duration when charging two iPads or a combination of iPad and any other USB rechargeable device simultaneously, we recommend charging the iPad via the factory wall adapter.

**Electrical boxes typically range from 15 to 16 cubic inches. To determine the size of the electrical box you intend to install a Power2U into, turn off power to outlet, remove faceplate cover, and measure height, width, and depth of the box. Multiplying those measurements together will equal the cubic inches or volume of the electrical box. If you are unsure of how to do these and/or cannot follow all safety precautions, you should consult an licensed electrician.
  • Patented (US 7,997,925 B2) design prevents "plug barriers" to enable charging/powering up to four iPads, iPhones, iPods, Android™ tablets and phones, MP3 players, GPS, digital cameras, and other USB 2.0/1.1 devices simultaneously without requiring a bulky adapter
  • 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) compliant tamper-resistant AC receptacles
  • Smart Power feature only outputs enough charging power required by the attached device
  • Energy efficient, spring-loaded Safety Shutter design turns power off to USB ports when connecting cable is removed to prevent "vampire draw"
  • Uses standard four-pin type-A jack USB cables
  • Available in four decorator colors: White, Black, Ivory, and Light Almond
  • Includes mounting screws, matching wallplate, and illustrated step-by-step installation manual
  • UL/CUL Listed (E339607) - For use in United States & Canada
UL Listed Number
Mechanical Specifications
  • Terminal ID: Brass-Hot, Green-Ground, Silver-Neutral
  • Terminal Accommodation: 14-10 AWG
  • Product ID: Ratings marked on device
  • Termination: Side
Environmental Specifications
  • Flammability: Rated V-2 per UL94
  • Operating Temperature: -40° F to 140° F
Compliances
  • UL/CUL Listed (E339607)
    - For use in United States & Canada
  • Patented (US 7,997,925 B2) design charges iPads, iPhones, iPods, Android tablets and phones, tablet computers, MP3 players, GPS devices, digital cameras, and other USB 3.0/2.0/1.1 chargeable devices without requiring a bulky adapter
  • 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) compliant tamper-resistant AC receptacles
Documentation
Compatible Electrical Boxes (not an exhaustive list)
  • Nail-on Romex Boxes (Plastic):
    • Carlon BH122A
    • Carlon B122A
    • Carlon B120A
    • Allied Moulded 1098
    • Allied Moulded 1096
  • Nail-on Romex Boxes (Metal):
    • Steel City 74-ONCS
    • Raco 240
  • Screw-on Romex Boxes (Metal):
    • Steel City CXWV
    • Steel City PLXWV
    • Raco 8240 (4" Square)
  • Cut-in Boxes for Romex:
    • Carlon BH118R
    • Carlon B120R
    • Cantex EZ21SO
    • NOTE: Cut in boxes are not always 2" wide, even if they list "3" x 2"" - Measure before buying.
  • Cut-in Conduit Boxes:
    • Carlon BH118R
    • NOTE: Cut in boxes are not always 2" wide, even if they list "3" x 2"" - Measure before buying
Electrical Requirements
  • 14 Gauge (15A) Electrical Circuit.
  • 16 Cubic Inch or larger single gang electrical box.
Electrical Specifications
  • Grounding: Self
  • Amperage: 15 Amp
  • Voltage: 125 Volt
  • NEMA: 5-15R Compliant
  • Pole: 2
  • Wire: 3
  • DC power SPECS: 5.2 volt, 2500mA** (12.5W) 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 (27.6° C); Maximum terminal temperature rise 59.36° F (19.8° C)
Materials Specifications
  • Face & Body Material: Polycarbonate
  • Line Contacts: Brass triple-wipe .031 thick
  • Terminal Screws: Brass 10-32
  • Grounding Screw: Brass 8-32
  • Strap Material: Zinc-plated steel
  • Clamp Nuts: Zinc-plated steel
  • Ground Clips: Brass-Plated
  • Color: White, Black, Ivory, or Light Almond
** equivalent to the output of one Apple iPad wall adapter
Q: How do I determine if I can safely replace my current outlet with Power2U?
A: There are a couple of requirements to safely replace an outlet with the Power2U. One is that you cannot replace a Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor (GFCI) outlet with a Power2U because you would be eliminating the GFCI functionality from that electrical circuit.

You can, however, replace the electrical circuit breaker that controls the circuit you wish to install Power2U on with a GFCI enabled breaker.

The most important consideration is as follows: The Power2U is a large electrical outlet due to the integrated 5V transformer that is used for charging your devices via USB. Because of its large size, electrical outlet boxes of at least 16 cubic inches are required as per the National Electrical Code (NEC) regulations (www.necplus.org). To determine if your outlet box is large enough to accommodate the Power2U, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the power to the outlet that you wish to replace.
2. Remove the wall plate and outlet you wish to replace.
3. Insert a tape measure or ruler into the outlet box and measure the depth, width, and height.
4. Multiply the three measurements. For example, a standard deep outlet box is 3" deep x 3" tall x 2-1/8" wide. Multiply all of those together and you come up with 19.125 cubic inches. This box would qualify to fit the Power2U outlet, however that does not complete your calculations; the amount of wires, and fastening devices that are inside of the box also must be factored in. A very thorough explanation of these calculations are available at http://ecmweb.com/nec/code-basics/electric_box_fill_calculations/. Each situation in residential wiring can be unique, so it is up to the installer to determine if they are in compliance with the NEC regulations.
Q: What outlets can I replace?
A: Any standard electrical outlet can be replaced with the Power2U. Traditional designs, Decora or decorator style all are replaceable. Due to the unique outlet cover with integrated USB slots and safety shutters you cannot use the Power2U in a multi-outlet or mixed (switch and outlet) box.
Q: Which GFCI can I replace?
A: If you are installing the Power2U into a circuit that is protected by a GFCI, you can replace any standard outlet that is already protected by that GFCI circuit with the Power2U. You cannot replace the GFCI outlet that protects the circuit with the Power2U. If you wish to replace a GFCI outlet with the Power2U, you would need to change the circuit breaker powering the circuit with a GFCI circuit breaker.

Power2U Simple Compatibility Visual Reference Guide:
(Your GFCI buttons may vary from the outlet depicted below)
Power2U Outlet Replacement
  • DO NOT replace GFCI outlets that contain reset/breaker buttons
  • Wired in series outlets protected "downstream" from a GFCI outlet can be replaced with a Power2U
Q: Will my Power2U be GFCI protected when I replace a GFCI downstream outlet?
A: Yes.
Power2U GFCI
Q: Can any other type of outlet be replaced?
A: Yes, any standard dual socket outlet can be replaced with a Power2U*
Power2U Outlet

*Assumes a 16 cubic inch outlet box. Read the additional FAQ's on this page for additional details.
Q: What's the difference between the main GFCI and others in a series?
A: A GFCI outlet (the kind that has a TEST and a RESET button on it) is the device that protects the entire electrical circuit from severe or fatal electrical shocks. There is no difference between the main GFCI outlet and an outlet wired in series after the GFCI outlet, both are equally protected. However, you cannot replace the main GFCI outlet with a Power2U outlet and still have the same shock protection, the Power2U is not a GFCI outlet.
Q: What if my GFCI is located in a circuit breaker panel?
A: No problem! You can replace any outlet protected by a GFCI circuit breaker with a Power2U as long as the outlet box is large enough per NEC regulations (www.necplus.org) to accommodate the Power2U.
Q: What if my installation location doesn't have a 16 cubic inch outlet box?
A: You will need to replace the existing outlet box with a larger box that meets NEC regulations to accommodate the Power2U. Your local home center will have replacement outlet boxes (called "boxes with ears" or "old work" boxes), and a set of hold-it straps (commercially available as "Madison Straps") to accomplish this task. If you are not familiar with this process, a licensed and bonded electrician can do it for you. This process can get quite involved and may require minor drywall patching when complete, depending on your existing outlet box installation.
Q: My house uses AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interruptor) protected outlets. Can I replace one of them with a Power2U?
A: Yes, just like GFCI outlets that are protected by a GFCI circuit breaker, AFCI outlets are protected by a circuit breaker. If you are installing the Power2U into a circuit that is protected by a AFCI, you can replace any standard outlet that is already protected by that AFCI circuit with the Power2U.
Q: Is there a fuse inside of the Power2U?
A: Yes, there is an internal fuse to protect the system in case of overload or short in the USB charging system. The fuse is not user-replaceable if activated, it is recommended to replace the entire Power2U unit.

Note: The internal fuse will burn out to protect the system (wall socket and device) if the end user makes the mistake of connecting to a power source requiring more than 125V.
Q: What USB cables work with Power2U?
A: The Power2U has been tested, and is compatible, with cables conforming to USB standards. This includes cables that come with USB powered/charged devices, including those from Apple, Kindle (Amazon)**, Nokia, Motorola, Samsung and other major brand device providers, as well as aftermarket cable brands including NewerTech (purchase here), Belkin, and Griffin. Not all aftermarket cables meet USB design standards and such may not be ideal for use with this product.

**Certain late 2011/early 2012 model Kindles (like the Keyboard 3G) include a USB to micro-B charging/connecting cable that doesn't provide proper connection with the Power2U. We offer extension cables that will alleviate this incompatibility for those models. Cables included with Kindle's since mid-2012 do utilize an industry conforming housing that is compatible with Power2U.
Kindle and USB compare
Standard USB cable shown on left, cable supplied with newer model Kindles shown on right.
Q: What happens if I plug a damaged USB cable into the Power2U?
A: The USB wall socket will terminate charging if the USB cable is shorted. In this case, the internal fuse will not burn out. Then, when the short is cleared and power reset, the charging system will return back to normal.
Q: A light switch controls my outlets... Can I use the Power2U receptacle still?
A: The NewerTech Power2U can be used with a switch. Bear in mind that the entire Power2U unit will turn on or off with the switch. If the switch is in the off position, no power will be available from the three-prong outlets or the USB ports.

Some residences have "half-switched" receptacles, where the top or bottom outlet is always ON and the opposite outlet turns on and off with a switch. The Power2U is NOT compatible with these types of installation-it cannot be "half-switched."
Q: Which electrical boxes can adequately house a Power2U?
A: The following is a list of several commonly used electrical boxes that are available at home centers and electrical supply resellers that will work with the Power2U:
Nail-on Romex Boxes (Plastic)
  • Carlon BH122A
  • Carlon B122A
  • Carlon B120A
  • Allied Moulded 1098
  • Allied Moulded 1096
Nail-on Romex Boxes (Metal)
  • Steel City 74-ONCS
  • Raco 240
Screw-on Romex Boxes (Metal)
  • Steel City CXWV
  • Steel City PLXWV
  • Raco 8240 (4" Square)
Cut-in Boxes for Romex
  • Carlon BH118R
  • Carlon B120R
  • Cantex EZ21SO
  • NOTE: Cut in boxes are not always 2" wide, even if they list "3" x 2"" - Measure before buying.
Cut-in Conduit Boxes
  • Carlon BH118R
  • NOTE: Cut in boxes are not always 2" wide, even if they list "3" x 2"" - Measure before buying
  • Power2U Faceplate
  • Power2U Shutters
  • Power2U Shims
  • Power2U Shims
  • Power2U Shims
  • An incorrectly installed Power2U will have the faceplate misaligned.
  • When misaligned, the faceplate's USB shutters will be unable to activate the USB port switches on the Power2U.
  • You can use electrical box shims to assist in aligning the faceplate so it's flush with the Power2U socket facia. This will allow the USB shutters to activate the USB port switches.
Spacer shims can be purchased here.
If you are unsure or in doubt about installation, please call a licensed electrician!
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