Power2U

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.

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 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. 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. The 2013 Power2U model offers a more compact design than previous models for an even easier install. 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! 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

• 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

• One dual 15A AC socket/dual USB 2.0/1.1 port outlet
• Two faceplate retaining screws
• Two electrical box mounting screws (pre-installed)
• Two white plastic mends (faceplate screw covers)
• Power2U Product Installation Manual (695.5KB PDF)
• Power2U Product Specifications (430KB PDF)
• 1 Year NewerTech Product Limited Warranty Register Here

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. 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. 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) A: Yes.
A: Yes, any standard dual socket outlet can be replaced with a Power2U*


*Assumes a 16 cubic inch outlet box. Read the additional FAQ's on this page for additional details. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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. 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." 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:

• Carlon BH122A
• Carlon B122A
• Carlon B120A
• Allied Moulded 1098
• Allied Moulded 1096

• Steel City 74-ONCS
• Raco 240

• Steel City CXWV
• Steel City PLXWV
• Raco 8240 (4" Square)

• 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.

• Carlon BH118R
• NOTE: Cut in boxes are not always 2" wide, even if they list "3" x 2"" - Measure before buying

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• 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.