Glad we impressed the electrican! However, Brian, your info about the GFCI may not be completely accurate. IF a person is doing a home rehab and codes need to be followed due to a building permit or code restrictions, then GFCI code mandates would apply. HOWEVER, if a homeowner is just replacing their outlet (which would be majority of Power2U installs) then the Power2U CAN be installed in a GFCI location provided the installer follows the info related to such on the Power2U's FAQ tab on the product page: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/accessories/power_adapters/USB/in_wall_outlets
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.
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.
Would be extremely useful for those of us with old-ass apartments, too, with scarce outlets for charging/plugging in things. Hmm... I'm way too scared to change my outlets, though, and maintenance hates dealing with the electrical here... I think I need to get them more beer.
Brian, thanks for the heads up. I'll have to look at it. I think only the kitchen and bathroom actually have updated boxes. The rest are all VERY old, covered in several layers of paint.
Thanks for sharing the info! Boyfriend and I are going to have to invest in these nifty lil things so that we don't have to keep criss crossing our cords to plug into the "correct" outlet.
Comments
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/accessories/power_adapters/USB/in_wall_outlets
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.
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.
Also: small shelves on the wall nearby would enhance usefulness.
Also Also: Some little universal mobile device easels would be swank.
Also Also Also: They need to be offered in other colors. Black with brushed nickel or steel plates, please.