NewerTech Power2U

Features

• 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 circuitry 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

Includes

• One 15A, white dual AC socket/dual USB port outlet
• Two white faceplate retaining screws
• Two electrical box mounting screws (pre-installed)
• Installation Manual (1.9MB)

Gallery

Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet Specifications:

Manufacturer provided specifications for Newer Technology p/n PWR2U15ATRW UPC#: 811643012721

Current Reviews

• "With two sockets and two USB ports, all capable of rapid charge and ready for modern devices, the Power2U Universal outlet truly is the modern geek's outlet." — Ron Burke, Gaming Trend
• "In the end, it's just what the doctor ordered ... perfect ... think of all those happy devices ..." — Android Blizzard
• "... it makes the wall look much cleaner with just the cables and not blocks and cables." — Ryan Moore, Android Coliseum
• "You don't have to choose between unplugging the toaster to plug in your charger." — Cindy Orley, Akron Ohio Moms
• "We have so many devices...this item is a real Must-Have! Makes life a lot easier!" — Denise B., Socalcitykids
• "It's for their ingenious design and functionality that we award NewerTech with our Editor's Choice Award!" — Chris Jolliffe, Technology X
• "I love the convenience of having USB outlets right in my outlet without needing any extra charger." — Mary, The iMums
• "...a fantastic solution ...make charging much easier in a multi-device, multi-person household." — Jonathan Cost, thinkmac.net
• "...the Power2U is the best USB wall outlet I've seen and researched." — Randy Yagi, Examiner.com
• "...the future of technology in the present day. ...so effortless ... became a mainstay in my USB power needs..." — GamingShogun
• "...the future of technology in the present day. ...so effortless ... became a mainstay in my USB power needs..." — My Boys and Their Toys
• "...an essential peripheral device in this age of wall-to-wall gadgets" — William Deborde, Lanoc Reviews
• "...delivers both modern power standards to one appropriate place." — Martin Winston, Newstips Bulletin
• "...worked like a charm..." — Lou Torraca, Around Hawaii
• "...must have upgrade for your home or office." — Born2Impress
• "I highly recommend the Power2U..." — Andrew Kunesh, Macgasm
• Video Review — KDFW Dallas Fox4
• "We love having these outlets in our home they are so convenient, I highly recommend having at least one in your home!" — Heidi Johnson, The Bragging Mommy
• "The NewerTech Power2U has to be one of the best upgrades for your home ... every outlet should have a Power2U ..." — Heather Fox, Mom Mom On The Go
• "Installing the NewerTech Power2U 15Amp outlet is a simple 'DIY' project." — Michael Wang, GamerHub.TV
• "I think the concept of the NewerTech Power2U AC/USB wall outlet is great..." — Bill Lepse, Big Bruin
• "...putting at least one of these in every room should be a no-brainer." — James Barber, Under The Radar

Previous Generation 15A Reviews

• "Simply put the NewerTechnology Power2U is one of the best devices invented in the last 10 years, and is a must have for the digital home!" — Tyler Bernath, Real World Labs
• "...puts a charger at any area inside your home or office...NewerTech came out swinging with another great product aimed at making life easier for everyday users." — Kevin O'Brien, StorageReview.com
• "...my 2011 gadget of the year is the Newer Technology Power2U" — Gregg Ellman, Miami Herald
• "...an easy way to wire my house to charge up my USB gear without booting my computer." — Bayle Emlein, Monthly Computer Chronicle
• "I can't think of anything more convenient when you're wanting to charge your iPhone" — Mike Ferrara, TechnoDad.tv
• "It's just a smart thing... brilliant" — Becky Worley, ABC's Good Morning America
• "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
• "a great way to bring order to the proliferation of USB power cables in your home." — Steven Sande, TUAW
• "Very cool" — Lloyd Chambers, Mac Performance Guide
• "The Power2U is a great device that saves you from the lost charger syndrome." — Ben Oaks, GizmoFusion
• "An interesting power solution..." — Mike Flaminio, Insanely Great Mac
• "...I will be getting plenty of use out of the...Power2U...with my whole family using more electronic devices than I care to count." — Thomas Ratas, Test Freaks
• "I will no longer need to unplug my nightstand lamp just to charge my iPhone!" — Jim Gresham, MacTrast
• "Very clever ... an outlet with ... two plugs, two USB ports ... when it closes, shuts off phantom power" — Dick DeBartolo, The Giz Wiz
• "I love mine...I use...every night...couldn't live without it... a worthy purchase..." — Quinn Nelson, Snazzy Labs
• "...a solid way to...deal with the proliferation of USB power cables in your home or office." — MacTech
• "...lets you plug in USB cables without their wall adapters... Love this." — Ko Mauyama, Creative Mac
• "...a must-have device for the home of today." — Kristofer Brozio, DragonSteelMods
• "...an awesome addition to any geeky home... so convenient, you'll wish all of your outlets were like this." — Geek Culture
• "Once installed just use, enjoy and repeat. ...sophisticated and polished... solid build quality... Well, done." — Steve Kruschen, Mr. Gadget
• "...we had it installed within 20 minutes... pretty awesome product...does what it needs to do quite well... will get plenty of use..." — Wayne Thompson, Two Shots of Geek
• "I installed one unit...and immediately got hooked...quality of the unit is top-notch..." — Len Kaufman, North Florida Macintosh Users Group
• "Installing the Power2U was simple. ...took me about 20 minutes...until I finished the job and was charging my wife's iPhone." — Eric Regan, Tech Tilt
• "...we love the Power2U...a great product...makes the lives of anyone with multiple electronics a little easier...without the need of any adapters." — Nathan Kirsch, Legit Reviews
• "I love it...you can plug in your phone and your tablet along with your toaster oven and coffee maker... Nice." — Lori Cunningham, The Well Connected Mom
• "Power2U is a quality product!" — Bob Skidmore, Gadget News and Reviews
• "My favorite ... the spring-loaded Safety Shutter doors ... keeps little ones from sticking objects inside." — Natalie Wright, Technology For Moms
• "The speed ... devices charged was absolutely astounding! ... certainly a device ... to invest in" — Will Anderson, Wanderson75
• "The Next Best Home Upgrade For Your Digital Family" — Casey Tschida, AppAdvice
• "If you're looking for a convenient method of charging your USB gadgets... the Power2U is a good way to go." — Kirk Hiner, AppleTell
• "I am really pleased with it... Mine is used almost every day." — Tom Piper, appleJAC
• "...a must buy... I definitely recommend this..." — Kyle Paddock, TekGoblin
• "...I LOVE IT! Great Product. ...not only functional, but also has the great cool factor..." — dozersworkshop
• "...an elegant way to keep your iDevice charged..." — Casey Tschida, AppAdvice
• "...a very nice convenience to have that adds a high-end flair to your home... This thing walks the walk." — Lazy Tech Guys
• "...an excellent device to install in any room in the house. ...everyone could use one of these." — Custom PC Review
• "...a great idea..." — Larry Potash, WGN Morning News
• "...eliminates all the bulkiness..." — Karla Hult, KARE 11
• "...isn't that cool..." — Margart Larson, KING5 Seattle New Day
• "Installation was very easy" — Robot Reviews
• "...very smart... unclutter your house..." — Bill Henley, NBC10 Philadelphia - 10 Show
• "...fantastic..." — Deborah Duncan, KHOU11 - Great Day Houston
• "I love this product" — Ron Corning, WFAA TV | Dallas/Forth Worth
• "...so cool..." — Gregg Moss, 9News.com - KUSA Denver
• "...solid 9 out of 10 stars..." — Russ Webb, The Real Geeks
• "As a Master Electrician, I recommend the Newer Technolgy Power2U AC/USB Wall outlet to all. It installs just like any other outlet - and now, all my friends and family members want me to install these in their homes." — Chris D., Keene, NH
• "Great product. Great solution. Highly recommended..." — Everett Snyder, Pro Tool Reviews
• "It's one of those things that... just feel like a necessity. Every household... should have at least one... something we highly recommend." — Brian Ambrozy, Icrontic
• "...insanely easy installation... if you're in the market to streamline your charging station, you should pick up the Power2U" — LoganDX, Don't Hate The Geek
• "...so simple yet so useful..." — Chris Ramseyer, TweakTown
• "...a high quality, reliable, and very practical choice..." — James Hannibal, Examiner.com
• "Our install went without a hitch ... and is still charging devices without fail." — Ars Technica, Chris Foresman
• "This device is a miracle product." — Ty Pier, Gizmofusion
• "...awesome..." — KING5 Seattle New Day Northwest
• "...a great way to add some convenience to your digital life" — TechDad Review
• "...this little luxury is...worth every penny." — Kerry Webber, DaniWeb
• "...my go-to outlet... a great buy..." — Dom Esposito, macmixing
• "...the convenience factor with the Power2U is unmatched." — Brian Fross, SoCalCustoms
• "...a seamless and clutter free solution for...your charging." — Trevor Roppolo, KontrolFreek
• "...genius...this product is the wave of the future..." — Shawn Klein, Gadget Review
• "...truly innovative and ingenious product that we love to use daily...well worth the investment...we consider this a must buy..." — AlienBabelTech
• "...awesome... made life a little less hectic... now that I have one, I wish I had 2 or 3 more..." — Stuff Parents Need
• "...a great way to add convenience, capacity, and ...greater tech-Zen to your digital life." — Dave Rees, The Gadgeteer
• "Installation...is simple and painless. ...a simple device to make your life a bit more convenient..." — Overclockers Club
• "...very neat...great idea..." — The Muscleman of Technology
• "...a great device..." — Tom Moccia, BuyMeAniPhone.com
• "Once we installed it...it was adopted...by the folks here...they even started fighting over it..." — Jon Peddie, Jon Peddie Research
• "Being a "Gadget guy" I need at lease two or three of these in my kitchen alone!" — Michael Conrad, Gotta Have Gadget
• "...the Power2U is a great idea and mine is here to stay! ...I wish I'd thought of it first." — Clive Maxfield, EE Times
• "...performs just as promised. Mission accomplished. You'll wish all your outlets were like this." — Grant Clauser, Electronic House
• "I've fallen in love with this thing..." — Scott Webster, Android Guys
• "...the perfect product for tech geeks that have tons of products that charge via USB." — Omar Correa, Buy Me An iPhone.com
• "...provides a stylish practical solution that many of us can't live without." — Janis Brett Elspas - Mommy Blog Expert
• Consumer Product of the Year Silver Award Winner — Best in Biz
• "...convenient..." — Connecticut Blogger
• "...an excellent concept that has been well executed..." — Ed Smith, Funky Kit
• "It took me just a few minutes to upgrade to one of these outlets and I plan to install many more..." — Michael Garfield, High Tech Texan
• "...impressive... hard not to recommend it for easily and unobtrusively charging your USB devices." — Logan Predy, Game Usagi
• "One of the coolest and most useful gadgets I've seen all year." — Jamey Tucker, WKRN Nashville News
• "...built in USB plugs ...make charging a breeze... a great device." — Ben Oaks, Cerebral-Overload
• "I recently installed one ... now I want more ... lots more... one in every room. ...what every wall outlet should be." — Darryl Wilkinson, Home Theater
• "Installation is really very easy... took me fewer than 15 minutes ...one very nice feature... it is a UL Listed device..." — Josh Root, Photo.net
• "...absolutely amazing... a breakthrough..." — Benjamin Rockwell, Computer Talk Radio
• "...an incredible solution!" — Doug Kranz, Through My Eyes
• "...one of my top tech toys ...probably the best option available for powering USB devices." — Les Tokar, The SSD Review
• "...very easy to install...plus it reduces energy costs by turning off when not being used." — Claudia Paredes, MacDirectory
• "...effectively double your available outlets. ...it can liberate us...from those wall warts...in an elegant fashion." — Barry Mishkind, The Broadcasters' Desktop Resource
• "UL listed... so you'll have peace of mind. ... turn any wall outlet into a USB charging station." — Todd Bernhard, iPhone Life
• "...one piece of gear I can easily recommend to any and everyone!" — Dan Cohen, Gear Diary

Power2U FAQs:

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)


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.

Q. Can any other type of outlet be replaced? A: Yes, any standard dual socket outlet can be replaced with a Power2U*

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.


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 NewerTech 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? Q: One of my USB ports isn't working. What should I do? A: You can test the port by removing the Power2U's faceplate, plugging in a USB device into the port that isn't working, and then pressing in the plunger switch next to the port. If you hear the charging alert tone from your device, the port is working, which means the faceplate was not seated properly against the Power2U outlet.

In order for the USB ports to properly activate, the faceplate must be flush against the outlet (not necessarily flush against the wall) so the Safety Shutters can fully engage the USB port on/off switches. If the faceplate is not flush against the outlet, the shutters may not depress the switches when plugging in a USB cord. A faceplate will not seat flush against the outlet if the Power2U is seated too far into the electrical box or if the outlet is not parallel with the wall. If the Power2U is seated too deep into the electrical box or the outlet is not parallel with the wall, spacer shims are needed behind the outlet screws to bring the outlet forward so the faceplate can seat flush against the outlet.

• 
• 

• An incorrectly installed P2U 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!

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

Customer Ratings