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We’ve all been there: You stop to charge your smartphone, only to realize that you don’t have the plug for your USB charger. How many charger plugs get left at home—or, worse, in a hotel room, at an airport waiting area or…who knows where.
Frustration may be the ultimate mother of invention, and sometimes true innovations are truly simple. That’s why the idea of integrating a USB charging outlet into a wall receptacle has been such an exciting journey.
At Eaton we’re always thinking beyond, gathering engineers, product managers and customers together to discuss new solutions to vexing problems and untapped opportunities. So, it shouldn’t have been a big surprise when one of Eaton’s product managers asked, “What if we built a USB receptacle right into the outlet itself?” The reactions around Eaton—and the market—were astounding.
Combining to two technologies in a single, elegant design was a true “eureka” type of moment—one that Eaton knew would align well with the changing lifestyles and needs of end users. Still, when you suddenly change a product that has been around for more than 100 years, you expect consumers might be somewhat skeptical—if not slow to switch. Initial sales of the USB receptacle were planned to be modest. In the first year, however, sales were fifty times what was projected. In fact, it was the transformation of a simple wall outlet into something that actually surprised and delighted users.
One of the most enthusiastic requests was from hospitals, where the need for consistent, reliable connectivity within healthcare environment is increasing daily. And the requirements are rigorous. According to the National Electric Code (Article 517), devices designated for health care environments must be hospital grade. Depending on the use, that might include distinct markings, ground fault interruption, tamper resistance, testing for abrupt removal and more.
Eaton responded by developing hospital grade AC duplex receptacles and charging ports to make it easy to charge tablets and electronic devices within clinical environments. We also developed hospital-grade isolated ground surge suppressor USBs with exceptional clamping and surge current ratings, which featured LED indicators and audible alarm to indicates compromised ground connections or if surge protection has expired.
As Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI’s) are a growing concern, Eaton also developed CuVerro, an EPA registered anti-mibcorbial touch surface material made from 100% copper alloy. Used for wallplates, switches and more, CuVerro continuously kills bacteria* left behind by dirty hands, killing more than 99.9% of bacteria* within two hours.
From hospitals to hotels, offices to airports and home-improvement stores everywhere, Eaton’s USB charging receptacles have changed the functionality customers expect from wall outlets. And it’s one more way that Eaton is raising the standard for convenience and usability across the industry.
Learn about USB charging solutions, explore Eaton wiring devices and see how Eaton innovation is energizing customers’ business across industries and around the world.
