All you need is a screwdriver. No wiring, no batteries, no more bulky chargers and you get a precious outlet back! The brilliant design by SnapPower works by drawing power directly from the inside screws on the sides of outlets.

 

 

SnapPower has launched their USB charger cover plate design on Kickstarter, following the success of their SnapPower LED Guidelight last year. The Kickstarter campaign has already exceeded its $35,000 goal, raising a staggering $234,000 with 44 days still remaining in the campaign.

 

 

The USB charger wall plates are compatible with standard duplex and decor outlets that have exposed screw terminals but are not compatible with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets that are sometimes found in bathrooms. GFCI outlets do not have the required screw terminals and can be identified by the “test” and “reset” buttons located on the face of the outlet.

 

 

The SnapPower Charger will ship UL listed and certified for both the United States and Canada and will be compatible with outlets that have standard side screw terminals and operate at 100-120 volts. Countries include: Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Dominican Republic and Bolivia.

 

 

In the Kickstarter campaign comments, the biggest complaints so far have been:

1. The reported 1-amp output (versus a 2.1 amp output) which means charging is not as fast it could be

2. Only having one USB outlet versus one on either side

It’s not clear whether either of these issues can be addressed or if there are limitations to the design but if either were possible it would make the product even more enticing to prospective buyers.

 

 

For more information, visit Kickstarter as well as SnapPower’s official website.