Project Overview

The need to be connected and the increasing reliance on portable devices is creating unprecedented demands for access to powerpoints to charge devices at home and at work. Featuring smart, integrated dual USB modules, the Legrand and HPM USB Powerpoints allow users to charge phones, tablets, sports watches and cameras at top speed without having to unplug kitchen appliances, bedside lamps or computers.

The USB Powerpoints feature a market-leading charging capacity of 4.2A and can safely, simultaneously charge any combination of USB devices at the maximum charging speed of the device. They are currently the only USB Powerpoint on the market capable of charging two tablets at top speed, at the same time.

Ideal for kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and home offices, homeowners can choose from more than 40 colours and finishes for seamless integration in classic, stylish or colourful interiors. For neater counters and tables, add them inside pantries and cupboards and keep any unsightly cord tangles behind closed doors.

Suitable for new or retrofit installations, the HPM and Legrand USB Powerpoints were finalists in the 2014 Good Design Awards and displayed in the Good Design Australia exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum.

Organisation

HPM Legrand

Project Brief

Australians use a high number of mobile devices per capita. With each device currently using a plug-in charger the number of powerpoints required to charge these mobile devices could be high. Furthermore, plug-in chargers are often lost or not convenient to carry around. The Legrand and HPM USB Powerpoints address these frustrations by allowing direct charging to the USB whilst freeing up the 240V powerpoint sockets for other appliances. These charging modules require no special instructions for use or any dedicated installation requirements, and can be easily wired by electricians into the existing terminals of powerpoints and switches.

Project Innovation/Need

Functional & intuitive design & aesthetics:
Legrand and HPM USB Powerpoints are designed for easy integration with a variety of designs: single, double, horizontal and vertical powerpoints, and light switches. This provides endless combinations to suit the requirements of particular rooms in the home or other applications - such as airport lounges, universities and schools. This easy integration allows for a seamless aesthetic throughout any interior, as all powerpoints and switches match, and the module sits perfectly flush with the coverplate.

Market leading charging performance:
The USB Powerpoints have 4.2A maximum total charging capacity, 2.1A (or 10W) per USB socket. This is a market-leading specification in USB charging. The dual USB chargers allow any combination of tablets and smartphones and other mobile devices currently available on the market to be charged at their maximum speed without relying on the original manufacturer’s charger.

Surge & Overload Protection:
The USB Powerpoints include surge protection, which protects all connected mobile devices from power surges and other voltage disturbances. They also feature overload protection, which has been designed to limit the current supplied to a mobile device, in case of a short circuit on the USB cable.

Design Challenge

The major design challenges were to provide two (2) USB sockets with sufficient charging capacity for all smart devices currently on the market, as well as to determine the form factor that would be suitable for wall and masonry installations.

Additional challenges included the product configuration, technical characteristics and the time needed to bring this product to market and maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving technology market.

Sustainability

The Legrand and HPM USB Powerpoints are extremely energy efficient, exceeding the compliance level requirement of the AS/NZS 4665 Standard relating to Performance of External Power Supplies. The minimum compliance level is Level 3 and these USB Powerpoints achieve a greater than Level 5 in Energy Efficiency.

The USB Powerpoints also achieve the lowest possible stand-by power consumption of <0.15W.

The plastics used in the manufacture of the Legrand and HPM USB Powerpoints are polycarbonate, recyclable and Rohs compliant (Restriction of hazardous substances).