Kickstarter - Plug Hub: Australian Universal USB Power Adapter

Hi OZB community, not sure if i can post this but shall give it a try. After a year of Development today I launched my new product on Kickstarter - PlugHub. I would love to hear from the community and get some feedback on what they think of the product and any changes they recommend. If admins allow it i would also love to setup a deal exclusive for OZB members, let me know what sort of deal you want. Looking forward to your support and feedback.

Thanks

Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/857387852/plug-hub-aust…

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlugHub15/

Update: 1pm AEST today 7/12/15 i am going to post a deal for OZB members to buy a Plug Hub. I have around 40 in stock i can part way with and hopefully once people have them in hand i can get some more feedback.

Related Stores

plughub.com.au
plughub.com.au

Comments

  • +22

    how does the product offer advantage over existing products in the market which are significantly cheaper?

    • -8

      It doesn't…

      Hence this will be a flop..

      Cons
      -You lose your power switches..
      -Using your phone charges is more faster and safer
      -More cheaper products already solve this problem
      -Leaving your phone/tablet on an outlet like that means little kids can pull it off

      Seller just wants to get their kickstarter money..
      since that is the only way they would get any money from this..

      • +10

        Thanks for your feedback, it is very positive and constructive.

        • What do you need power switches for? if you need to use them you can remove the device and put back - 5 sec process
        • How is using your phone charger faster and safer?
        • Cheaper products like the ones from china on ebay that blow up on you and cause 3rd degree burns, very easy to sell a product cheap when you dont need to pay for any certifications/Standards.
        • Whats the difference, kids can access the device from a regular adapter

        Kickstarter money is for production, everything else is paid for.

        • +9

          There are industrial sites which prohibit powerboards that do not have individual switches.

        • +2

          Not sure about sparky standards, but can you get 10A out of 1 socket or 1 outlet? (ie. 2400w + 2400w?) This thing only plugs into one socket, why not 2 and have the 2nd just as a passthrough? This will make the unit even more stable. You can even make it so that the 2nd one is a spring loaded retractable one so if people only have 1 socket, they can still use it.

          Comment about switches is a valid one. Why have a switch for a desk light when you can just unscrew the bulb? 6 second process.

          Safe is best, hats off to this. However the matter of the market at the moment is there just isn't enough chargers blowing up to cause the panic needed to move to stricter and safer regulations/electronics yet. Having said that, do you think if an electronic product passes any of the EU countries' standards, they would be good enough here? Or will they need to go through the and "pay for any certifications/Standards"?

          For me, $30 is reasonable. Needs to be slimmer though. More USB ports perhaps, or on either side at least? A night light at the bottom?

        • +1

          @plague69: You don't get 2 x 10A out of an outlet, it's 10A shared between both sockets. (Or for double the cost or more you can get 15A outlets, again shared between both sockets.)

        • @Thrift: thanks for clearing that up :D

  • +10

    I have found that most of the cheap chargers on the market do not meet Australian Standards. This has been tested and certified to meet Australian standards. It also is 3.5A which allows for turbo charging and keeps your device sitting safely above it. It is much more attractive when installed then most other chargers as it covers the existing standard GPO and the design has been patented because of this. Yes there are many chargers on the market but i personally design/developed this as they did not meet my requirements.

    Much appreciate your feedback.

    thanks

    • +12

      Chargers sold in retail here do meet Australian standards. Also, devices carrying the CE certification can also be used legally (otherwise using chargers from every single grey import device would be illegal).

      Your device brings nothing to the table that adds any substantial value. I can get one of the Tronsmart or Anker 40W chargers which use only one power socket and give me 5 USB ports. Also, turbo charging needs 9V, which your device doesn't push down the USB port.

      • This is not about creating the most points or having the fastest USB ports on earth its about DESIGN. i personally like to cover an existing plate in my kitchen and keep the devices off the bench. So simnple yet i keep having to explain this.

        My device is not a necessity it is something one can buy for convenience and design.

        Thanks for your feedback

        • +8

          If you have to explain your product, it is not a good product.

        • +1

          @hcca: Speaks for itself i thought, just addressing peoples concerns.

        • +20

          @hcca: You give the average consumer too much credit if you think they don't need things explained to them.

        • How about a slot at the bottom so you can slide the cable in and have the device sitting upright as well?

      • FWIW, the Tronsmart and Anker desktop chargers take up vastly more space than the product the OP is offering. Which is great if you have loads of desk/bench space, but not so great in many households. Tronsmart also has wall chargers but only with two outlets, and no holder like this unit.
        The Tronsmart and Anker chargers are sold through ebay and overseas sites, but do not appear to be available from any local retailers, and the specification mention no Australian Electrical Standards or Certification, in the absence of which they almost certainly do not comply.
        The OP's kickstarter page says his product does meet Australian standards, though it would be helpful to see more detail of that, for example a listing on the testing companies' own website.

        This may seem like a pedantic issue, but in the UK and USA there have been several recent cases of thrid-party chargers causing housefires and injury — even if you save a few dollars, it is not worth the risk.

        • They do comply with CE standards, which is a reasonable substitute for AS. The Anker charger doesn't take that much desk space… And because it's not plugged into the wall, i can put it where it won't be intrusive while still using only one power socket.

          Or I can put on one of those power cubes… Which give me additional power sockets plus USB ports.

    • +9

      Why no AS/NZS 60950 which would be the australian standard for equipment associated with information technology equipment? Also you do not mention the standby power
      draw which is a big factor in a device you can not turn off.

    • +2

      What's the Amperage output on the ports ?
      Are they smart ? Can the ports detect the type of device and provide power accordingly ?
      Good INitiative, Not sure if I'd shell out money just yet. but best of luck with it all.

  • +9

    does it always have to be on, doesn't seem to have a switch on the front to turn off..
    do i have to take the case off each time to turn the powerpoint off or on?

    • +17

      Come on.. How can there be no room for on / off switch really.. Unless u pack the product with hardworking minions

      • No room inside the housing, the PCB board would need to increase in size therefore making the device bigger. I wanted it to remain as small as possible.

        • what about on the sides? Just a thought

        • +4

          @Azn310: I am working on this as many people have asked for this. The Engineer is researching if he can incorporate it somehow into the design.

        • -3

          @rodgo: Before Apple, AC->DC converters (power supplies) where huge. Steve found the right man to make it smaller, he told him; "I want it to fit into that". Doubted at first, but he did it.

        • +2

          @plague69: much easier when you have an unlmited budget and a team of engineers to dictate too. Sorry but im just a 1 man show, altough the ozb community have been a great help with this thread.

        • @rodgo: :/ you might want to think about getting a team together, cos if you will do retail, you will die, no kidding. If you sell online, you will spend most of your time doing customer service, or you will have no service. People come up with dumb questions all the time, trust me, super dumb but you still need to answer them.

          Team does not mean you have to pay them a wage, maybe just share some of the dream and equity.

          Edit: Jobs at that time was two years down the line I think, and got an investor. Wasn't unlimited funds, but had much more than starting funds

        • +1

          @plague69:

          Before Apple, AC->DC converters (power supplies) where huge. Steve found the right man to make it smaller, he told him; "I want it to fit into that". Doubted at first, but he did it.

          Don't believe everything you read in books that were written to make Steve Jobs sound like the best person since sliced bread.

          http://www.righto.com/2012/02/apple-didnt-revolutionize-powe…

        • +1

          @eug: haha, that was a good long educational read at 1am :P thanks

          I stand corrected on the facts, however I still stand by my point; which is never say never, if someone says never, always ask why.

          He may not have been the best thing since sliced bread, but we can't doubt he was a great individual whom brought the right technologies together.

          Xerox was sitting on the mouse I believe, he made it mainstream. Also was always an advocate of natural user input and output.

  • +3

    What warranties do you provide with the product?

    • Haven't even thought of that yet! 12months standard?

      thanks

      • +16

        Kinda something you should think about…!

        I mean, you want $50k, but you haven't even thought about warranty

        • Warranty will be as per standard Australian Warranty. I am very confident in my product so if 2 years is standard that is what will be offered. I need 50k in sales for production, this is a kickstarter campaign.

          thanks for your feedback

        • +3

          @rodgo:

          500? Your supplier's MOQ is far too high.

        • +3

          @tren: And for those like me who had to Google, MOQ stands for Minimum Order Quantity

        • +1

          @plague69:

          I Googled before reading your comment.

          Oops.

    • Given it is Australian it'll be 2 years ACL warranty. Or A "reasonable" amount of time for the product to last

      • -1

        Isn't ACL warranty 12 months?

        • +3

          ACL covers a product for the "reasonable" lifespan of the product. A fridge that costs $100 will not be expected to last as long as a fridge that costs $3000. The former would have a very short expected life (1-2 years) and the latter would be something like 5+ years covered by ACL.

  • Alright I have a question. Your video shows a iPhone 4 being used with it. Have you tested a iPhone 5, 6, and 6 Plus?

    The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus might be to thin to sit like that. Very nice idea though.

    • +2

      I created 2 adapters to fit ontop which come with the device. One has a divider to hold 2 phones/Tablets and 1 is larger to hold a Go Pro/Camera or Tablet in a fat case etc. Any device can fit in either of the holders.

      • +5

        Alright I'll order one and see how I go :) Best of luck with the kickstarter!!

        • Thanks for your support

      • i purchased one of your plus the other day in your ozbargain sale and i don't recall seeing an option for the above. Do all plugs get both sets of dividers?

        • Thanks for buying a Plug Hub. Every Plug Hub comes with both stands standard.

          thanks

  • +6

    I installed a few SockITz in my renovation. I'm really happy with them. http://sockitz.com.au/

    Some feedback

    • Is there a standby power draw?
    • I assume 3.5A is shared. It would be great to have at least 2 for each USB.
    • Far too chunky
    • Slots for phone/tablets are great idea
    • No need for electrician is good
    • Take with you is great although I'd prefer to have a multi adaptor to use when travelling overseas
    • I also have installed Sockitz and they are a great product like other USB power Adapters. The obvious problem is you need an electrician to install them unless you are a handy man. Yes the 3.5A is shared between USB ports but 4.2A is the max i can buy which the components are too expensive currently, i think 3.5A should be more then enough.

      Much appreciate the feedback

      • "The obvious problem is you need an electrician to install them unless you"… are willing to break the law to DIY — which would stuff your insurance in the event of an electrical fire or the like, but go ahead — all you need is a screwdriver, a working pair of hands and can recognize one colour wire from another.

        • i tried to fish a wire from within a wall cavity once without realising it was live. Not sure if using a coat hanger was the right idea but i think my heart jumped out of my chest and my shoulder felt like it was dislocated. Dont play with electricity people.

        • +1

          @rodgo: In terms of safety, most Australian homes have a electrical safety switch which shuts off the power to powerpoints almost instantaneously, it's quite different with lighting circuits and smoke alarm circuits, which are not required to be connected to the safety switch — switch everything off at the board beforehand.

        • @krzystoff: While what you say about the safety switch is true, exposure to mains power is more than enough to harm or kill even in the brief interval before the switch is triggered.

        • Serious question; So it's illegal to DYI electrical work at home ?

        • +3

          @tomleonhart:

          Electrical work can generally only be done by a licensed electrician. The laws and regulations vary a little between states so you should search your own states rules if you are interested.

          As krzystoff mentioned, don't expect your home insurance to pay out anything if they find you have done illegal work.

          Plumbing and gas fitting are similarly regulated.

        • +1

          @trongy: Indeed, which is why DIY electrical work isn't worth it if you have insurance. Though in saying that its very hard to pin point the cause of a fire.

        • +1

          @tomleonhart:
          Absolutely.

        • +1

          @krzystoff: Only mondern or refitted homes will have saftey circuit breakers that trigger on earth leakage. In most circumstances in refitted homes circuits will be changed over to the ELCBs. This type of circuit breaker opens if an overload fault occurs or if power is diverted to earth outside of a normal circuit connection - eg through a person touching a live wire.

          The advice still stands: switch off the circuit at your electrical meter board if there is any possibility that a person may contact live wiring.

        • +1

          @Tenebrae:

          enough to harm or kill even in the brief interval

          No it is not. There are two main hazards: major burns, and heart fibrillation. An RCD voids both, unless you manage to get between live and neutral with little grounding. Or touch an unprotected circuit.

          Kind of brave of rodgo to admit doing something so obviously dumb though. A worthwhile reminder.

        • +1

          "are willing to break the law to DIY — which would stuff your insurance in the event of an electrical fire or the like, but go ahead — all you need is a screwdriver, a working pair of hands and can recognize one colour wire from another."

          I understand why the law is the way it is, but I always found it quite irritating considering that it's one of the simplest jobs you can do.

        • +1

          And so your house burns down. Does your insurance company ask to see the paperwork for the electrician that installed x, y and z? Hardly. ANd even if they did - where is it? Burned.

        • @snook:

          Does your insurance company ask to see the paperwork for the electrician that installed x, y and z? Hardly.

          Is that a fact, or something you imagine would happen?

          ANd even if they did - where is it? Burned

          Did the electrician completely vanish as well?

        • @eug: The chances of your house burning down from electrical faults are usually due to faulty appliances combined with no safety switch.

          As was said previously, matching one wire to another is not that hard to accomplish. Turning off the power before attempting it … well, not a lot of thinking ahead went on there.

        • @snook: We were talking about insurance companies possibly not covering any damage if your DIY electrical work started a fire.

        • +1

          @eug: And I'm saying that it's a bit hard to bodge a power point exchange. If you did bodge it, you'd know straight away. I hardly think that would be the reason for the house burning down. If in fact, it does burn down, who is going to say you did DIY? I say - oh, someone did that 10 years ago, some local guy, no idea.

          No insurance company is following up that.

        • @snook: It has been discussed in the other thread already.

          It's probably almost as safe as driving at 61km/h in a 60km/h zone. But it doesn't change the fact that it's illegal. If on the off chance something happens, insurance might not cover you, and you might get in trouble with the authorities. If someone gets electrocuted (maybe someone bought a cheap unapproved or fake-approved one off ebay), there would definitely be an investigation.

          Those are just facts that are simply irrefutable. Whether or not it matters is another question. I'm all for DIY, but people need to be aware of the legality of what they're doing. If it doesn't bother them, then sure, do whatever.

        • @thord:

          I understand why the law is the way it is, but I always found it quite irritating considering that it's one of the simplest jobs you can do.

          Australia's laws are there for a reason, they're here to protect everyone. Including the stupid. Blame the people who don't do a bit of research before they go an get themselves electrocuted, the laws are there because of them.

        • @trongy: And yet the financial industry…

  • +7

    interesting idea but i fail to see how this would be better then

    1. power board
    2. using chargers that came with phone or tablet.

    I also see one main problem i wouldn't be able to charge my phone and tablet together at one as you listed it as 3.5A which has to be shared while both my phone and tablet requires 2A each.

    • Chargers are 2A each, phones dont draw 2A. Plugging in your Phone and Tablet @ 3.5A will be no problem. When the 4.2A components get cheaper i will also upgrade.

      • +1

        Out of curiosity, what is the price difference to you?

      • +2

        Maybe for ur iphone but my note 3 uses a 2a charger as does my note 10.1 2014 tablet.

        • I'm thinking the same. If I'm buying a wall adapter for its usb ports, I'd want it to be able to charge any two devices in the house at max speed.

        • +2

          Products ship with 2A chargers so multiple devices can be used. Phones and cameras draw around 1Amp and Tablets around 2Amps. Just because your charger is 2A doesnt mean the devices draws 2A.

        • +2

          @rodgo:

          From a quick google I think the S6 draws 1.67A and the Note 3 1.8A. I think it's safe to say most phones draw more than 1A.

          You said you chose the 3.5A because of price and that's understandable. It's hard to tell if having the 4.2A component is worth the extra cost but as I said if I'm buying an additional usb port adapter(as one comes with the phone) I'd want it to charge any two devices as fast as possible.

        • @ozhunter: Isnt that under 3.5A total?

        • @rodgo:

          Yea, but that's two phones; if one was a tablet…

        • @ozhunter: Tablet is 2.1A and i personally think majority of Phones draw close to 1A but lets use a Note3 as per your sample @ 1.8A. 2.1 + 1.8 out drawings from 3.5A i will find out the charge difference but it would be peanuts.

  • I like the removable holder idea, but it's not worth the price imo. I use a galaxy S6 which has quick charge so if I'm at home I never use anything aside from the office adapter.

  • +9

    $30 is a lot for a charger, even though this one is nicely designed and does a good level of current. But $45 delivered in 60 days is too much too late. Best of luck anyway. Hopefully you can sell enough to make money at a $20 price point.

    • Thanks for your feedback. I have also amended the shipping for a single Plug Hub to $10. $15 shipping for 2 or more

      thanks again

  • +2

    I don't have any single power points in my home - they are all doubles. So with this I would effectively be using a single power point as a double adapter, and losing one of the original power points. Apart from the slots to hold the products neatly, I see no real benefit (for me).

    It looks nice.

    Also, I use an older model tablet which is relatively heavy compared with newer models. What weight will the adapter bear when using the slots? You say you can rest a book in there - how thick, how heavy?

    • It only fits a double power point. Ill do some tests and test the weight limit.

      • +2

        Sorry, I wasn't very clear: I will be using one outlet of a 2-outlet point, as a double adapter (because the Plug Hub is 2 outlets operating through 1 original outlet) and losing 1 outlet. That bit I don't get - why not have 2 Plug Hub outlets powered by 2 original outlets? Surely that would be the safer option as well.

        • +2

          The wall plate is basically a double adapter anyway, only one set of wires would run to it.

      • +1

        Given the input position is not adjustable, have you tested it with different brands of power point — they are no all exactly the same.

        • +1

          YEs i have tested it with majority of major brands and even some generic ones. I made the cavity suit all. They are all normally within a few mm of each other and sometimes a slight shape difference.

  • +4

    I was cynical when I read the title but it actually looks nice :)

    However, the price is definitely not ideal especially considering this is OzBargain after all :(

    • What price point would you like to see? For now the price is set as i could only do minimal production runs. The more support the product gets the cheaper i will be able to produce. Also remember when i started this project a year ago the USD was 99cents and now it sits just over 70cents. 30% price change before i even started.

      • +3

        I definitely understand the need for the price for a product production like this, and I wasn't trying to criticise you for it either so I hope you didn't take my comment to offensively :)

        I was just trying to point out that although OzBargainers are more tech-savy than the general public, they are also very very very stingy when it comes to their wallets. Everything is seen under the scope of "value for money" in this community which is sometimes an advantage and sometimes a disadvantage.

        Wish you the best with your project :)

        • Thanks for your support

        • Thanks for your support……

  • +13

    Sorry to be a 'hater' but this product will be an absolute flop.

    Your competition is standard power boards with USB inputs, consumers don't have the time to work out which board provides a faster charge or care about reducing the wires by a tiny fraction. The wire 'reduction' is almost non existent, apart from removing the plug in.

    $50k also? Come on, you need to find a different manufacturer, also the "Australian standard" selling point provides me with no value and well should come as 'standard'.

    • +1

      It does look better than having a power board but wouldn't say it's worth $40 with a 2 month wait. That said, most power outlets and power boards in my house have something covering it unlike the one shown in the video.

    • +1

      Why are you comparing a power board to this? How does a powerboard on my kitchen bench look compared to a wall outlet replacement?

      • +10

        The question you need to ask yourself, why do you only think people charge in the kitchen? I say its rare its in the this location rather most people have chargers in their bed room/ study.

        Other than reducing the space of wires, your product doesn't add anymore benefit and so it falls in the power board range.

        Honestly I think you need to rethink your strategy and decide if you want to be competing with power boards or the sockitz product. The sockitz imo is better placed at least new home builders will adopt their product and from their description no electrician is needed.

        • finally somebody names a competing product.
          Here's my review, being the first time I've ever heard of any of these products :) :)

          Sockitz replaces a double adapter and a double usb hub - much more presentable except if you use the USB ports you'll have cables and gadgets lying around. You might consider paying the extra over a normal gpo in a new home, but it wouldn't be worth paying an electrician to replace an existing one.

          Plughub adds a neat storage as well, which I think is a big win. Plus not needing an electrician makes it a no-brainer??
          However, I expect V2 will have switches, and more amperage for the USB ports… and maybe more USB ports??

        • +1

          no electrician is needed

          God forbid, if ever a property with a non-electrician installed sockitz burns down, the smart folk suggesting "no electrician is needed" would not give a single cent in compensation.

          It is illegal to install without an electrician that is suitably qualified.

          Further, they should be reported because of promoting illegal behaviour potentially risking lives.

          Pink Batts anyone?

        • @KaptnKaos: Well then report socktiz to the relevant authorities for promoting illegal behavior.

        • the sockitz needs a fair bit of space on the other side of the point - it isn't necessarily just a straight swap. Try looking at a 3/4 view of one. In a concrete wall … get out your hammer drill.

  • +2

    Don't see how this is better than the Allocacoc PowerCube Extended USB - 4 Power Outlets + 2 USB ports. Much smaller form factor with more power sockets and two USB slots for charging, and at a cheaper price.

    • You are not comparing apples with apples. The reason i designed/developed the product was i wanted to add USB charging to an existing power point with keeping the powerpoint style/look. The best way is to replace your powerpoints with USB charging ones but this can be an expensive process. The Plug Hub is the best solution to achieve this at a reasonable price.

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