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- HOTNESS UNHOT
Amazon with OWC has the NewerTech Power2U AC USB Port Wall Outlet (NWTPWR2USB) for $15 with free shipping on $25+. Features smart power charger, auto-shut off when not in use, and safety shutters. Installs on 15-amp circuit.
$15
Hmm I wonder if this would be 'fiddly' in any way?
Generic USB cables with thicker plastic sheathing on the plug tend to interfere with the outlet's trap doors. Apple's slimmer USB cables don't have an issue. Common hack is to crack off the plastic doors and glue the USB power switch to the on/open position.
^ Do you have to open it up to get to the switch to glue it in the on position? If so, seems like the more reliable option would be to just solder a jumper wire across the contacts to take the switch out of the circuit.
As for the power wasted when not powering anything, I doubt it's more than a watt if that.
I got one and I'm very pleased with it. Enough juice to charge two iPads. However, it's a really tight squeeze into a standard box, and you have to place the faceplate just right or else the switches don't get triggered when you insert the USB plug. Also, you must use the faceplate supplied.
Once it's installed correctly, it works just fine though. An external multiple outlet plus USB like the one Belkin makes is cheaper and less hassle.