Have a question about our project? Here’s a link to our most frequently asked questions…
http://www.opentheoutlet.com/faqs/
**When will theOUTlet Ship? We’re targeting availability in the U.S. and Canada in Spring 2017
**Will this be available in Canada? Yes!
**Is it UL or CSA approved? Not yet because you can’t get those approvals until the product is tooled and manufactured in early stages. We will be submitting for cULus approval which covers testing in the U.S. and Canada.
**Are you going to make outlets for other countries? Right now the only version we’ve built is for Type A and Type B plugs (which are used in many countries around the world). For our Kickstarter campaign we’re getting the product certified for the U.S. and Canada. After our campaign, and if there is demand, we’d be happy to certify it in more countries and consider applications for different plug designs.
** Does it have USB’s? The launch product does not have USB’s, but we have a stretch goal that will unlock a version with an incremental two USB ports. Yep, that means you’ll get 4 outlets and 2 USB ports where you would normally just have two outlets. Pretty cool huh?
**Is it easy to install? We think so. If you can install a regular duplex outlet, you can definitely install theOUTlet! We’ve included color coding so you know which color wires go where.
**How did you fit all that into the same box as a regular receptacle? What are the dimensions inside the wall? Isn’t it obvious? Magic! Or, we’ve been working on this for over 2 years and have put a LOT of blood, sweat, and tears into making this work well. Width: 1.90” (48.26 mm) Height: 2.82” (48.26 mm) Depth: 1.70” (43.18 mm)
**What size box do I need to install this? That is completely dependant on what else you have going on inside your wall box! Box sizes are determined by using Box Fill Calculations, not purely size constraints. Here is a good site to reference for Box Fill: http://ecmweb.com/code-basics/box-fill-calculations
**How much will these cost? They’re starting on Kickstarter at $25. Get there early to get the Super Early Bird pricing!
**Can I buy them in bulk or be a distributor? As a matter of fact, yes! We have a distributor option in the Kickstarter campaign for those who want a few extras to sell, and be listed on our site as a distributor.
**Is it Tamper Resistant? Absolutely! Not only is this the right thing to do because it’s safer, it’s also code in the U.S. for residential installations.
**Does it only come in white? Our launch product is being offered in white but we have a stretch goal to add additional colors. We’ll even survey people to see which colors they want.
**Do they come with GFCI? Our design doesn’t currently have GFCI, but we do have it on our development roadmap. Be sure to check with an electrician about code though. You don’t always need to install GFCI outlets. You may only need a GFCI feature (outlet, breaker, etc…) upstream in your branch in order to be protected for ground faults.
**Did you file for patents on this? Yes! We filed a PCT application for global rights We filed a Track One Utility application in the U.S. We hope to get our first office action from the USPTO during our Kickstarter campaign. We filed a provisional application for our innovative Tamper Resistant mechanism that is cheaper to manufacture and more consumer friendly than many of the alternatives currently out there.
**Would this count as two receptacles in Canadian electrical code (there is an 80% loading requirement)? We posted this question on the CSA website and received the following input from a member (which was further supported by an additional member): Here are some CE Code, Part I requirements to keep in mind:
Definitions: A receptacle is defined as “one or more groups of female contacts, each group arranged in a configuration, all groups mounted on the same yoke and in the same housing, installed at an outlet and intended for the connection of one or more attachment plugs of a mating configuration.”
A traditional duplex receptacle is defined as “a receptacle with two groups of female contacts.”
Your product would fall under the definition of “receptacle”, as do other multi-plex receptacles available on the market (3-plex, 4-plex, etc.)
Requirement for approval Rule 2-024 requires that all electrical equipment be approved. You should also check the definition of “approved” in Section 0.
Definition of an outlet The Code defines outlet as “a point in the wiring installation at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.” A duplex receptacle has always been considered as one outlet and, if you read the definition closely, a receptacle is also considered to be one outlet.
Circuit loading Rule 8-304 permits up to 12 outlets on a 2-wire branch circuit and each outlet is considered to be rated at 1 Amp.
Note that the CE Code, Part I is adopted as regulation by Canadian authorities having jurisdiction and they are solely responsible for interpreting the Code as regulation.
Today we shipped just over half of the tumblers to backers who backed the Tumbler tier. The others will ship once we get shipping addresses from the surveys. Get those surveys answered if you haven't already!
Last Updated At: 04/08/16What is BackerKit?
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