Expert Contributor
Conquer Electronic Clutter With In-Drawer Docking Stations By Jim Long, S&J Properties, General Contractor
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hances are you’re reading this article on your laptop, tablet or phone. When you’re ready to charge that device, the cords will likely clutter up your desk, kitchen counter or nightstand and your overall design. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Homeowners are embracing docking stations. Before you join this growing trend, decide which kind of station you need: charging or powering. The in-drawer outlet is for charging devices such as wearable fitness trackers, phones and laptops. It has a builtin circuit breaker to prevent high-powered devices from being plugged in by mistake. (For those, you’d want a powering outlet.) Also remember to choose a charging outlet that has the right number of AC and USB outlets for your needs. If you have devices that generate heat, such as hair dryers and curling irons, or are powered by a motor, such as mixers and laser printers, install an in-drawer powering outlet. Select one with a built-in thermostat that detects heat and automatically shuts off if you accidentally leave something on. Consider the number of devices, think about how many devices your family uses. I would say the average family member charges four devices at one time including phones, tablets, fitness trackers and laptops. A 15-inch-wide charging drawer can usually accommodate as many as eight smaller devices at once. (An average cabinet drawer is 18 to 24 inches wide.) Look for a slim in-drawer outlet that doesn’t require much space and comes fully assembled. Many pieced-together DIY solutions take up a lot of drawer space and involve heavy modifications to the drawer box or cabinet, reducing the number of devices you can simultaneously charge or power. Decide on the right place for your in-drawer charging or powering station. Most homes have a landing zone, often in the kitchen, where family members set down their phones, keys, mail and more. A charging drawer can help keep this space organized. Think outside the kitchen too: Mudrooms, nightstands and home offices are other great places for in-drawer charging outlets. If you’re redoing an office and putting in cabinetry, adding this is a no-brainer. In-drawer powering outlets are commonly placed in bathrooms to help keep hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons in order. Select GFCI-protected outlets to keep you and your loved ones safe. These outlets are a must for kitchens, bathrooms and any other locations near a water source. Electrical components available in hardware stores usually aren’t designed for repeated movement such as opening and closing a drawer and can pose a safety risk. Most DIY outlets won’t pass inspection or carry the ETL Listed Mark, a respected independent safety designation.
Use drawer dividers to corral coiled cords, electronic accessories and gadgets in your charging drawers. Install canisters in various sizes to keep powering drawers organized. The challenge is figuring out how that drawer can multitask to maximize the space. Adding labels and sticking to them helps keep things tidy, as does making a habit of using the charging or powering station. Adjustable, removable dividers provide further flexibility to in-drawer charging stations. Organizing your devices and conquering tangled cords lets your home’s design shine. Armed with these tips, you’ll be able to create a reliable in-drawer charging or powering station that meets your needs and keeps clutter safely out of sight. If you are thinking of new remodeling ideas, getting the help from a qualified professional builder is worth the investment and long run value.
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