Earlier today I watched a TV commercial for the Sharper Image “Socket Shelf,” a 6 outlet adapter with USB charging ports, surge protector, and a shelf.
Yes, it has a built-in shelf, to “turn a cluttered mess into an organized success.”
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The commercial and product photos show the device being used to support everything from kitchen spices to lotion and shaving cream bottles, and also tablets and smartphones.
They say it can hold:
a variety of household items including iPhones, Androids, smartphones, tablets, laptops, electric toothbrushes, Sonos, Google Home, Alexa, razors, toothpaste, spices, and so much more.
The shelf measures 8″ x 3.25″. Sharper Image does not specify a recommended weight or max rating for the device.
The surge protector provides 1000 joules or protection, and the USB ports deliver 2.1A of shared (total) output.
There are a ton of similarly products online, and also a “Deluxe” double-shelf model by Sharper Image, with a second and larger shelf positioned at the bottom of the unit.
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It’s “strong enough for any handyman’s workbench!”
Price: $24.88
Here’s a shorter version of the commercial:
Discussion
At the time of this posting, there are 2289 ratings on Amazon, with a net rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I know that multi-outlet adapters are popular, but I was advised against them a long time ago, and so I have a strong bias against products like these. I’m okay with surge protectors, and would even be open-minded to a plug-in single or double outlet surge protector.
Adding 2 USB ports to the 6-way adapter doesn’t alter my apprehension of the product one way or another. But the shelf? Is it really a good idea to add weight to a wall receptacle?
Okay, charging multiple devices can get a little awkward. But there are always organizing solutions.
I don’t know about you, but putting the weight of a laptop or smart-home speaker onto a single 3-prong outlet does not seem like a good idea to me.
If you want a shelf above an outlet, put a small shelf there. If you can’t drill holes into the wall, Command strips can hold a little bit of weight, at least you can attach two hooks to brace a smartphone.
To me, this seems like it’ll be a problem. But, the user reviews suggest it’s a convenient problem-solver.
Part of my hesitation is that I know there will be some users who max-out the outlets with AC adapters and plugs, and then put something heavy on top. Adding or removing plugs is surely going to add stress to the connection.
Am I over-cautious and this might actually be a good product, or am I right in my strong hesitation?
And remember, it’s “strong enough for any handyman’s workbench!” What could go wrong?…
I’m all for workbench organization, but I don’t think that the weight of a 6-way adapter, tape measure, and cordless power tool charger and battery is a good idea to place on a single 3-prong outlet.
schill
I’m also wary of multi-outlet plug in adapters as well and would probably avoid this. If I were to want a shelf over an outlet, I would look for one that’s built into/onto an outlet cover plate instead of one that plugs into the outlet. Preferably one based on a decora outlet so it would be held by two screws.
I have recently purchased a plug in outlet-mounted 6 outlet surge protector despite my misgivings. I need a single protected outlet next to a piece of furniture and don’t have room for a power strip/protector. The plug in protector has outlets to the side so it will fit where I need it and the additional 5 outlets will be covered with “child safety” caps.
fred
Leviton – probably others too – make surge suppressor receptacles.
https://www.leviton.com/en/products/commercial/surge-protection-power-strips/surge-protective-receptacles#t=Products&sort=%40wcs_site_tree_rank%20ascending&layout=card
I’m not sure that using the outlet cover plate as an anchor is all that much better. With a Decora style outlet – maybe OK – but with an old style receptacle the plate attaches with only 1 center screw which might be subject to loosening with vibration.
Bob
I typically stay away from “as seen on TV” or anything from sharper image because it’s usually junk. But in certain circumstances I could see this being useful. I didn’t see where it mentions a maximum weight rating but for not too heavy items I could see people using this.
I would think your average DIYer would just screw a shelf in the wall. But for less able people, temporary use or say on a tile or mirror wall you don’t want to drill holes in, sure go for it.
Assuming the outlet is attached to the wall correctly and the three electrical prongs of the shelf are attached well, I bet this thing holds decent weight. I mean its 3 metal prongs in shear.
I would prefer the shelf only work with duplex outlets/two male ends. More mechanical strength and better for the electrical connection. Also I am leery of anything that claims surge protection. Most are BS.
PlaneGrain
It might be ok if it was plugged into a GFI outlet. I wouldn’t trust it otherwise.
PlaneGrain
It should have a15 amp circuit breaker built in, along with a GFI plug. If not it’s a shock & overload hazard.
Derek
Wrong on both fronts Mr CNN. Whatever outlet you plug this into, already has a breaker, and if this is in the bathroom/kitchen/garage, it’s already GFI protected.
That said, this product isn’t for me, but don’t go spreading fake news.
Ryan
I think a properly installed gang box should more than sufficiently carry the weight of anything you’d put on that little shelf in any normal situation. I mean those things are often affixed with two 16d nails straight into the stud. I wouldn’t worry about it, personally. I think they look tacky as hell though. Just screams “I’m lazy”
Christopher
Unless it’s a remodel box secured by two tabs on the backside of drywall.
evadman
I wouldn’t be worried about the box, but the weak plastic outlet that the builder got for 45 cents. I have had several in my house break from normal use, let alone having a few lbs sitting on a shelf pushing on the plastic of the outlet.
even worse, the shelf gives leverage on that plug. If you put a pod style battery on it like in the picture, you’re going to put 5+ lbs of force on it plugging int he battery, plus the weight of all the cords and charger.
This just screams ‘broken outlet’ to me, along with (at best) a tripped breaker.
If you want a USB charger, then replace the outlet itself with a high quality outlet with built in USB ports for charging. good quality ones cost less than this shelf/outlet combo. I replaced the outlets in my kitchen (that were not GFCI anyway) with those. However, we here on this website probably all have the ability to swap an outlet, while the general public would (or should) hire someone to do that.
TimL
It also looks like the “device” is screwed to the receptacle behind it so a GFCI woud probably not work. I also don’t think weight would be an issue, but I could see some absent minded person using it as a coaster. Adding condensation / spills directly over an outlet is bad news.
Madara
I think the crucial component would be the screw in the center. Without a mounting screw, the plug would tend to loosen and could cause problems. I personally avoid such items. For USB charging I use an Anker brand 6 port corded charger from Amazon.
Jim Felt
When Richard Thalheimer founded The Sharper Image in San Francisco in the late ‘70’s they were pretty cutting edge. Maybe for 20 years?
But this? Post bankruptcy/liquidation? Now?
Naw.
“Close out” end cap hanger item.
Rman
If you look closely you’ll see a screw in the middle of this multi outlet adapter. If you remove the short 6/32 coverplate screw and use the longer multi outlet screw you’re probably going to need significant force to dislodge the duplex receptacle in the wall. Can’t be used with a gfci type outlet bcuse code says they need testing every week. Of course no one does that and there would be no way to screw the multi outlet to the gfci outlet.
PlaneGrain
Could install a GFI outlet further up the branch circuit. Closer to the main panel, which would protect the outlets downstream with GFI. But you may have to walk down the hall to reset it.
Tator
Gfci’s need to be tested monthly, not weekly.
Matt Roberson
+1 monthly
MT_Noob
The perfect shelf for open containers of of flammable liquids…
(The sad thing is that someone will probably do just that.)
fred
Just the spot to stick a leaking bottle of acetone-based nail polish remover.
To be fair – despite our deprecations – there are probably some Sharper Image customers who will buy one and like it.
Mac
Yet another USB charger without support for Qualcomm quick charge…
Jim Felt
Who?
Jp
I had a similar item. Totally a gimmick. If you want a shelf, drill one in, or bring a dedicated unit. Mine was a smaller shelf and made for travel, but bigger doesn’t mean better.
Keith
I recently bought a little shelf like that from amazon to hold an echo dot. Takes it off the little table it was sitting on and gives more room for an elderly ladies crossword books.
My application is not even 2 lbs including the weight of the shelf. I mounted it on a decora style outlet and it came with a metal cover plate that acts like a washer over the little plastic shelf. Overall it’s just a little upside down L that mounts to the cover screws. It was cheap, decently made, and accomplished its job.
The one listed here overcomplicates itself. Solving too many problems means it probably doesn’t solve any of them well.
Toolfreak
Looks like a great place to store some leaky bottles of liquid – what could possibly go wrong?
I have mounted a small shelf to the wall next to the sink in bathrooms before, which seems kinda weird when you have a gigantic amount of counter space, but apparently people want some items on a shelf higher up right next to the sink, as it’s too much effort to extend their arm that much farther to get them.
Craig
The perfect solution to storing my spices in my bathroom or toothpaste in my garage. How did we live without this?
RCWARD
Can you say gimmick ? You will be seeing these at ROSS or other discount stores soon
Bill Clay
There should be a second set of prongs made of plastic (non-conductive) to add additional support.
As others have mentioned, there looks to be a center screw hole for fastening.
Personally, I would not use it.
Brian M
Would be better for them to be metal and just have two sets of power strips there. Plastic is fairly easy to break and you need all the help you can get but obviously the screw is holding most of the weight.
BTW, I think the major use of this is really supposed to be portable electronics. Probably designed purely for that then someone decided it needed to be more universally appealing.
Saw these at Home depot in a cardboard box btw.
928er
Sharper Image = JUNK
Robert Adkins
I see nothing wrong with it, but I got away from crowding outlets. That’s pretty cheesy looking in my opinion.
I used to have 2or 3 wall sockets that had as many as 7 devices plugged in, and it never hurt a thing. Once in a while, I would get worried and count up the amps, and never counted over 10, worst case, temporarily. Electrical devices don’t take as much current as they used to.
Deb
The screw head is stripped and I need to disassemble the unit. Professionals have tried with every method. The last option is to break it down. How I do this? Closing on home and need this off ASAP.
Patricia Allard
I would like to know how many of these Socket shelfs should I install in my apartment? I have one in the living room for my TV and landline, I have one in my kitchen for toaster and coffee maker and I want to put one in my bathroom for water pic and electric toothbrush. I live in a small apartment.