Core77

The Hang On Outlet

By Core Jr - July 25, 2008

in Object Culture

We admire the noble intent of Paulo Oh's design, to eliminate phantom power draw by encouraging people to unplug their unused electronics. But considering most of the outlets in other countries have small on/off switches built into them, we have to question if this is really a wise use of materials (and actions).

Now if the thing hinged closed when not in use to form a protective barrier for toddlers, we might be able to eliminate those little round plastic things that kids could easily choke on if left around.

Via Yanko Design

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toolgirl

16 years ago

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Sorry guys, but the reason the US doesn't have on off switches is because we are a society conditioned to consume and not give a thought to conservation where as the UK, Scandinavia and many other European countries have these switches and people actually do use them because there is less effort involved in switches than this solution.

I am not the only person who thinks this solution is over designed.

http://www.psfk.com/2008/07/when-design-overthinks-the-hang-on-outlet.html

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SHAUN ID

16 years ago

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QUOTE: "...considering most of the outlets in other countries have small on/off switches built into them, we have to question if this is really a wise use of materials"

I think folks need as much encouragement as they can get..! Sure, there are small switches on plugs but we still have the same problem. It's obvious a switch just isn't enough.
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Daniel Chiaperini

16 years ago

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Hi, I am from Brazil and I never saw small on/off switches built into them here. Which countries are you talking about?

See ya
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millerama

16 years ago

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Yes, this is a wise use of materials (assuming this is an add-on for existing outlets). This doesn't require any electrical wiring, and while most countries may have on/off switches built into the outlets, I've never seen that in the US, which is a fairly large market.

Hopefully they have a vertical version too, since horizontal outlets are pretty rare.
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