Cell Phone Charging

We have been charging our cell phones, kindles, and tablets using two Amazon USB power modules attached to a power strip.  The cord is plugged into an outlet above our galley counter with the power strip component resting in our window sill.  While heading down the road, we turn on the inverter and power the phones.  The major problem with this, is where the phones reside they make it difficult to close that window shade.

With the new shelf project coming along, it seemed like a good idea to move the phone charging station into the wardrobe.  The wardrobe has a 110v outlet in it.  Rather than using the amazon power modules, I located a combination surge protector 110v and usb power strip by Belkin.  I was concerned that the Belkin unit would draw power when plugged in.  I took out our Kill-a-watt meter and tested this.  The Belkin draws NO power when a device is not attached.  The Amazon modules draw .3 watts each for a combined of .6 watts.

It seems like the Belkin is the way to go, so the next step is to engineer that into the shelf project.

Above left to right are the Kill-a-watt meter, the Amazon Power module and the Belking usb/110v power strip surge protector.

the photo below shows the power strip that we currently use to charge the phones.

As you can see it gets the job done, but blocks the window.  As part of the shelf project on the next blog, I will address this as well, as adding a shelf to enhance storage space.