Eubiq's power track system trumps extension cord

Eubiq's power track system is far from the first unique take on providing power elegantly to an array of devices, but we've got to give props to the unobtrusiveness this installation provides. The system can be mounted along essentially any wall in your domicile, garage, or office, and since juice is constantly flowing through the track, you simply plug in a proprietary adapter, twist, and enjoy your newfound current. Of course, if you're looking to use generally accepted plugs in your country, you'll have to pony up for adapters in order to make it worthwhile. Currently, Eubiq's not handing over any pricing details for you to inspect, but we can imagine that this here system will likely be reserved for the power-hungry and / or affluent sects whenever it lands.

[Via Wired]

[Big @ Jul 5th 2007 10:42AM]

Whoever patented this is going to be super rich.

Just get them into Home Depots and Walmarts...

[Tim Goldsmith @ Jul 5th 2007 10:51AM]

this definitely seems like the type of thing which will be found in the "home of the future"

why cant i think of stuff like this?

[Chuckles McGee @ Jul 5th 2007 11:05AM]

Brilliant. I don't know how many times I've had to awkwardly shift my desk or other furniture around because the outlet was "over there".

[Brandon @ Jul 5th 2007 11:42AM]

I work in a College which has this in a computer training lab. It has been here for at least 3 years and was very old when I started working here.

NOT the first of it's kind. Although I have never heard of having the different connectors, that could be useful (particularily for using in-car accesories)...

[Sevenate @ Jul 5th 2007 12:49PM]

Linkify? I've had this idea in my head for years, and am unaware of any similar product currently on the market.

[kaztm @ Jul 5th 2007 1:47PM]

Yes, this kind of product has been in the market for years.
I'll come back if I find a link. (I've always assumed that these are readily available at Home Depot, IKEA, etc...)

[Phil @ Jul 5th 2007 2:52PM]

Yeah, I've seen these things years ago back at school in all the labs. The connectors were spring loaded though. And I'm sure if you poked around at it with a screwdriver you would get shocked pretty easily. So hopefully this is safer.

[AG @ Jul 5th 2007 11:55AM]

Having a powered strip that allows you to modularly place outlets is a VERY old idea. I have seen this in our heritage buildings.

[Scooter @ Jul 5th 2007 12:22PM]

maybe not an original idea, but a good one. Hope to see it cheap and common. Now, how to guard baby's fingers?

[Sevenate @ Jul 5th 2007 12:54PM]

If you watch the flash demo, and review the spec PDFs on their site, you'll see that it would be pretty much impossible for a child to get shocked, the way it's designed. Very cool idea.

[frank d @ Jul 5th 2007 12:55PM]

Pretty cool.

So, do the plugs include built-in transformers?
As the outer left & right one are 220v plugs. (vs the 110 in the middle)

[Sevenate @ Jul 5th 2007 12:56PM]

Linkify?

[DakStaka @ Jul 5th 2007 1:01PM]

Um I think the Aussie plug is non-compliant 3rd from left... think new regulations say it must be recessed.

[jargon @ Jul 5th 2007 1:32PM]

We've had this device in Canada for decades. The power strip adheres to a wall and you plug in whatever adapters you want. It's quite clumsy to get wired initially, and doesn't look overly pleasing either.

[Tony @ Jul 5th 2007 1:53PM]

They're so smart to come up with the idea, yet so dumb not to make universal plug sockets that can take any type of plug, e.g. something like this: http://www.elect-spec.com/ad_univ_awxw.jpg

[Brandon @ Jul 5th 2007 2:07PM]

That doesn't even appear to take standard 3-prong plugs that most electronics use here in North America (or 2 without the ground).

[Miguel @ Jul 5th 2007 2:12PM]

The universal outlet lacks elegance. It's 20 different ways of ugly. Perhaps Eubiq wanted something to be unobtrusive as well as not mortifyingly detrimental to the home's aesthetic.

[johnzilla @ Jul 5th 2007 2:06PM]

I don't see the attraction...all this is going to do is encourage people to overload their existing circuits. Picture the guy with a house with 50 yr old wiring (or older) putting one of these up in his home office/media room and then thinking he can plug every single device into it. Yeah, that's safe. Not to mention that many older buildings have multiple rooms on a single 15-20 amp circuit.

[luke Vink @ Jul 5th 2007 2:55PM]

likewise, its sold in DIY stores singapore-wide. I thought it was ridiculous, cheaper to buy an 8 plug board and buy a cheap adapter. Seems more gimmicky than anything.

[Terry @ Jul 5th 2007 2:57PM]

Looks like the same stip can accept a 110 volt and 220 volt adapters.

[Terry @ Jul 5th 2007 2:58PM]

That comment should have read

Looks like the same power strip can accept a 110 volt and 220 volt adapters.

[Rob @ Jul 5th 2007 3:41PM]

How is this any different from that rail used to clamp lights onto?
Did they make any outlets for them? I really don't see the innovation here.

[TIMMAH! @ Jul 5th 2007 4:34PM]

Yes but can you daisy chain the tracks...

[Tarun @ Jul 5th 2007 7:56PM]

I've had something similar to this in my house ever since i remember, i've moved out but when i was there in 1996 they had them installed and they looked ancient; granted im not sure how many owners have lived in the house during its 50 or so year history, but im pretty sure if you ask any electrician about it they should be able to tell you a thing or two about the system.

[Mike @ Jul 5th 2007 8:32PM]

Although this isn't innovative, it certainly is a terrific idea. Track lights work great, but they only provide low voltages. If you put one of those down on the floor and up the current to 230 or something, you're going to be getting lawsuits from anyone with a child/pet/bare feet. This system combines the convenience of tracked power, provides more safety than current wall socket/surge strip designs, and looks nice to boot. At least with one of these under your desk, you could actually plug everything in without resorting to a daisy chain of surge strips.

[HC @ Jul 6th 2007 9:25PM]

http://www.uecorp.com/uecorp/PRODUCTS/StarlineTrackBusway/tabid/64/Default.aspx