HOW TO DESIGN AND BUILD USB PHONE CHARGERS FOR BARS

For those of us on-the-go, our cell phones and tablets are in constant need of recharging. Even worse, we often don’t have all the clumsy charging attachments. If you’re a bar owner and looking for a way to keep your patrons in your establishment longer, USB phone chargers could be just what you need. With all new commercial bars we’re designing, we include USB receptacles in every plan. ‘How are electrical receptacles installed on bars?,’ you ask. Consider the following when updating your bar:

• As seen in the section view (refer to Figure 1 below, left), we typically like the receptacles installed in a horizontal fashion, centered 37 3/4” above the floor. This makes them easy for patrons to see and access, as shown in Figure 2, below, center.
  
  
• We typically specify the outlets to be a maximum of 48” on-center along the perimeter of the bar.
  
  
• If you’re going to retrofit an existing bar, the simplest approach may be to surface-mount the outlets a 1” x 6” wood molding, similar to the one used in this example.
  
  
• From a previous video, you may remember that our new bar designs include built-in ADA accommodations. We normally specify that an outlet be installed within 6” of either end of the accommodation, as seen in Figure 3, below, right. This makes it easy for disabled patrons to locate and plug-in, since the hardware is well within the maximum allowances of 54” for height and 48” for reach.

HARDWARE FOR SURFACE-MOUNTING

Bear in mind, what I’m talking about isn’t simply a standard duplex receptacle. Rather, it’s a commercial specification grade duplex outlet with dual 3.1 amp USB charging ports, capable of servicing most compatible electronic devices that charge via a 5V adapter. We typically specify the Eaton TR8355, as shown in Figure 4, below (the brochure is available for download below). Here’s some features about this hardware:

• The “TR” designation means that it’s tamper-resistant.
  
  
• It features an automatic grounding system, thereby eliminating the need for a bonding jumper.
  
  
• The Eaton TR8355 is a 20A receptacle (typical for commercial applications).
  
  
• Replaces the standard duplex outlet and is available in nine standard finishes.
  
  
• An average bar should cost less than $1,000 to retrofit.

A WIN-WIN PROPOSITION

If you’re looking for a creative diy idea to build brand loyalty with your patrons, install USB phone chargers on the face of your bar you’ll you gain popularity points while also encouraging them to drink and eat longer while their phones are charging. This is great PR and is a win-win proposition!

DOWNLOADS FOR THIS POST:

EATON_USB-Multi-family-Brochure.pdf

POPULAR DOWNLOADS:

UNIVERSAL_BAR_CLEARANCES_WITH_ADA.pdf

CUSTOM_DRINK_RAIL_DESIGN.pdf

BAR_AND_RESTAURANT_SEATING_GUIDELINES.pdf