Leviton 20 AMP USB Recetacle

I try to specify a USB receptacle in almost every kitchen project I work on.

Designed to replace conventional duplex receptacles, it allows you to plug your mobile phones, tablets and other electronic devices into the wall without the need for a bulky AC adapter.

The 15-amp receptacle has been around for a little while. But, many people do not know that a 20-amp receptacle is also available. This is good news for owners of devices – like iPads, that need more juice.

The 20 Amp USB Charger/Tamper-Resistant Receptacle offers 2.1 amps of charging power inside a 20-amp, 125-volt tamper-resistant receptacle.

The two USB ports on the Leviton receptacle are designed for use with different devices, depending on their power draw.

The USB port on the left will output up to 0.7A, while the USB port on the right is capable of up to 2.1A. The right port also incorporates an auto-sensing chip, which will properly adjust the amps depending on the device connected.

You’ll need to install a second receptacle if you plan to charge more than one higher current device at a time.

Each item in Leviton’s USB Charger/Tamper-Resistant Receptacle line is designed to fit in a standard wallbox, use a standard wallplate and can be multi-ganged with any standard Leviton wiring device.

The Leviton in-wall USB charger comes in White (T5630-W) and Light Almond (T5630-T) and retails for around $21 and $26.

October 1, 2012January 11, 2021

Fall is a great time to reorganize your cupboards

Fall is a great time to reorganize your cupboards. Maybe you want to start pulling out your favorite Holiday pieces or show off your special pieces that have been hiding in the dark for too long; if so, here are some ideas to get your started.

♥ Consider an open look

♥ Paint the back wall a new color

♥ Place everything in like-size containers

♥ Reuse your cabinet in a new room

♥ Hang your China as art

♥ Add some Class with a new chandelier and Oriental rug

♥ Lastly, have fun while you do it

July 6, 2012May 1, 2025

How to Shop for a 60 Watt Bulb

Do you remember the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007? Provisions began taking effect the first part of this year, with many popular incandescent reflector lamps being outlawed.

If you used to buy 100 watt bulbs, look for a bulb with 1600 lumens
If you used to buy 75 watt bulbs, look for a bulb with 1100 lumens
If you used to buy 60 watt bulbs, look for a bulb with 800 lumens
If you used to buy 40 watt bulbs, look for a bulb with 450 lumens

Watts are a better predictor of how hot a light bulb will be than how bright it is. Lumens tell you how much light a bulb will provide.

To make it easier to compare light bulbs, the Federal Trade Commission has designed a new label which you have probably already seen. It was required to be on all packages starting this year.

It is important to look for the ENERGY STAR on light bulb packaging, which means that they meet strict criteria set by EPA for both energy efficiency and quality. Other bulbs may be cheaper, but the tests that ENERGY STAR requires are important, and necessary for consumers to get the performance they expect.

Update: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ended the ENERGY STAR specifications for lamps and luminaires December 31, 2024.

In absence of the ENERGY STAR mark, the Federal Trade Commission’s Lighting Facts labels will continue to communicate lamp performance to consumers, including brightness, estimated yearly energy cost, life, light appearance as the expression of the correlated color temperature,
and energy used.

May 21, 2012

Outdoor Dishwashers

kalamazoo outdoor dishwasher on kitchann style

As the popularity of Outdoor Rooms and Outdoor Kitchens grow, I often get asked by home owners if they should purchase an outdoor dishwasher.

Outdoor Dishwashers are different from the standard dishwasher you would install inside the home. They are specifically designed to hold up to weather extremes, dirt and have a special wash cycle for tough to clean items.

There are two manufacturers to choose from – Kalamazoo, which holds the bragging rights for being the first to introduce the outdoor dishwasher and Asko. (Note: Asko’s website also says they were the first but Kalamazoo debuted theirs at KBIS 2011)

Both offer dishwashers with stainless interiors and exteriors, adjustable racks that will hold 12 place settings, weatherproof electronics, water safety leak protection and winterization steps.

Kalamazoo offers separate finished sides and back for the dishwasher to build it into their stainless cabinets. The Asko model includes a finished stainless exterior so it can be built-in or free-standing.

So, should you include one of these in your plans to upgrade or add an outdoor kitchen?

Most homes have a single wall outdoor kitchen that has barely enough room for a grill, sink and undercounter refrigerator. So if you fall into this category I’m sure you’d rather have the refrigerator than a dishwasher.

kalamazoo-outdoor-dishwasher-back — Kalamazoo Optional Back

If you have a large outdoor kitchen area and plenty of storage space then the question comes down to the size of the budget. An outdoor dishwasher is about $4,000. That may be a quarter to half of the entire budget so it is a big decision.

If you have the space and money is no object then I factor in the location of the outdoor kitchen to the house.

If your outdoor kitchen is very far away from the home then you may actually want to consider using an outdoor dishwasher. A perfect example is a lakefront home.

If the outdoor kitchen is positioned near the water because that is where everyone hangs out and the home is set back from the water’s edge and possibly elevated; then carrying a lot of items back and forth may be very inconvenient.

One last note, you may be the ideal homeowner for an outdoor dishwasher but local building codes could also be a factor – especially in flood zones.