Print Page Frequently Asked Questions

DISCONNECT POWER BEFORE WORKING ON ANY ELECTRICAL DEVICE. THIS PRODUCT SHOULD ONLY BE INSTALLED BY ELECTRICIANS OR QUALIFIED PERSONNEL IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE ELECTRICAL CODES. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO WIRE ANY ELECTRICAL DEVICE UNLESS ALL INSTRUCTIONS ARE THOROUGHLY UNDERSTOOD.

1. In what configurations can the Biceptacle™ electrical outlet be wired?

Jumpered - Both sides (left and right when sockets aligned vertically) are wired together using a jumper (FIG. 1). The Biceptacle™ electrical outlet can directly replace any single line outlet without any wiring changes in this configuration. This option also enables easier management of large transformers / chargers and the ability to utilize two polarized GFCI plugs simultaneously (convenient in bathrooms).

SHot (Switched and Hot) - Left sockets (when sockets aligned vertically) switch controlled, right sockets continually hot (FIG. 2). This configuration allows access to two hot sockets, access to two switched sockets, or access to one hot and one switched socket from each Biceptacle™ electrical outlet. Hassle free power control (and thus electricity savings) of electronics and lamps can be achieved through the switch controlled left side sockets.

Dual Switched - Both left and right sides are controlled by individual switches (FIG. 3A, B). This configuration allows for more specific control (e.g. - control of appliance Vampire losses through the left side and control of lamps / lighting through the right). The switches can both be connected to a single electrical line or connected individually to two separate electrical lines.

Dual Line - Left sockets on line 1 and right sockets on line 2 (FIG. 4). This configuration reduces the possibility of circuit overload (and its associated hazards) by allowing high wattage appliances to access separate electrical lines (by plugging into opposite sides) of the Dual Line Biceptacle™ electrical outlet.

2. What are the different structural wiring options?

Following are just a few of the many possible options and their associated advantages. Please feel free to write us at sales@biceptacle.com to tell us other options that you feel warrants publication.

No wiring change - Direct substitution of Jumpered Biceptacle™ electrical outlets (FIG. 1) instead of regular outlets and SHot Biceptacle™ electrical outlets (FIG. 2) instead of Half-Hot outlets.

Advantages:

Easier management of large transformers/chargers and ability to utilize two polarized GFCI plugs simultaneously (convenient in bathrooms) at each Jumpered Biceptacle™ electrical outlet.
Availability of two hot and two switched sockets (opposed to only one each in Half-Hot outlet) from each SHot Biceptacle™ electrical outlet.

With wiring change (remodels and new construction)

At each box in areas with permanent lighting:

SHot Biceptacle™ electrical outlet (FIG. 2) and optional Jumpered Biceptacle™ electrical outlet (FIG. 1).

Advantages:

Control Vampire losses and/or additional lighting from each SHot Biceptacle™ electrical outlet.
Easier management of large transformers/chargers and ability to utilize two polarized GFCI plugs simultaneously (convenient in bathrooms) at each Jumpered Biceptacle™ electrical outlet.

At each box in areas without permanent lighting:

Dual Switched Biceptacle™ electrical outlet (FIG. 3A, B) and Jumpered Biceptacle™ electrical outlet (FIG. 1).

Advantages:

Separate control or lamps and Vampire losses from opposite sides (left and right when sockets aligned vertically) of the Dual Switched Biceptacle™ electrical outlet.
Easier management of large transformers / chargers and ability to utilize two polarized GFCI plugs simultaneously (convenient in bathrooms) at each Jumpered Biceptacle™ electrical outlet.

In kitchen, garage, and utility areas:

Dual Line Biceptacle™ electrical outlet (FIG. 4) throughout (downstreamed from GFCI protection).

Advantage:

Eliminate circuit overload and its associated hazards by plugging in high wattage appliances to opposite sides (left and right when sockets aligned vertically) of the Dual Line Biceptacle™ electrical outlet.

3. Are there any safety advantages of the Biceptacle™ electrical outlet?

The flexibility and utility offered by different wiring options (as explained in question 2) reduce or entirely eliminate the need for hazardous extension cords, power strips, and multiple socket octopuses (hazards explained in the Consumer Product Safety Commission articles Extension Cords Fact Sheet, Household Extension Cords Can Cause Fires, and Extension Cords Far More Dangerous Than Many Realize: Three Important Reasons to Check Your Cords). Biceptacle™ electrical outlet's design minimizes exposed wiring/cords in everyday use and thus significantly increase safety (electrical as well as tripping hazards).

4. Is it listed?

The Biceptacle™ electrical outlet is UL listed for US and Canada.

5. Is it compliant with 2008 NEC (National Electrical Code) Tamper Resistant dwelling unit requirement?

In addition to multiple issued and pending patents, the Biceptacle™ electrical outlet incorporates a patent pending Triple Slot Tamper Resistant System which complies with 2008 NEC, UL, and CSA requirements.

6. When and where will they be available?

They will be available through normal distribution channels this Winter. Contact us at sales@biceptacle.com if they cannot be found through your local channels. We will make sure that you get what you need.

7. Are there different styles or grades of the Biceptacle™ electrical outlet?

Currently, Standard Grade only. Specification Grade to follow shortly. Hospital Grade in 2010.

'Decorator' cover plates (screws showing) and 'Cleanline' cover plates (hidden screws) in single, double, and triple configurations will be available.

8. What colors are available?

White, almond, ivory, gray, black.

9. Is there a GFCI version?

Currently being developed, available in 2010. GFCI protection can be obtained by downstreaming from a GFCI outlet.

10. What type and sizes of wires will work with the Biceptacle™ electrical outlet?

12 and 14 AWG (American Wire Gauge) solid copper only.

11. Can timers / occupancy sensors and other electronics be used with the Biceptacle™ electrical outlet?

The Biceptacle™ electrical outlet contains no electronics. Therefore, there are no restrictions or compatibility issues with utilizing timers / occupancy sensors as the switching methods. Additionally, there are no restrictions with other forms of electronic control, signaling, or data transmission (e.g. - high speed internet through house wiring / outlets).

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