A cube tap is a compact electrical accessory designed to expand the utility of a single wall outlet, transforming one receptacle opening into multiple power sources, typically three. Often referred to in electrician's slang, it is a short, cube-shaped device commonly made from soft brown rubber.
Understanding the Cube Tap
The primary function of a cube tap is to quickly multiply the available outlets from a single wall receptacle. Its distinctive, small, cube-like form factor allows it to plug directly into an existing outlet, providing additional ports for appliances or electronic devices. While it offers a simple solution for increasing plug-in capacity, its design prioritizes compactness over advanced safety features.
Key Characteristics
- Shape: Typically a small, cube-like device, designed to sit flush against the wall outlet.
- Function: Converts one standard electrical receptacle into three usable outlets.
- Material: Frequently constructed from soft brown rubber, giving it a unique tactile and visual quality.
- Portability: Due to its small size, it is highly portable and easy to store, making it convenient for temporary use.
Common Applications
Cube taps were, and to some extent still are, used in situations where there's a limited number of electrical outlets. They offer a quick and inexpensive way to add more plug-in points without requiring any wiring changes.
Examples of their use include:
- Older Homes: Many older homes have fewer wall outlets per room, making cube taps a convenient solution for powering multiple devices.
- Temporary Power Needs: For temporary setups, like holiday decorations or a small work area, where only one outlet is available.
- Charging Multiple Devices: When several devices (e.g., phones, tablets, smartwatches) need charging simultaneously and outlets are scarce.
Safety Concerns and Limitations
Despite their convenience, cube taps come with significant safety concerns. They offer a basic expansion without incorporating modern safety features found in more advanced power solutions.
Key safety risks and limitations include:
- Overloading Risk: A major hazard is overloading the circuit. Plugging too many high-wattage devices into a single outlet via a cube tap can draw more current than the circuit is designed to handle, leading to tripped breakers or, worse, electrical fires.
- No Surge Protection: Unlike many modern power strips, cube taps offer no protection against power surges, which can damage sensitive electronics during electrical fluctuations.
- Poor Grounding: Older or lower-quality cube taps may not provide adequate grounding, which is a critical safety feature to prevent electrical shocks.
- Durability and Wear: The "soft brown rubber" construction, while distinctive, may degrade over time, exposing wires or creating loose connections, increasing electrical hazard risks.
- Lack of Circuit Breakers: They do not typically include an internal circuit breaker, which would automatically cut power if an overload occurs.
Safer Alternatives to Cube Taps
Given the inherent risks, it is generally recommended to use safer, more robust alternatives that offer better protection and functionality.
| Alternative Device | Description | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Power Strips | Multi-outlet devices often equipped with surge protection and circuit breakers. | Provide multiple outlets with built-in safety features like surge protection and overload protection. |
| Wall Outlet Extenders | Devices that plug directly into an outlet, offering multiple receptacles and sometimes USB charging ports. | More robust and safer design than cube taps, often with better spacing and sometimes surge protection. |
| USB Wall Chargers | Plugs designed specifically for charging USB-powered devices, often with multiple USB ports. | Dedicated charging for portable electronics, freeing up standard outlets for other appliances. |
For permanent solutions to outlet scarcity, consulting a qualified electrician to install additional wall receptacles is the safest and most effective option. Always ensure any electrical accessory you use is UL certified or certified by another recognized testing laboratory to meet safety standards. Prioritizing electrical safety is crucial to prevent accidents.
