81688 — 16A 2 Gang Switched Socket with USB (Type A+C)

Product Overview

Elite Elegance 81 Range | TAOS Electric

Model: 81688 |Category:81 Range

Product Overview

The Elite Elegance 814688 is a 13A 2-Gang Socket with USB A+C in the 81 Range, engineered by Zhejiang Tao’s Electric (est. 2000). Built around a UV-stable, flame-retardant polycarbonate panel (750 °C glow-wire) and the universal 86 × 86 mm flush wall box shared by every 81 Range device. CE, UKCA, SQM, GCC, ECAS, RoHS2.0 and CB Scheme compliance is independently certified; the SKU is registered in 40+ countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and SE Asia

Introducing the ELITE ELEGANCE 814688 — 13A 2-Gang Socket with USB A+C

ELITE ELEGANCE presents the 81688 — 16A 2 Gang Switched Socket with USB (Type A+C), a precision-engineered British Standard wall socket designed for modern living and commercial installations. Combining robust electrical performance with versatile charging options, this switched socket USB outlet redefines convenience and safety in smart home wiring accessory ecosystems. Crafted by Zhejiang TAOS Electric Co., Ltd., the 81688 unites decades of industry experience with contemporary demands for multifunctional power delivery, making it a standout Type A+C power outlet suited to residential, hospitality, and office environments.

Product Overview and Key Features

The 81688 is a premium 16A 2 gang switched socket USB device that integrates two individually switched power outlets and two high-efficiency USB ports — one Type A and one Type C — within a single British Standard wall socket configuration. This smart home wiring accessory provides simultaneous power and data-compatible charging, enabling users to power appliances and charge mobile devices at full speed without the need for bulky adaptors.

Key technical attributes include a 16A rating for each mains gang, compliant with UK wiring regulations and ensuring compatibility with a wide range of household and light commercial appliances. The integrated switched socket USB design enables individual control of each gang, improving energy management and user convenience. The Type A+C power outlet combination offers universal charging compatibility: traditional USB-A devices and the increasingly prevalent USB-C devices can both be charged from the same wall plate

Applications and Use Cases

As a smart home wiring accessory, the 81688 fits seamlessly into multiple environments. In residential settings, this British Standard wall socket is ideal for living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and home offices, where simultaneous appliance use and device charging are common. The switched socket USB arrangement allows homeowners to independently control lighting, entertainment systems, and chargers while keeping mobile devices powered.

In commercial and hospitality applications, the Type A+C power outlet is perfect for guest rooms, reception areas, conference rooms, and co-working spaces. Facilities managers will appreciate the switched socket USB configuration for its ability to reduce phantom loads and control connected equipment without sacrificing guest convenience. The 81688 supports modern workplace demands by providing reliable mains power sockets alongside fast charging for laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Innovation and Design Advantages

The 81688 embodies innovative design choices that address evolving consumer needs. Its compact form factor retains the classic aesthetics of a British Standard wall socket while embedding modern USB charging technologies. The integrated switched socket USB layout reduces clutter by eliminating the need for external USB adapters, enabling a streamlined, elegant wall plate with a low visual profile.

The inclusion of a Type C power outlet, alongside a traditional Type A port, demonstrates forward-looking compatibility. USB-C has become the de facto standard for fast charging and higher-power delivery. By combining both Type A and Type C ports, the 81688 ensures backward compatibility and future readiness, making it a versatile Type A+C power outlet for diverse device ecosystems.

Technical Excellence and Safety

Built by Zhejiang TAOS Electric Co., Ltd., the 81688 benefits from rigorous manufacturing standards and engineering expertise. As a British Standard wall socket product, it conforms to relevant safety and performance benchmarks that installers and homeowners expect. The 16A 2 gang switched socket USB device features durable internal components, high-grade polycarbonate faceplates, and a flame-retardant construction to minimize fire risk.

Safety enhancements include individual gang isolation through tactile switches, ensuring clear operational control and preventing inadvertent power draw. The USB charging circuitry incorporates intelligent power management to protect against overcurrent, overvoltage, and short-circuit conditions, safeguarding connected devices. The smart home wiring accessory also integrates thermal protection mechanisms to maintain stability under sustained loads.

Installation and Compatibility

The 81688 is engineered for ease of installation by certified electricians and experienced DIY users familiar with British Standard wall socket wiring. The product’s terminals accept standard wiring sizes compatible with UK installations, and the clear labelling on the back-plate simplifies wiring for both live and neutral conductors. The switched socket USB configuration supports common mounting back boxes and faceplate dimensions, minimizing retrofit complexity

The Type A+C power outlet supports common charging protocols through intelligent USB controllers that negotiate appropriate voltage and current levels for connected devices. This ensures efficient charging for a variety of electronics including smartphones, tablets, power banks, cameras, and USB-powered accessories. As a smart home wiring accessory, the 81688 integrates seamlessly into rooms where both mains power and rapid USB charging are required

Aesthetic and User Experience

ELITE ELEGANCE emphasizes subtle style alongside functional engineering. The 81688’s faceplate presents a refined finish that complements modern interiors while maintaining the classic proportions of British Standard outlets. Switches are engineered with a smooth tactile action and clear on/off indicators, enhancing usability for residents and guests. The integrated switched socket USB arrangement centralizes functionality in a single, elegant faceplate that reduces wall clutter and enhances visual harmony

Sustainability and Long-Term Value

Durability and efficiency inform the 81688’s lifecycle design. High-quality components reduce the need for frequent replacements, while intelligent USB charging minimizes unnecessary power consumption. Facilities that prioritize lower maintenance and long-term reliability will find the Type A+C power outlet to be a cost-effective upgrade to conventional wall sockets. As device charging trends evolve, the inclusion of both Type A and Type C USB ports helps future-proof electrical infrastructure investments.

Why Choose ELITE ELEGANCE 81688

Choosing the 81688 by ELITE ELEGANCE means selecting a product from Zhejiang TAOS Electric Co., Ltd., a company with a two-decade legacy in British Standard wiring accessories. The 81688 is part of a comprehensive product portfolio that reflects world-class engineering, precision manufacturing, and global market reach. Installers and specifiers will value the product’s blend of safety, versatility, and modern charging capabilities. As a switched socket USB solution, it delivers both the practical functionality of traditional mains outlets and the convenience of integrated USB charging.

Conclusion

The 81688 — 16A 2 Gang Switched Socket with USB (Type A+C) by ELITE ELEGANCE is a smart, safe, and stylish British Standard wall socket engineered for contemporary power and charging needs. Its switched socket USB design, Type A+C power outlet compatibility, and robust 16A mains capability make it a compelling smart home wiring accessory for homes, hotels, and commercial spaces. With meticulous craftsmanship from Zhejiang TAOS Electric Co., Ltd., the 81688 elevates everyday electrical infrastructure by combining trusted standards with modern charging technology.

Why Specify 81688?

Four engineering decisions that turn this device into a project-grade specification.