This Retractable In-Desk Power Strip Makes Sure Power is Always Handy

There are plenty of ways to add power to your desk, but if you're looking for something more accessible, this retractable built-in power strip pops up when you need it, and locks in place under the desk when you don't.

Instructables user RubenRosseel wanted a similar effect to some of the expensive office desks he'd seen where you could press a switch on the desk corner and a power strip would rise up from the desk, so he got to work on his old wooden desk (although we imagine you could do this just as well with some tools and any desk, especially if it's wood or particleboard.) He grabbed an off-the-shelf power strip, a pair of drawer sliders, and a magnetic pressure catch?all available at any hardware store?and mounted the power strip to the sliders.

He notes that when mounting the power strip to the wood and the sliders, make sure not to use the right screws and a power supply with a mounting slot on the back, so you don't risk getting a screw into the power strip itself. When the whole thing was said and done, he can press the space on the desk where the strip lives and it'll slide up and into place so he can use it. When he's finished, he can press it back down and it'll lock in place.

We would have liked to see a little slot in front of the housing where a power cable could feed out if you wanted something plugged in but the latch closed, but it's a great project, and since it uses off-the-shelf equipment, you're at much less risk of fire or shock than if you tried to rig something up yourself.

DIY Build-In Desk Sockets | Instructables

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/Y0SuC__Hgy4/this-retractable-in+desk-power-strip-makes-sure-power-is-always-handy

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