Pop-up sockets are so much more than 3-pin plug extensions. Pop-up sockets can give you power where you need it, in the format you need it in. They can be retro-fitted without the need for an electrician and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at their cost.

What is a pop-up socket?

A pop-up socket sits in the top of a desk or worktop. When depressed it looks like a circle that could be flush to the desk or slightly proud. When you need your power points you simply depress or turn the disk to pop it up into a tower with sockets down the length of the tower. Some pop-up sockets extend by themselves, others will pop up part-way and require the user to grip them and extend them fully before use.

Pop-up sockets enable you to power or charge more devices from the single circular space than with a compact power module. These pop-up power sockets can still charge devices using USB-A and USB-C plugs as well as the classic 3-pin plugs.

We have different widths of pop-up sockets too, so you can find one to fit your space. Some of the smallest are just 6cm across. However, when these are compressed, the actual sockets sit below the desk. That means you need to be sure that the space immediately beneath where the socket is situated isn’t required for legs or storage. For good measure, it’s best to ensure at least 45cm beneath the desk for pop-up sockets to be stowed away.

Features of a pop-up socket

Pop-up sockets have evolved to become more useful and more stylish than ever. They’re no longer simple power sockets. They have:

• An on and off switch, so each pop-up socket can be independently powered off when not in use.
• An LED power light so you can see whether they are switched on or not.
• 3-pin power sockets
• 5v USB sockets for charging smartphones and tablets.
• Data connections – CAT6 Ethernet sockets can enable faster or safer network connections. Male cables are routed to the underside of the unit and the unit then offers convenient access.

Choosing a pop-up socket

Do you want a flush fitting socket or a raised socket?

Some sockets like our Milan range of pop-up sockets can be fitted to be completely flush when retracted, which can look more subtle. However, the other added bonus is that these can make it easier to use the full space for working when the socket isn’t in use. For flush fitting, a flush-fit adapter is required.

How much space do you have?

Consider how much desk space you have to give to your socket – both on the desk, and beneath it. Smaller sockets can start at a diameter of just 60mm, but larger ones can be up to 101mm across.

How to install a pop-up socket

For step-by-step instructions on how to fit a pop-up socket, see our blog The Milan pop-up socket – the easiest pop-up socket installation ever.

If you have any questions about our wide range of pop-up sockets, contact the BPF customer service team by giving us a call or dropping us a message on our website chat.