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Masterspace Charwego Review Multi Plug AC/USB Adapter With Resettable Fuse

Friday, January 22, 2021

A must have for the digital nomad, the Masterspace Charwego is a multi plug adapter with four built in plugs, including a type C plug (EU/Korea), type A/B plugs (US/Japan), type G (UK) and Type I plug (Australia), which saves you the bother of having to carry separate power adapters or extra attachments to match different country outlets.
As well as multiple plugs, Charwego integrates a universal passthrough AC outlet, four USB-A ports and a USB-C PD 3.0 port, all located on top of the unit. There is a total of six outlets you can use to recharge USB devices and power AC heavy current draw items such as a hairdryer, which normally blow or melt the fuse inside cheaper multi plug adaptors.
Instead of a regular fuse, the Masterspace Charwego uses an auto resetting fuse, which is basically a mini circuit breaker that pops open during an overload (or electrical surge), resetting itself when the overload terminates. The circuit breaker resets itself after cooling down and automatically snapping back, connecting the load again; hence not having to replace the fuse!
The USB-C PD port can deliver variable voltage and amperage from 5V/3A (15W), 9V/2A (18W), 12V/3A (36W), 15V/3A (45W) and 20V/2.25A (45W); hence a maximum of 45 watts of USB-C power delivery. Each USB-A port can deliver a maximum of 12W (5V/2.4A); however, when operating all four USB-A ports at the same time the total 12W output is split evenly down to 310mA per USB-A port.
Charwego's AC outlet works across a wide voltage range from 100V to 250V at 8 amps; hence Charwego's universal AC outlet can power AC devices between 800W (100V/8A) and 2000W (250V/8A), which means anything above 2000 watts or below 800W won't work due to the built-in safety features. 
You can use all six outlets at the same time, drawing a maximum of 2057 watts, which is a lot of power. Charwego is equipped though, with all types of protection against overvoltage, overcharge, short-circuit, undercharge, temperature and overcurrent.
Charwego's works mechanically and similarly to the release switch mechanism of a toaster with cancel button. Charwego's sliders (one for each plug) are designed to be manually pushed up and down. When a slider is pushed all the way up, it automatically clicks, locking it into place to prevent the plug from sliding back into the housing. Unlike a toaster slider though, which is spring loaded, Charwego's sliders are not; hence the plugs do not recoil back. Charwego integrates a push button mechanism designed to unlock the slider so, you can manually slide the plug back into the housing.
Charwego's plugs are neatly tucked away. The only parts that protrude slightly are the slider knobs but, overall Charwego has a compact footprint. In the close position, the dimensions of Charwego are 6cm deep, 7.5cm high and 5cm wide. The longest plug is the EU plug (type C plug), sticking out 3cm out due to the bump holding the pins, which increases the depth of Charwego to 9.5cm. The other country plugs do not have this retaining bump so, the pins insert all the way. The total weight is 178 grams.
Charwego can charge a 13 inch MacBook Pro in 2 hours/20 minutes and fully charge an iPhone 11 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S20 within 30 minutes. Charwego integrates a status power led, which stays lit after being unplugged for up to 60 seconds to slowly discharge the large filter capacitor inside it.
Charwego is currently in pre-production stage and being funded via Kickstarter; hence Charwego has not yet been released to the mass market. You can buy it via Charwego's Kickstarter fund. Charwego doesn't come with any other accessories. Check out also the review of the Masterspace's Pacum electric pump.

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