Hidden Sofa Power Outlet with Retractable USB-C Cable, IP44 Recessed Armrest Socket

Power at the sofa, without a cable across the floor

The BNT recessed sofa socket puts a US standard, self grounding power outlet, a USB-A port, a USB-C port and a pull-out Type-C charging cable into the armrest of a sofa or the top of a side table. Once the housing is dropped into a cut-out and the flange sits level with the surface, the socket disappears into the furniture and the only thing you see is a slim black disc.

It is built for the place where phones actually run out of power: next to the seat. Instead of reaching for a wall outlet behind the couch or leaving a charging brick on the floor, a guest or a family member pulls the cable out, charges, and lets it retract when they are done.

Three ways to charge from one position

• US three-prong AC outlet with self grounding contacts, for a laptop power supply, a lamp or a small appliance.
• USB-A and USB-C ports on the top face for a second phone, a tablet or a smart watch.
• Retractable Type-C cable on the side of the plate, for the device in your hand right now.

Because the outlet, the ports and the cable are on the same plate, the socket replaces a power strip plus two chargers, and it does so without occupying any usable surface.

The retractable cable

The Type-C cable is paid out of a narrow slot at the edge of the plate. The cable end sits proud of the housing so it can be gripped, and the run is short and controlled, which keeps a loop of cable from sliding off the armrest and onto the floor. That is the difference between a socket that is used and a socket that is ignored: if charging takes two hands and a search for a cable, people go back to the floor outlet.

Port layout at a glance

The AC outlet occupies the upper area of the plate and the data ports sit in a row below it, so a three-prong plug and a USB cable do not fight for the same space. The cable slot stands apart on the right edge. All of the openings are on one plane, which means the plate can be wiped clean without lifting anything.

IP44 and furniture installation

The socket carries an IP44 rating: it is protected against solid objects above 1 mm and against water splashing from any direction. That matters in the two rooms where it is most often specified, because a drink on a side table and a spilled glass next to a sofa are normal events, not accidents.

Installation is a furniture job rather than an electrical one for the fabricator: cut the opening, drop the housing in, fix the flange, and connect the supply. The housing body sits below the panel, so the top face stays flat and level with the wood. Cut-out dimensions and the wiring diagram are supplied with the order.

Where the socket earns its place

• Hotel rooms and serviced apartments: a charging point at the nightstand that guests find without asking reception.
• Residential sofas and media consoles: power where the family actually sits.
• Cinema and lounge seating: shared charging without a visible cable run.
• Waiting areas and office pods: a discreet outlet in soft seating.
• Boat and RV interiors: a compact recessed outlet in a tight panel.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

Does it accept a standard US plug?

Yes. The outlet is a US standard three-prong configuration with a self grounding contact, so a two-blade plug and a grounded three-prong plug both seat normally.

Can it be fitted to an existing sofa?

Yes, provided the armrest or panel has enough depth below the surface for the housing and enough flat area for the flange. The opening is cut with a hole saw and the housing drops in from above.

Is it safe next to drinks?

The IP44 rating covers splashing water from any direction. It is not a substitute for a waterproof enclosure and it is not intended for outdoor exposure.

Can we order a sample before a full run?

Samples can be arranged against the minimum order quantity. Tell us the panel thickness and the finish you need and we will confirm the configuration.

About BNT

BNT designs and manufactures tabletop power sockets, pop-up outlets and desk charging modules for furniture makers, hotel projects and office fit-out contractors. If you are specifying power for soft seating or case goods, send us the panel drawing and the target market, and we will come back with the matching configuration.

Browse the full BNT socket range