Kokuyo Energy Line: an innovative power bus that changes the way appliances are connected to outlets

What is Kokuyo Energy Line?

Conventional surge protectors often look bulky and spoil the aesthetics of the workplace. The Japanese company Kokuyo solved this problem by developing a device called Energy Line. Instead of standard holes for forks, the surface of the gadget is made in the form of guide rails. This allows the plug to be inserted anywhere on the device, making the most flexible use of the available space.

Design features and compatibility

The main uniqueness of the system is the ability to power up to five devices simultaneously, provided their plugs are sufficiently compact. However, it is worth considering a technical limitation: the device is designed exclusively for flat plugs with two pins. This means that adapters will be required for use with Euro sockets. Even in the USA, models with three-pin (grounded) plugs cannot be connected to the Energy Line.

Installation and design

Energy Line is designed to be mounted on the edge of a table top. The fixation mechanism includes two screws that allow you to adjust the structure to suit countertops of different thicknesses. Users should remember one design feature: due to the presence of fastening elements, it will not be possible to press the table close to the wall – you will need to leave a small gap of a few millimeters between the furniture and the wall. The device is made in a neat plastic case, which looks stylish, but at the same time is positioned by the manufacturer as a solution for the mass segment, and not a premium accessory.

Cost and availability

Currently, Kokuyo Energy Line is officially sold in the Japanese market. The price is 7,400 Japanese yen, which is equivalent to 2,135 hryvnia ($45). It is possible to order through international trading platforms such as Zenmarket, but it is important to remember the limited compatibility of the device, which is oriented to the flat two-pin plug standard.

Is it worth buying?

If you work with electronics that use compact power supplies with flat plugs, the Energy Line is a great way to clean up your desk and get away from the standard overloaded “pilots”. However, for most European users whose equipment uses grounded plugs en masse, this device may require the purchase of additional adapters, which makes the purchase less practical.