Invisible Countertop Device Charging by FREEPOWER
Invisible countertop device charging is achieved by embedding wireless charging technology below a countertop or other horizontal surface. The convenient feature enables phone and tablet users to wirelessly re-energize multiple devices at once by simply placing them in a specific, but generously sized, area called a charging halo on the countertop’s surface. A lighted outline indicates the active charging area.
Our partner, FREEPOWER, makes it possible for your eggersmann-designed cabinetry and furniture to feature their glowing Charging Halo™.
Its glowing outline ensures proper placement of up to 3 Qi-enabled devices (standard on almost all Apple and Android devices. This convenient hidden charger enables cord-free charging for a modern, uncluttered aesthetic in your kitchen, closet, or mudroom cabinetry or a custom desk, credenza, occasional table, or vanity in a study, living area, or bedroom.
Countertop Choice Considerations
Choosing the right countertop material is essential for ensuring the performance and visual effect of your invisible charging appliance.
While the under-counter mounted Charging Halo™ is compatible with many surfaces, there are some that are not compatible or that are subject to additional conditions.
Counter material choice affects both the device’s charging functionality and the visibility of its signature glowing halo.
The charging capability works with most non-metallic countertop materials. Your designer and fabricator collaborate to ensure that your installation works with your choice of counter surface.
The apparent intensity of the glow from the Glowing Charging Halo™ appliance is affected by your countertop choices:
- Works well: natural stones such as quartzite and marbles as well as manufactured stones such as quartz & solid surfaces
- Conditionally compatible: granite, sintered stone, and wood
- Typically not recommended: porcelain, soapstone, and MDF
- Not compatible: limestone and any metal surface.
Refer to the translucency database to explore ideal materials.
The visibility of a Charging Halo™ indicator’s glow may vary based on lighting conditions. In a dimly lit area, the glow will appear more prominently than in a brightly lit environment such as a window-filled kitchen or countertop with task lighting.
The FREEPOWER device charging capabilities work with many opaque countertop surfaces such as wood or and some sintered stone do not permit the Halo’s glow to shine through. Our craftspeople can use the alternative of etching the surface to create the visual cue for location of the energized area.
Etching the charging surface outline offers an unobtrusive option when the Halo glow is not possible or desired.
The surface of your countertop, tabletop, or other area remains flat and available for other uses with only a slightly visible change in surface texture to indicate where to place your mobile devices for re-energizing.
Controlling Your Charging Device
The functionality and appearance of each of your Charging Halos in your home is controlled by a mobile app. It lets you change the color and brightness of your Charging Halos, set different modes, manage firmware updates, and troubleshoot setup and issues. You may choose from a variety of themed colorways to suit your room’s décor or your mood. You may activate the Wave to Wake™ feature so that the charging zone halo is not visible until it detects motion above it.
Ideas for Invisible Charging Installation
the location and positioning of your wireless Charging Halo should be convenient, but not be disruptive, to the the other functions of the space. For example:
- Placement for use when someone is seated should be offset to the left or right of the seat so that the countertop in front of the person remains available for use.
- Placement in an island or bar top should be between seats so people can share the charger or maintain privacy from people seated next to them.
Anywhere a person spends a lot of time is a great place to consider a invisible charging device when designing your room with eggersmann:
- Cabinetry in high traffic areas such as mudrooms and kitchens:
- Island seating to enable every family member to top off their devices during breakfast before heading out for the day
- Next to the stove or appliance garage where charging while viewing recipes
- Utility room counter for easy streaming and charging while folding clothes
- Cabinetry in locations you want to remember to pick up your phone with a fresh charge to start your day:
- Closet island for primary closets
- Top of a custom built-in dresser in a smaller bedroom closet
- Bathroom vanity next to the bathroom sink.
- Custom furniture:
- Credenza in a foyer, living area, dining room, or almost any room in the house
- Custom storage furniture next to the most-utilized door for coming and going
- Desk in a study, office, or child’s bedroom
- Nightstands.
Keeping the safety of your devices and future charger replacement in mind, Charging Halos cannot be installed in some locations such as:
- Over a pony or support wall
- Over a cabinet structure
- Over any sealed-off location
- Above a heat-generating appliance.
