Legrand Wiremold RDSZCBK Review: Stylish but Pricey
A surprising number of commercial installers and home users rate the Legrand Wiremold RDSZCBK Furniture Power Center at 8.5/10, citing its clean recessed design and versatility as standout qualities. While its marketing emphasizes quick installation and stylish integration into furniture, community feedback reveals that the real draw is the combination of tamper‑resistant outlets, USB charging, and an optional lighting switch that fits neatly into hospitality or office setups.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — excellent for fixed furniture installations in offices, hotels, or home workspaces, but less practical for portable or temporary setups.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sleek, low‑profile recessed design | Requires cutting into furniture for installation |
| Dual tamper‑resistant outlets | Limited surge protection mentioned |
| 1 USB‑A + 1 USB‑C charging ports | Higher price compared to generic power strips |
| Optional push‑button lighting switch | Not ideal for very thin surfaces (<3/8") |
| Pass‑through plug preserves outlet access | Cord length fixed at 6 ft or 10 ft depending on model |
| Spill‑safe for horizontal surfaces | No smart home integration |
| Commercial‑grade build quality | Slightly heavier than standard strips |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing materials highlight “quick and easy installation” with screw clamps instead of wood screws. Digging deeper into user reports, this claim holds up in most cases — Reddit user feedback confirms: “Simply cut an opening, insert, tighten clamps, snap on the bezel and plug in. Took me less than 15 minutes.” However, some installers in hospitality noted that cutting precise rectangular openings in stone or glass took longer than expected.
Another core claim is “safe for spills and ready to mount in horizontal surfaces like table tops.” Verified buyers on Amazon noted this was useful in conference rooms and cafés. One review stated: “We’ve had coffee spill near it twice, and no issues.” But in practice, this safety applies only to the faceplate design — internal wiring should still be kept dry, especially in high‑moisture environments.
Lastly, Legrand promotes “charging mobile devices as quickly as possible” via 5V, 3.1A total USB output. While technically accurate, multiple users on Trustpilot reported that charging speeds for USB‑C devices were “acceptable but not blazing fast” compared to dedicated PD chargers. The unit’s ports are well‑suited for phones and tablets, but less optimal for laptops.
Cross‑Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Amazon, and Trustpilot, the recessed aesthetic earns consistent praise. A verified buyer on Amazon described it as “a step above ordinary — hides the screws, flush finish.” For hotel managers, the integrated power and USB means guests can charge without hunting for wall outlets. Twitter reactions also lauded the pass‑through plug feature: “You don’t lose an outlet when you install it — perfect for adding a lamp.”
Commercial office installers highlight the tamper‑resistant receptacles. One Quora contributor explained that in public spaces, “TR outlets prevent accidental insertions and are a must for safety.” Hospitality staff noted the optional push‑button lighting control was a bonus for bedside tables in guest rooms.
The ability to mount in a variety of surfaces — wood, composite, even glass — broadens its appeal. A Reddit user in an education sector project said: “We mounted them in study carrels — screw clamps held perfectly without damaging the laminate.”
Common Complaints
Despite the general satisfaction, cost is a recurring friction point. On eBay, listings show prices up to $242.10, with Reddit comments noting, “You can get a similar power strip for under $30, but it won’t look this good.” This positions the RDSZCBK as a premium choice.
Installation complexity for novice DIYers is another pain point. A Trustpilot reviewer warned: “If you’re not comfortable cutting into furniture, hire someone — mistakes are costly.” Also, while marketed as spill‑safe, several users cautioned that it’s not waterproof and should be avoided in outdoor installations.
Cord length limitations surfaced in both Amazon and Build.com reviews. The fixed 6 ft cord on most units works for desks, but longer runs require the 10 ft variant, which isn’t always in stock.
Divisive Features
The lighting switch option divides opinion. Hospitality projects value it — “Guests love controlling the bedside lamp without extra cords” (Twitter user comment) — but home office users often skip it, seeing it as redundant. Similarly, the USB‑C port earns praise for versatility, yet some tech‑heavy users prefer higher‑wattage PD outputs.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot patterns show a generally positive trust profile, with no widespread reports of counterfeit units. The brand’s ETL listing and FCC compliance add credibility. Long‑term Reddit posts describe durability in high‑traffic environments: “Six months in a public library desk — no looseness, ports still tight.”
However, minor scuffing on the bezel in high‑use areas was noted. A commercial buyer remarked, “Finish holds up well, but black shows fingerprints.” This is cosmetic rather than functional.
Alternatives
Within the dataset, the closest alternative is the Legrand Wiremold RDZCBK10 basic unit without the lighting switch. It shares most specs but swaps USB‑C for dual USB‑A in some configurations. Hospitality installers lean toward the RDSZCBK for the switch feature, while office setups often opt for RDZCBK10 to save cost.
The discontinued RDSZCBK model with USB‑A/C and switch still appears on secondary markets; its ability to mount in stone or glass is a differentiator over generic strips.
Price & Value
Prices vary sharply by platform: Build.com lists at $94.81, Amazon at $160, and eBay sellers asking over $240. Resale value appears stable for discontinued variants, with secondary buyers willing to pay a premium for matching units in existing installations.
Community buying tips include watching for stock clearance at electrical suppliers, where bulk orders can drop per‑unit cost significantly. Installers on Reddit suggest sourcing directly from Legrand distributors for warranty support.
FAQ
Q: Can this be installed in glass furniture?
A: Yes, according to manufacturer specs and installer feedback, screw clamps allow mounting in glass and stone surfaces without wood screws.
Q: Does the USB‑C port support fast charging?
A: It provides up to 3.1A total shared output, sufficient for phones and tablets but not high‑wattage PD for laptops.
Q: Is it safe to use in kitchens or near sinks?
A: The design is spill‑safe for horizontal surfaces, but it is not waterproof. Avoid direct water exposure.
Q: Can I replace the cord with a longer one?
A: No, cord length is fixed at either 6 ft or 10 ft depending on the model purchased.
Q: What’s the benefit of the pass‑through plug?
A: It lets you connect the unit to an outlet already in use, preserving access for another device like a lamp.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need a stylish, recessed power and USB solution for fixed furniture in commercial or hospitality spaces where safety and aesthetics matter. Avoid if you’re looking for portable, high‑wattage charging or outdoor use. Pro tip from community: measure and mark carefully before cutting — precision makes the install look factory‑finished.
