Vancouver’s VoltSafe wants to redefine the way the world connects to electricity with the very first prong-less magnetic electrical plug.
The startup’s prong-less plug is so innovative, there have been no certification standards that have existed for it, until now.
VoltSafe’s patented technology creates a safer, simpler, and smarter alternative to the traditional pronged plug.
“We challenged the world standard for electrical plugs and won,” says Trevor Burgess, CEO of VoltSafe. “For our prong-less design to receive such a high level of safety certification across North America is unprecedented and groundbreaking. We’re excited to bring the electrical plug into the 21st century with safer and more energy efficient technology for consumers and global industries.”
VoltSafe’s plug technology uses proximity and sensing-based actuation methods. Instead of metal prongs plugging into an outlet where live electricity is easily accessible, this invention has a flat receptacle with circular contacts that magnetically connect with a plug of a similar and complementary configuration.
With this new patented technology, electricity does not flow until both sides are fully connected and a fingerprint-like check takes place. The plug’s surface is always completely safe to touch. This eliminates possibility of electrocution (there is no live electricity accessible), reduces the risk of arcing (sparks/fires), and injury or damage, as it connects and disconnects easily and quickly.
In 2018, VoltSafe successfully pitched on Dragon’s Den, receiving three offers, and recently won the BC Cleantech Newcomer award at GLOBE 2020. VoltSafe is currently raising a seed round which is expected to close by the end of this month.