A widebody kit changes how your charger sits in the outlet, but it does not change how much power flows through

A widebody kit is a plastic or rubber adapter that makes a standard charger plug wider so it fits into an outlet alongside another plug without blocking it. The kit wraps around or extends the charger's body, not the prongs themselves. It solves a real problem — many outlets have plugs spaced too close together — but it does not increase charging speed, add safety features, or alter the electrical current your device receives.

The charger itself still delivers the same wattage it was designed to deliver. A 20-watt charger with a widebody kit is still a 20-watt charger. The kit is purely about physical fit in the outlet.

Key Takeaways

  • A widebody kit makes a charger plug wider so two plugs can fit in one outlet without one blocking the other.
  • The kit does not change charging speed, wattage, or the amount of power flowing to your device.
  • Widebody kits can create safety risks if they force plugs into outlets that are not designed for them or if they cause loose connections.
  • The safest option is to use a power strip with spaced outlets rather than forcing two plugs into one outlet with an adapter.

How a widebody kit physically works

The kit is a hollow plastic or rubber shell that slides over or clips onto the charger's plug body — the part you hold, not the metal prongs that go into the outlet. It makes that body wider, sometimes by an inch or more on each side. This extra width pushes the charger away from the center of the outlet, leaving room for a second plug on the other side.

The metal prongs themselves stay the same size and shape. They still fit into a standard two-prong or three-prong outlet the same way. The kit just moves the charger's body out of the way so it does not physically touch the other plug.

What widebody kits do not change

The charger's internal circuitry and transformer remain unchanged. A widebody kit has no electrical components — it is just plastic or rubber. The voltage and amperage your device receives are determined entirely by the charger itself, not by the kit around it.

If your phone or laptop charges slowly with a widebody kit, the slowness is not caused by the kit. It is caused by the charger's original wattage rating. A 5-watt charger will charge slowly whether it has a kit or not. A 65-watt charger will charge quickly whether it has a kit or not. The kit is invisible to the electrical system.

Safety concerns with widebody kits

Widebody kits create two main risks. First, they can force plugs into outlets that are not designed to hold them safely. If an outlet's prong holes are worn or loose, adding a kit that pushes a plug in at an angle can cause a poor connection, which generates heat and increases fire risk. Second, kits can make it harder to remove a plug quickly if something goes wrong.

A third, less obvious risk: if the kit is made of flammable plastic and a charger overheats, the plastic can melt or catch fire. Low-quality kits offer no protection. High-quality kits are made of flame-resistant material, but most people do not know which they have.

The outlet itself can also be damaged. Forcing two plugs into an outlet designed for one can bend the internal prongs or widen the holes, making that outlet unsafe for future use.

When a widebody kit makes sense

A widebody kit is useful only if you have a specific outlet where two plugs genuinely will not fit side by side, and you have no other option. This happens in older buildings with outlets mounted close together, or in tight spaces like behind a bed or desk.

Even then, the kit should be a temporary solution. The better long-term fix is a power strip with widely spaced outlets, which costs $10 to $30 and eliminates the problem entirely. A power strip also lets you plug in more devices, adds an on-off switch, and includes surge protection on most models.

How to choose a widebody kit if you decide to use one

If you do use a kit, look for one made of flame-resistant plastic or rubber, not cheap flexible plastic that melts easily. The kit should fit snugly on your charger without gaps or loose parts. Test it in the outlet before leaving it plugged in for hours — the fit should be firm and the charger should not rock or shift.

Do not use a kit on a charger that already runs warm or hot. Do not stack multiple kits on one charger. Do not use a kit on a charger with a damaged cord or plug. If the outlet itself feels loose or damaged, do not use a kit there — that outlet needs repair.

Alternatives that are safer and more practical

A power strip is the simplest alternative. Plug it into one outlet, and you have four to six outlets with space between them. Most include surge protection, which a widebody kit does not. A power strip also lets you turn everything off at once with one switch.

A multi-outlet adapter (also called a three-way or four-way adapter) is smaller than a power strip and works the same way — it plugs into one outlet and gives you multiple outlets. These are cheaper than power strips, usually $5 to $15, but they do not include surge protection or an on-off switch.

If you need outlets in a different location, an extension cord with a power strip at the end solves the problem without forcing plugs into a single outlet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a widebody kit slow down charging?

No. The kit is purely physical — it does not touch any electrical components. Charging speed depends only on the charger's wattage rating, not on whether it has a kit. If charging is slow, the charger itself is low-wattage, not the kit.

Can I use a widebody kit on any charger?

Most kits fit standard chargers, but check the fit before relying on it. Do not use a kit on a charger with a damaged cord, a plug that is already loose, or one that runs hot. If the charger is bulky or has an unusual shape, the kit may not grip it securely.

Is a widebody kit safer than using a power strip?

No. A power strip is safer because it distributes the load across multiple outlets and includes surge protection. A widebody kit forces two plugs into one outlet, which can damage the outlet and create loose connections that overheat.

What happens if I leave a widebody kit plugged in all the time?

If the kit is high-quality and the outlet is in good condition, nothing harmful will happen. But if the outlet is loose or the kit is low-quality plastic, heat can build up over time. Check the outlet and kit regularly for warmth, discoloration, or melting.

Can I use multiple widebody kits on the same outlet?

No. Stacking kits makes the problem worse — you are forcing more plugs into a space not designed for them. Use a power strip instead.