120v Extension Cord with USB outlets

Submitted by HardSn0wCrash t3_zxp2tp in DIY

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Collection of Cords

A year or two ago I saw a facebook ad for a extension cord with colored outlet box, a cloth cable, and USB as well as traditional outlets. I thought they looked amazing but the price for them floored me. I book marked the paged and hoped for a sale.

This year I finally gave up and decided I would try and make my own. The first one turned out pretty good so I decided I would make a bunch as Christmas gifts. I did luck out that the outlets were on sale for 30% off on Amazon Prime day which saved me a bunch.

I wrote out detailed instruction here: Desktop Power and USB Outlet (120v)

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Comments

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Chaos-Jesus t1_j22m2ta wrote

I don't get it, there are tons of mains voltage extension cables with usb for dirt cheap on amazon and elsewhere.

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On2you t1_j22owzp wrote

Well those are way too sleek and slim. Who wants that when you can have a giant receptacle box instead?

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045675327 t1_j22xcd8 wrote

Yeah and who needs products built to safety standards anyway.

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triangulumnova t1_j23qbbz wrote

As an electrician, I guarantee that I can build an outlet box with greater safety standards than half the shit you can buy on Amazon.

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horsemagicians t1_j25ccn6 wrote

Yup I’m not buying anything electrical from CYXVIYYYQBR. I’m not saying you can’t get high quality Chinese products, but those products probably aren’t being sold on Amazon for $7.

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Ricolabonbon t1_j24jel0 wrote

That's why you don't buy that shit on Amazon. Hardware stores exist for a reason.

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Fire__Marshall__Bill t1_j24zo2r wrote

Guarantee you the shit at Home Depot or Lowes is just as crap as the stuff at Amazon, unfortunately.

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horsemagicians t1_j25cjiu wrote

To sell it in a store in Canada and the US they have to meet the electrical code in those countries though, same with safety standards. That doesn’t apply to Amazon crap.

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Ricolabonbon t1_j250xxo wrote

Can't confirm. Most of the stuff at Bauhaus or Hornbach is from Bosch, Siemens, ABB, Wago or Jung. The Chinese crap doesn't get the GS clearance required for sale in Germany. On top of that, the VDE has their own, even stricter testing procedures which guarantee a high degree of safety and quality.

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bcvickers t1_j24g8ec wrote

Do you honestly believe that stuff you buy on Amazon has any safety standards in mind?

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ahj3939 t1_j27s9zb wrote

I can feel the pain from dropping it on my foot through the screen.

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triangulumnova t1_j23q6ud wrote

And those are often cheap pieces of garbage. At least this way you can ensure some amount of quality if you know what you're doing.

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Eldias t1_j24nppk wrote

Amazon is hot garbage, people should stop excusing their atrocious quality and business practices on account of cheap prices.

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[deleted] t1_j226zsz wrote

[deleted]

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horsemagicians t1_j25d4al wrote

Wagos are hot garbage. Something that can just easily pop open. Shit should be banned.

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Tmanbelli t1_j26db0y wrote

They are in most states actually.

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[deleted] t1_j26uzcm wrote

[deleted]

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Tmanbelli t1_j27hx89 wrote

Is actually is true, your statement falls apart quickly if you read the building codes or look at any Wago history. California, Washington, and Florida more explicitly do since you asked for 1 state, here's 3. The first UL certified Wago was a low voltage model in 2003 so your claim of "decades" is false, technically, but was also used explicitly to spread false information that is illegal and harmful to others which violates the Reddit terms and conditions.

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Guygan t1_j21p4fw wrote

It's a very bad idea to give out 120v items that aren't UL approved. If they ever cause a fire, your giftees may not be covered by their insurance, and/or you may be sued.

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jeffroddit t1_j22kepd wrote

The internet has been saying this kinda stuff for decades and it still isn't real. My insurance does not require that everything I use be UL approved, and I doubt anybody else's does either.

My insurance covers me if I get hammered and get in an wreck and kill people. And y'all think a series of UL listed devices connected together is gonna void an insurance policy? Folks build their PCs all the time, you think that will invalidate an insurance claim?

Could you be sued? Of course you can. Duh. You can be sued for NOT giving someone this awesome gift if they end up needing it to plug in some life saving doodad, but they couldn't because you never gave it to them. Anybody can sue anybody for anything else. Duh. I can sue you for making dumb reddit comments. So what?

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100GbE t1_j23h46k wrote

Is this post UL approved?

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smithers85 t1_j23s7k7 wrote

It is not, and now my insurance company has dropped me for reading it.

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Successful_Ride6920 t1_j23yi8q wrote

I took a CyberLaw class once and the instructor said there's only 2 answers you should get from a lawyer: ask "Can I sue?" and the answer is always Yes; any other question should always be answered with "It depends" LOL

In essence, you can always sue, it doesn't mean you'll win

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danielv123 t1_j23lqp3 wrote

Isn't UL approved like CE approval in that if you only use approved parts then the end product is OK as well?

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JEGS25 t1_j23qv7b wrote

Kind of.

Making something out of UL registered components (UR) does not make it UL approved, but makes approval much easier and quicker. You could make a Spinning Knife Electrocuting Machine of Death (TM) out of all UL registered components - UL may still choose to not certify it (their loss).

CE is different from UL. CE is the pirates code - more like guidelines. A manufacturer can self certify their product CE. No one has to verify it, but the manufacturer is potentially liable if there is an issue. I

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Bullinahanky2point0 t1_j24dsjl wrote

I think you're gonna have to fight Colin Furze for that (TM) he made that belt of knives a few years ago.

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nivek_c t1_j240fl9 wrote

Yes, as long as you use those products for their intended purpose as declared by the testing lab. This is not the listed usage for any of these devices, so it does not pass the sniff test

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nivek_c t1_j23zelj wrote

This is just bad information. You create a device that causes a fire, you were not qualified to make it, you're getting held liable. It's really not that hard to understand, and I have personally met people whom this has happened to

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jeffroddit t1_j2cd6da wrote

Bullshit, there is no "qualified to make it" police and even if there were there isn't a "qualified to make it" standard for the non-existant "qualified to make it" law to require.

It's really not that hard to understand and you absolutely do not know anybody who this happened to.

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Apotropaic_Sphinx t1_j22o64a wrote

What's to "approve"? All of the components are rated and being used for their intended purpose.

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OriginalSuggestion87 t1_j237orz wrote

An outlet is not intended to be supplied with stranded wire. The terminals are not the right type for that kind of connection.

Add to that the questionable "strain relief" used and these things are just breaker testers waiting to happen.

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roobinsteen t1_j25bdeq wrote

You are incorrect. Stranded wire is absolutely fine to use with receptacles. The majority of wire run through conduit (think commercial electrical applications) is all stranded, not solid. The only issue is putting stranded and solid under the same terminal (such as a backwire plate, which can accept two conductors), but that isn't happening here.

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horsemagicians t1_j25e8bl wrote

>The majority of wire run through conduit (think commercial electrical applications) is all stranded, not solid.

As a commercial electrician I can promise you this absolutely isn’t true. 99% of the time it is solid. Far easier to terminate solid in a panel then stranded. The only time stranded is really used is when you have to because the wire size is 8awg or larger and it’s only stranded at that point.

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entropy512 t1_j25ps95 wrote

I've been told (I have yet to confirm) that at least in the EU, when terminating stranded into a screw terminal, ferrules are required.

(Ferrules are wonderful in this regard - they let you get the flexibility of stranded wire, but as far as termination is concerned, stranded with a ferrule crimped on it may as well be solid.)

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roobinsteen t1_j25esvw wrote

Fair enough, I defer to you. Oddly though, electricians I know (small residential contractor here) have told me the exact opposite--they often use stranded in conduit because it's easier to pull. Either way, as I'm sure you know, stranded is acceptable to use on receptacles in most cases. OP used the backwire terminal clamps, which is OK for stranded.

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OriginalSuggestion87 t1_j27t4ha wrote

Not only have I never experienced "all stranded" in commercial wiring, I would refuse to work with an electrician who ever tried to pass that off.

That people (read: corner-cutting contractors) do it doesn't change the fact that it is not the intended purpose.

An outlet was not designed to be supplied by a stranded wire, especially stranded wire subject to constant flexing and strain. Full stop.

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roobinsteen t1_j29ewnm wrote

>An outlet was not designed to be supplied by a stranded wire

This is just factually incorrect. Outlets are 100% UL listed for use with both stranded and solid wire, with the only exception being the push/backstab terminals, which must be solid wire. This isn't a matter of opinion. Have a look at this product spec doc from LEVITON:

https://www.leviton.com/en/docs/L-300_B_StraightBladeDevices_2015_Q2j.pdf

all of their receptacles are listed for use with stranded wire in both side and back wiring applications (to be clear, back wiring is using the clamps under the terminals, not back stabbing).

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OriginalSuggestion87 t1_j2b01hl wrote

Is your position that stranded Romex or MC is the same product as stranded appliance or lamp cord as used in the OP's Instructable simply because they're both "stranded?" Is your position also that the UL listing covers an application that will subject the terminations to strain or the supply cable to regular flexing?

I'm willing to bet "homemade power strip" isn't a covered use case under the UL listing, either.

I'm in awe of the mental gymnastics involved in twisting this DIwhy into "100% UL listed" territory because the word "stranded" can apply to multiple products.

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roobinsteen t1_j2b80i6 wrote

>An outlet was not designed to be supplied by a stranded wire

That's what you said, and that's just a factually incorrect statement, which is what I was responding to. It is perfectly safe, fairly common, and UL approved to wire an outlet or switch with stranded wire using the appropriate terminals.

I agree with you that OP's little invention would obviously not be a UL listed device, but again, you said that under no circumstances can stranded wire feed an outlet, which is wrong. Now....despite OP having created something that wouldn't be UL acceptable...it's likely not unsafe as long as they did a good job making the mechanical connections. I myself have a "homemade" extension cord feeding a double duplex outlet box. Made it using a 12awg extension cord and a foursquare Handybox. Is that UL listed? No, but I have beat the ever loving shit out of it on jobsites for a long time and it's fine. Many tradespeople have similar homemade extension cord+boxes and beat the shit out them as well.

My overall point is this is almost certainly not an unsafe device to use, but if I were OP i wouldn't have posted it online to show off, because of the obvious and predictable way in which people would freak out about it.

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nivek_c t1_j23z143 wrote

They are not. Outlets are not intended to be used with lampcord and vise versa. Boxes housing an outlet are required to be properly secured. Whole thing is multiple NEC violations and UL listing violations in one small package

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horsemagicians t1_j25ec5i wrote

Not to mention extension cords aren’t meant to be a permanent source of power.

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mostlygray t1_j26usqt wrote

LOL. The next thing you'll tell me is that outlets aren't supposed to be blackened and melted..

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Rdb12389 t1_j228l0e wrote

Yeah….no. It’s assembled from off the shelf UL listed components in a code compliant way. Box, outlet, 1/2” npt cord pass through, regular NEMA 5-15 plug. Grounded the box. There’s nothing to worry about there.

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bms42 t1_j22fzhn wrote

As far as I'm aware you cannot wire up a 110v receptacle to a stranded wire in a non-fixed location, so the fact the individual components are UL listed is irrelevant - this is definitely not code compliant.

It's also probably perfectly safe under reasonable use, but the problem with people is that they're unreasonable.

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nye1387 t1_j22gw5x wrote

"the problem with people is that they're unreasonable."

No truer words

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Apotropaic_Sphinx t1_j22so7g wrote

> As far as I'm aware you cannot wire up a 110v receptacle to a stranded wire in a non-fixed location

Sure you can. As long as the outlet and the wire are rated for the intended load, and the environment they are to be used in (wet/dry.) Also grounded properly in case of metal faceplates (which OP did.) Stranded wire is fine.

>This is definitely not code compliant.

Which code? Care to share the reference?

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nivek_c t1_j23zou1 wrote

NEC 400.7 the 11 listed uses for flexible cable. This is definitely a code violation. Item 11 in the list is the one you want

  1. Between an existing receptacle outlet and an inlet, where the inlet provides power to an additional single receptacle outlet. The wiring interconnecting the inlet to the single receptacle outlet shall be a Chapter 3 wiring method. The inlet, receptacle outlet, and Chapter 3 wiring method, including the flexible cord and fittings, shall be a listed assembly specific for this application.
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Apotropaic_Sphinx t1_j25gft4 wrote

Well, good on you for actually providing the ref. It's actually 400.10 now as of 2023 but the wording is basically the same.

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nivek_c t1_j25il10 wrote

Yea I'm not even remotely familiar with the 2023 revisions, my jurisdiction is still on 2017 lol. I suppose I better get a copy and start reviewing

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Lee2026 t1_j23pq8c wrote

What you describe is a drop outlet and it exists/is for sale commercially

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nsa_reddit_monitor t1_j22owm5 wrote

I've seen desk lamps with built in 120v outlets in several hotels.

Also, nearly all UL listed power strips use stranded wire.

So I'd hazard a guess that it doesn't really matter.

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chopsuwe t1_j232lrq wrote

My understanding is that stranded wire isn't suitable for use with American outlets as it it tends to squish out from under the screw head when tightened. As long as it can be connected securely it's fine.

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Graygem t1_j23yzao wrote

This outlet uses the screw down clamps, the wire isn't directly under the screw. It will secure stranded wire just fine.

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Justhavingfun888 t1_j22cesa wrote

That may be but you still assembled them and the unit has not been certified. In industrial settings we made our own extension cords and they needed to be inspected by the electrical authority prior to use. They put a pretty sticker on it and shot the shit to kill time. But, really, who cares and nice work!

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Rdb12389 t1_j22dd2z wrote

Haha. Yeah. They love to do that in the industrial space. You would only seek UL certification as a product if you were actually selling them as a single device.

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nivek_c t1_j22j72u wrote

Lamp cord to receptacle = code violations unless

A) this is a temporary power setup that was installed by a qualified electrician

B) the entire assembly is submitted to UL and approved

Technically what op did is illegal and would make them criminally liable in my state for doing electrical work without a license (18 months, 10k fine), and civilly liable for five figures worth of willful building code violations. If the device actually caused a fire or bodily harm it gets way way worse

Point is: this behavior is dumb and shouldn't be encouraged on this subreddit. Teach people to do things the right way, don't encourage them to break laws and put others at risk.

Edit: anyone who wants to argue the code, go review chapter 3 of the NEC and show me where it lists flexible cord as an appropriate wiring method, or maybe go read the 11 accepted uses for flexible cord outlined in 400.7

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nsa_reddit_monitor t1_j22r9co wrote

The NEC doesn't apply though because it covers things like building wiring and doesn't regulate stuff users plug in to that wiring later.

It doesn't make sense anyways. You'd have to also argue that I'd face building code violations if I gifted someone a no-brand power strip from Aliexpress, because I guarantee a lot of those aren't UL listed.

OP's devices would likely be an OSHA violation, but that just means they can't be used in a workplace.

Basically, this is legal because it's not covered by the NEC, it's not in OSHA's jurisdiction, and UL listing isn't required by law.

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nivek_c t1_j23xtv3 wrote

Nec absolutely does regulate what you can do with flexible cord, see my edit for the appropriate sections in the code book to reference. Number 11 on the list of appropriate uses in 400.7 is where you will find the exact wording that specifically prohibits this device.

And no it's not legal, not even in the slightest. you cannot wire electrical devices for use outside your own home without an electricians license or working directly under someone with one, full stop. you cannot create devices that intentionally violate the NEC, regardless of if they're for use in your own home or someone else's, full stop.

Edit: since I don't actually expect you to read 400.7, here's the part you should be concerned with

Between an existing receptacle outlet and an inlet, where the inlet provides power to an additional single receptacle outlet. The wiring interconnecting the inlet to the single receptacle outlet shall be a Chapter 3 wiring method. The inlet, receptacle outlet, and Chapter 3 wiring method, including the flexible cord and fittings, shall be a listed assembly specific for this application.

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danauns t1_j222iw1 wrote

These are kick ass, well done.

I've seen the company you're talking about. They sell the exact same thing. I've been tempted to make my own too!

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Perused t1_j243mz9 wrote

Man, people are brutal. These are cool. They serve a purpose and they have a nice look to them. If everything is wired correctly I seriously doubt there is any kind of fire hazard unless you plug in a defective piece of equipment. .

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horsemagicians t1_j25en5o wrote

As an electrician I’ve never pulled out my square or any measuring tape to strip back insulation. Just strip it, you don’t need to measure it.

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mynaneisjustguy t1_j233fgj wrote

What’s wrong with the available ones? They cost almost nothing… and are more compact.

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nivek_c t1_j24082s wrote

And you won't have to foot the fire damage bill yourself if they end up causing a housefire because they're NRTL approved

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thoiboi t1_j24klel wrote

I’m glad you used decent quality materials !

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HarryArs t1_j24tkju wrote

Interesting project. I don't see mention of getting extension cords with the proper guage copper. You'll want to make sure you've got at least 14awg for your 15amp outlet to avoid a potential fire hazard.

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JooosephNthomas t1_j247x5u wrote

Was the black and gold one done first?

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HardSn0wCrash OP t1_j24rmdh wrote

The black and gold one was the third one that I did. The blue cord closest to the middle with the stainless steel faceplate was the first one.

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JooosephNthomas t1_j24svxk wrote

Darn. Thought you started with the black strain reliefs and moved into the chrome. I just see you did a bunch. The two with the black strain reliefs are my personal favourites. Nice work.

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wkarraker t1_j2bsnol wrote

Nicely done. You know the quality of materials and workmanship that went into your extension. While you can purchase a cheap extension strip from an online retailer for a lot less you can't trust the build quality on most.

I had an issue with a supposed 'quality' surge suppressor years back where one of the outlets was intermittent. First thing I did was replace it, afterwards I tore it apart and checked it out. Instead of solid connections between the copper wires and the metal blades in the outlets they were just pressed together, slots in the metal blades clipped onto bare copper wires. I ended up soldering all of the connections in the strip but I was appalled of the build quality of a $70 name brand surge suppressor.

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Fmlyhmalm t1_j23jgp9 wrote

If your going to make these in the future you really need to use a gfci outlet usb combo but kudos for the innovative gift

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