Convenient sockets can reduce reaching behind furniture, but adding a desktop module is not just a design choice. The equipment must suit the local supply, devices and installation. A useful arrangement keeps connections accessible without turning the working surface into a tangle.
List the connections you need
Separate mains power, USB charging, data and display connections. A USB-C-shaped port does not guarantee a particular charging capability or data function. Check the requirements of the laptop and accessories, including the cable. Decide which connections are used every day and which can stay below the desk.
A modular desktop unit
BACHMANN DESK 2 is an example of a configurable connection-unit family. The pictured product is a family illustration; socket formats and module combinations vary by market. Choose a version approved and suitable for your local electrical installation. Do not order a foreign socket arrangement merely because its finish matches the desk.
Clamp-on or built-in?
A clamp-on unit can avoid cutting the top if the desk and clamp are compatible. A recessed module needs a correctly sized opening and suitable material around it. Check clearance below for drawers, frames and knees. Do not drill a hole before confirming the exact module, required edge distances and installation instructions.
Allow for the plugs
Large adapters can obstruct neighboring sockets or project into a useful work area. Check the loaded layout, not just the empty module dimensions. Keep liquids away and follow the product’s operating and mounting instructions. Some configurations require separately specified supply components; a product photo does not establish that the complete connection system is included.
Keep below-desk routing accessible
A tidy opening should protect cables from sharp edges and allow the required connectors through. Separate strain relief from ordinary bundling and leave appropriate movement for adjustable desks. Do not chain power strips, improvise mains wiring or hide damaged equipment. Fixed electrical alterations need the appropriate qualified work for the location.
Avoid paying for unused functions
A properly selected, accessible power strip and a suitable cable route may solve a modest setup. Compare charger output, certifications, supply components and installation needs before choosing a more elaborate module. A small port list on the specification can matter more than the cabinet finish. Which connection do you reach for most often during a normal workday?
Sources and product information
BACHMANN — DESK 2 ALU BLACK modular desktop unit
Product information checked October 17, 2026. Check current documentation for the exact model, permitted installation, loads and compatibility. Product photos illustrate the named item; other arrangements discussed may require different products. Prices and availability vary by market.