Modern homes rely on more electrical devices than ever before. From phone chargers and laptops to kitchen appliances, televisions and home office equipment, it's easy to run out of convenient places to plug things in.
If you're regularly relying on extension leads, power boards or double adaptors, adding more power points may be a practical solution. However, installing a new power point involves more than simply choosing an empty spot on the wall.
For Canberra homeowners, it's important to consider where additional power points are needed, how the space is used and whether your existing electrical circuits can safely support them.
In this guide, we'll look at what to consider before installing additional power points and when it's time to speak with a licensed electrician.
Signs You May Need More Power Points
You may benefit from additional power points if you regularly find yourself:
- Using extension leads across rooms
- Relying on power boards for multiple devices
- Running out of places to charge phones, tablets and laptops
- Moving plugs around to use different appliances
- Struggling to find convenient outlets after rearranging furniture
- Setting up a home office or purchasing new appliances
While power boards and extension leads can be useful when used appropriately, relying on them permanently may be a sign that your home's electrical layout no longer suits the way you use your space.
If you're constantly adding adaptors or power boards just to keep up with your electrical needs, it may be worth considering professional power point installation instead.
Where Should You Add More Power Points?
The best locations depend on how you use each room and where your appliances and furniture are positioned.
Kitchen
Kettles, toasters, coffee machines and other benchtop appliances can quickly use up available outlets. Additional power points may be useful near kitchen benches or breakfast bars.
Consider your appliance placement, bench space and cabinetry when planning new outlets.
Living Room
Televisions, sound systems, gaming consoles, lamps and charging devices can create a tangle of cables when there aren't enough convenient outlets.
Additional power points can help keep cords organised, particularly if you're rearranging furniture or installing a wall-mounted TV.
Bedrooms and Home Offices
Bedside lamps, phone chargers, computers and monitors can quickly fill available sockets.
Installing outlets near bedside tables or desks can make these spaces more practical and reduce the need for extension leads.
Garage and Outdoor Areas
Additional power points can be useful for tools, battery chargers, freezers and outdoor equipment.
Outdoor installations need to be suitable for the location and protected from weather exposure. Our electricians can recommend appropriate options for the area.
Choosing the Right Type of Power Point
Depending on the location and intended use, you may want to consider:
Standard Double Power Points
Suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, offices and other areas where multiple devices are used.
USB or USB-C Power Points
Convenient for charging compatible phones, tablets and other devices without needing a separate charging adapter.
Weatherproof Outdoor Power Points
Designed for suitable outdoor locations where power is needed for entertaining, gardening or other equipment.
Power Points for Specific Appliances
Some larger appliances may require dedicated electrical arrangements rather than simply connecting to a standard outlet.
Our electricians can help you choose suitable outlets based on how you use the space and what you intend to connect.
Can Your Existing Electrical Circuit Handle More Power Points?
Adding a power point doesn't automatically mean your home needs a new circuit. However, the existing electrical installation should be assessed before additional outlets are installed.
If a circuit already supplies several appliances, adding more outlets may increase the potential electrical load. This is particularly important when installing power points for high-powered equipment such as workshop tools, large kitchen appliances or heating and cooling systems.
Depending on the electrical requirements, a new circuit or other electrical work may be necessary.
This is also worth considering in older homes, where the existing electrical installation may not have been designed around the number of appliances and devices commonly used today.
If you're regularly relying on multiple power boards, extension leads or adaptors, it may be worth having your electrical installation assessed by a licensed electrician.
Planning Power Points During a Renovation
Renovations are a great opportunity to think about your electrical needs before walls, cabinetry and other finishes are completed.
Before work begins, consider:
- Where furniture will be positioned
- Which appliances will be used
- Where you normally charge devices
- Whether you'll need additional outlets in the future
- Whether any high-powered appliances will need dedicated electrical connections
Planning ahead can help you avoid relying on extension leads and reduce the need for electrical modifications later.
If you're planning a larger electrical upgrade as part of your renovation, you may also want to consider whether your home has single-phase or three-phase power and whether your existing electrical supply is suitable for your future needs.
Why You Should Use a Licensed Electrician
Installing a new power point involves working with electrical wiring and connections. Incorrect installation can create safety risks and may result in electrical faults or damage.
A licensed electrician can assess the proposed location, determine the appropriate installation method and complete the work safely and in accordance with Australian electrical requirements.
For more information about electrical safety and carrying out electrical work in the ACT, see WorkSafe ACT's electrical safety information .
If you find yourself constantly needing more outlets, professional installation may be a better long-term solution than relying on multiple adaptors and extension leads.
What to Expect When Adding More Power Points
The process will generally involve:
Discussing Your Requirements
Tell our electrician which rooms need more outlets, where you would like them positioned and what devices or appliances you intend to use.
Assessing the Existing Installation
Our electricians can determine whether the proposed outlets can be safely connected to the existing electrical installation.
Planning the Locations
The position of the new power points should suit your furniture, appliances and daily routines.
Installing and Testing
The new power points can then be installed and tested to ensure they are operating correctly.
The cost and time required will depend on the number of outlets, their locations and whether additional electrical work is required.
Final Thoughts
Adding more power points can make your home safer and more convenient, especially if you're regularly relying on extension leads or power boards.
Whether you're renovating, setting up a home office or simply running out of places to plug things in, planning your electrical layout properly can make a big difference.
A licensed electrician can assess your existing installation and help determine the right solution for your home.
Need More Power Points in Your Canberra Home?
Running out of convenient places to plug in your appliances and devices?
Capital Home Electrical can help with power point installation and electrical upgrades across Canberra and the surrounding ACT region.
Our licensed electricians can assess your requirements, recommend suitable locations and install additional power points to suit your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add more power points without rewiring my house?
In many cases, additional power points can be connected to an existing electrical installation. However, the existing wiring and circuit capacity should be assessed by a licensed electrician first.
Do I need a new circuit for every additional power point?
No. Whether a new circuit is required depends on the existing electrical installation and the expected electrical load.
Can I install power points in an outdoor area?
Yes. Outdoor power points can be installed when suitable equipment and installation methods are used for the location and conditions.
Can I add power points during a renovation?
Yes. Renovations can be a good opportunity to plan additional outlets before walls, cabinetry or other finishes are completed.
What should I do if a power point is sparking or overheating?
Stop using the affected outlet and arrange for a licensed electrician to inspect it. Do not continue using a power point that is sparking, overheating or showing signs of damage.