How many power points does a room need

Why older homes fall short

A home built in the 1960s or 70s was wired for a kettle, a toaster, a radio and maybe one television. Many of the brick and fibro homes around Warilla, Barrack Heights and Berkeley still have a single power point in each bedroom and two or three in the kitchen. Today the same rooms hold phones, laptops, chargers, routers, gaming consoles, air purifiers and more.

The result is powerboards everywhere, extension leads under rugs and adaptors stacked on adaptors. That's both messy and a safety concern.

A room-by-room starting point

These are general suggestions, not rules. Your own habits matter more.

• Kitchen: plenty of double power points along the benches, so every appliance has its own spot. Add dedicated points for the fridge, dishwasher and microwave, and think about the island bench.
• Living room: at least two double points on opposite walls, plus a cluster behind the TV for the television, sound bar, game console and internet box.
• Main bedroom: a double point either side of the bed, one near where a TV or desk might go, and one for vacuuming or a heater.
• Kids' bedrooms: a double each side of the bed area and one near the desk.
• Home office: more than you think. Computers, monitors, printers and chargers add up fast.
• Laundry: points for the washer and dryer, plus one at bench height for an iron.
• Bathroom: a point near the mirror for a hairdryer or toothbrush, installed with the correct clearances from water.
• Garage: points for tools, a fridge or freezer, and the garage door motor.

Placement matters as much as number

A power point behind the couch or wardrobe is close to useless. Before adding new ones, sketch the room and mark where furniture will go. Then place points where they'll actually be reached. Bedside points should sit just above bedside table height so plugs aren't hidden behind the table.

Doubles over singles

In most cases, a double power point costs only a little more than a single and gives you twice the outlets. It's rare to regret choosing doubles. Where an existing single point is in a good spot, it can often be swapped for a double without any new cabling at all, which is one of the quickest wins in an older home.

USB outlets

Combined power and USB points are handy beside beds, in kitchens and at desks. They free up the regular outlets for appliances.

Can the existing wiring handle more

Adding power points isn't just about outlets. Each circuit can only safely carry so much. In older homes we check the condition of the wiring and how loaded each circuit already is. Sometimes a new circuit from the switchboard is the right answer, especially in kitchens. If the switchboard is old or full, a switchboard upgrade may be needed to add circuits and safety switches.

Planning during a renovation

If you're renovating, this is the time to get it right. Walls and ceilings are open, so running new cables is easy and cheap compared with retrofitting later. Think about where you'll want power in ten years, not just today. Our renovation and new home electrical page covers how we work with builders.

Outdoor points

Don't forget the outside. A weatherproof power point on the patio or near the barbecue saves running leads through windows. See our pool and outdoor power page for more.

Let's plan your power

Our power point installs page explains what we do. Walk through the house, jot down where you're using powerboards, and send us the list.

Call or text Kalani on 0424 400 346. Photos of the rooms and your current power points help us plan the job.