Powerboard and extension lead safety

The everyday reality

Almost every home has powerboards behind the TV, under the desk and in the kitchen. They're convenient and, used properly, perfectly safe. Problems arise when they're overloaded, damaged, chained together or used as a long-term substitute for proper power points.

Know the limits

A standard wall power point in Australia is rated at 10 amps. That's roughly 2400 watts. A powerboard plugged into that outlet can't supply more than the wall point can, no matter how many sockets it has. Six outlets doesn't mean six appliances' worth of power.

Things like computers, phone chargers, lamps and TVs draw little. Heaters, kettles, toasters, hair dryers, irons and air fryers draw a lot. Two high-draw appliances on the same powerboard can easily overload it.

Rules of thumb

• Plug heaters and other high-draw appliances straight into the wall.
• Don't plug one powerboard into another, known as daisy chaining.
• Choose powerboards with overload protection.
• Don't cover powerboards with rugs, clothes or bedding, where heat can build up.
• Keep them off the floor in kitchens, laundries and bathrooms where water may be about.
• Unroll extension leads fully when in use. A coiled lead can heat up under heavy load.

Signs a powerboard or lead needs replacing

• Discolouration or scorch marks around the sockets.
• A warm or hot feel to the board or plug.
• A burning or melting plastic smell.
• Cracked casing, loose sockets, or plugs that fall out.
• Damaged, kinked or taped-up cables.

If you see any of these, unplug it and throw it out. They're cheap to replace, and fires are not.

It's also worth checking the wall outlet the board plugs into. If the plug feels loose in the socket, or the plate is cracked or discoloured, the power point itself needs replacing. A loose connection at the wall creates heat in exactly the same way a damaged board does.

Travel adaptors and cheap imports

Powerboards and adaptors bought online from overseas sellers don't always meet Australian standards. Some have no overload protection at all, thin internal wiring and plastic that melts easily. Look for products sold by established Australian retailers and check for compliance markings on the packaging. The same goes for chargers and leads.

Extension leads outside

Use leads rated for outdoor use when working in the garden, keep connections off wet ground and away from pools. Make sure outdoor circuits are protected by a safety switch. Better still, a permanent weatherproof outdoor point removes the need for a lead.

When powerboards become the problem

If your home has powerboards in nearly every room, it's a sign the wiring hasn't kept up with modern living. That's common in older homes around Port Kembla, Lake Heights and Unanderra, where rooms may have just one single power point. Adding more points is safer and tidier than relying on boards.

Our power point installs page covers adding outlets where you actually need them.

Old wiring and switchboards

Frequent tripping when using several appliances, warm wall outlets, or flickering lights when something big switches on, can point to circuits that are overloaded or wiring that's tired. If your home still has ceramic fuses rather than circuit breakers and safety switches, it's worth looking at a switchboard upgrade. Older homes may also benefit from partial or full rewiring.

Safety switches matter

A safety switch won't stop an overloaded powerboard overheating, but it does protect people from electric shock if a damaged lead or appliance develops a fault. Every circuit in your home should be protected.

Let's take the pressure off your powerboards

If you're tired of the tangle, call or text Kalani on 0424 400 346. Send a few photos of where you're using powerboards and we'll suggest where new points would help most.