Can I Install A Power Point Anywhere?

Please tell us if this sounds relatable: You’re ironing clothes when the socket disconnects from the existing power outlet because you stretched too much.

Similar instances also occur when charging your phone or laptop, which can damage the electrical appliances or, even worse, ruin the power outlets. Most people would think that using extension cords will solve the issue, but this is just a temporary fix since it increases the chances of tripping.

It would be better to install a few more power outlets for greater convenience; however, you might be confused about picking the correct spot. Please read our guide as we discuss the best places to install electrical outlets in your home.

Popular Installation Points For Electric Outlets

You can install electric outlets throughout your home, but some points are preferable. It’s important to consider what appliances you plan to use, water sources nearby that can lead to accidents, the complexity of the wiring, etc.

We have listed the following spots based on popular preference:

1. Bathroom Vanity

A common problem for most people is when the cords of an electric outlet crisscross the sink, which can lead to major issues. For one, the wires are near a water source, and when they fray with time, it increases the chances of fire hazards or shocks.

Installing bathroom vanity outlets on either side of the sink or creating electric outlets inside the medicine cabinet would be best. This makes it easier to charge appliances like electric toothbrushes.

You can have outlets underneath the countertop for curling irons, hair straighteners, or hair dryers. But don’t install them yourself. Only a qualified electrician possesses the tools to choose suitable spots free from water spills.

For safety reasons, most bathroom vanity outlets have ground fault circuit interrupters.

2. Floors

Outlets on floors are practical and necessary, considering they reduce the risk of tripping over stray wires or extension cords. And you don’t need us to tell you about the risks associated with exposed wires, especially when kids or pets are in the house.

Floor outlets guarantee safety while also improving the aesthetics of your rooms. They can power various electrical appliances, including lamps, and they are handy for creating a work centre.

Many Australians have converted their dining rooms into workspaces with suitable floor outlets.

3. Outdoor Power Point

Installing power points outdoors is essential if you have a yard in front of the house and would like to host guests for parties or get-togethers. Hence, these outlets prove convenient for decorating the outdoors during holidays.

You can also carry out yard work easily as plugging the various appliances into the socket becomes hassle-free. Some people even install outdoor outlets when their indoor power points need maintenance. But always ask the electrician to add ground fault circuit interrupters for safety.

4. Entry Outlets

Entry outlets are simple, and most Australian homes have multiple power points over a table or shelf. These outlets are handy for charging phones or other electronic gadgets while keeping them at arm’s length.

Best of all, electricians will suggest specific locations for entry outlets, ensuring you don’t leave the devices plugged in for hours. Such is their positioning; you will be forced to unplug the charger when leaving the room, which reduces the chances of accidents.

In other words, you can closely watch all your appliances.

5. TV Outlets

Since modern television sets are wall-mounted, let’s stick to discussing wall-mounted TV outlets to prevent complications. These power points’ specialty ensures that no wires or cords cross the wall between the TV and the outlet.

Also, the latest TVs come with an HDMI cable for smooth viewing, and you can ask the electrician to pass it through the conduit. The conduit is in the wall and helps connect the HDMI with the outlet and the TV.

This gives homeowners a clean area surrounding the TV by hiding the wires and concealing the cords.

6. Home Office

We mentioned using the dining room as a temporary workspace, but what if you want to create a dedicated home office? That’s possible, thanks to home office outlets, for which you will need to determine how to use the workspace.

Once you know how the work area should look, ask the electrician to install the outlet at the correct point. You can use it for numerous purposes, such as connecting desk lights, running printers, and plugging a laptop or computer.

It is incredibly convenient because you can install the outlets inside cabinets or around countertops.

Benefits of Installing A Power Point

Installing a power point in your home or office can bring several advantages that enhance your space’s overall functionality, security, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. This section highlights some of the key benefits of installing a power point.

1. Increased Security: Power points with built-in safety features provide a secure environment for electrical connections. High-quality power points can minimise the risk of electrical accidents such as shocks, short circuits, or fires. Safety mechanisms like childproof shutters and surge protection can safeguard your family or employees from potential hazards, offering peace of mind.

2. Improved Energy Efficiency: Modern power points often have energy-efficient features that optimise power usage. Some power points are equipped with timers or sensors, allowing you to control the power supply to devices or appliances. This functionality helps reduce energy consumption and lowers utility bills. Additionally, advanced power points may include USB charging ports, eliminating the need for separate chargers and reducing standby power usage.

3. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Power points are available in various designs, colours, and finishes, enabling you to select options that complement your interior decor. Whether you prefer sleek and minimalistic designs or decorative styles, power points can seamlessly blend into your space, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. With customisable options, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing environment.

4. Convenience and Accessibility: Installing power points in strategic locations throughout your home or office ensures easy access to electrical power whenever and wherever you need it. This convenience lets you connect and power multiple devices simultaneously, including laptops, smartphones, kitchen appliances, and entertainment systems. With readily available power points, you can eliminate the hassle of searching for available outlets or using unsightly extension cords.

5. Flexibility and Versatility: Power points provide flexibility in terms of placement and usage. Depending on your needs, you can install power points on walls, floors, or furniture, allowing seamless integration into different areas. Furthermore, modular power points offer the versatility to add or remove outlets based on your evolving requirements. This adaptability ensures that your power supply can easily accommodate new devices or appliances without major modifications.

Maintenance

After the outlets are installed, keeping them in top condition is crucial so that the appliances function correctly. Ask the electrician to update the wiring per modern standards and check the power points at least twice yearly to prevent major issues.

Also, for safety, be sure to purchase quality electrical products from trustworthy brands and never plug too many appliances into the same power point. As any licensed electrician will tell you, overloading circuits is a cause for concern—instead, it would be better to install a few more outlets if needed.

So, Can You Install a Power Point Anywhere?

The bottom line is that you can install electrical wiring anywhere based on your convenience, provided the electrician approves.

There are still building plans, blueprints, wirings for other appliances, water pipes, and the location of gas lines to consider before performing any power point installation. But it’s not a major issue in most instances when you hire a professional electrician for the task. And in Sydney, there is no better team than the experts at Bright Force Electrical for power point installation services. Our experts can replace your existing power points with new ones, add extra power points and even upgrade you with USB outlets. So, contact us today on 1300 724 942 for assistance.

While installing electrical outlets isn’t rocket science, you could do more harm than good if you’re not careful. So, even DIY experts should leave the wiring and connections to trained individuals for proper installation.

FAQs

This section aims to provide answers to frequently asked questions about power points. Below, you will find information regarding the cost of installing a power point, the various types of power points available, and the typical duration required for power point installation.

1. What are the different types of power points?

Power points come in various types to accommodate different electrical needs and plug configurations. Here are some common types:

• Standard Power Points are the most common type found in residential and commercial buildings. They typically have two or three-pin sockets compatible with standard plugs.
• USB Power Points: These feature built-in USB ports alongside regular power sockets, allowing you to charge your devices directly using a USB cable.
• Weatherproof Power Points: Designed for outdoor use, these power points are weather-resistant and can withstand exposure to rain, dust, and other elements.
• Smart Power Points: These advanced power points can be controlled remotely through a smartphone or smart home system, allowing you to turn them on or off and monitor energy usage.

These are just a few examples, and other specialised power points may be available for specific applications.

2. How long does it take to install a power point?

The duration required to install a double power point can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the installation, the location of the power point, and the availability of existing wiring. Generally, a straightforward power point installation can take 30 minutes to a few hours. However, more complex installations or situations that require additional wiring may take longer. It is recommended to consult with a qualified electrician who can assess your specific requirements and provide a more accurate time estimate.

Remember, when it comes to electrical installations, it is crucial to hire a licensed electrician to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.