Power Point Additions — What Wide Bay Homeowners Need to Know

Why not just use power boards?

Power boards and double adapters are fine as a temporary solution, but they're not a substitute for properly installed wall outlets. Stacking too many devices on a single circuit through multi-boards creates a fire risk — particularly with high-draw appliances like space heaters, air conditioners, or kettles. A dedicated power point, wired into the right circuit, is always the safer option.

Where do people add power points most?

The most common requests we see across the Wide Bay include:

• Kitchen bench areas — for blenders, kettles, toasters, and coffee machines. Adding a bank of GPOs (general purpose outlets) above the benchtop is a game-changer.
• Bedrooms — bedside power for phone chargers, lamps, and CPAP machines. Twin outlets on each side of the bed is the standard request.
• Home offices — with more people working remotely, a dedicated outlet or two near the desk saves running cords across the room.
• Living rooms — behind entertainment units for TVs, soundbars, game consoles, and streaming devices.
• Garages and sheds — for power tools, battery chargers, fridges, and workshop equipment.
• Outdoor areas — weatherproof power points for BBQs, pool pumps, garden lighting, and entertaining.

Do I need a sparky?

Yes. Under Queensland legislation, all electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician. Adding a power point involves running cable, connecting to a circuit, and terminating at the outlet — all work that carries real risk if done wrong. A licensed electrician will also ensure the work complies with the current Australian Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000).

Can any circuit handle an extra power point?

Not necessarily. Every circuit has a maximum load — typically 16 amps for a standard lighting/power circuit in homes. If you're adding to a kitchen or workshop where high-draw appliances are common, your electrician may recommend a dedicated circuit rather than tapping into an existing one.

A good electrician will check your switchboard load, assess the cable sizing, and advise whether the existing circuit can cope or a new circuit is needed.

What does a power point addition cost?

Costs vary depending on the complexity — how far the cable needs to run, whether it's a new circuit, and the type of wall (brick and timber-framed walls differ in labour). A straightforward addition in a timber-framed home, close to an existing circuit, is usually quite affordable. A brick veneer or concrete wall with a long cable run will cost more.

For an accurate quote, a licensed electrician needs to see the site. Any electrician who quotes over the phone without looking at the job is guessing.

Practical tips

• Go with twin outlets. The cost difference between a single and a twin GPO is small, and you'll always wish you had the extra socket.
• USB combo outlets are now available for built-in charging without a bulky adapter. These are popular in kitchens and bedrooms.
• Think about the future. If you're planning a kitchen renovation, home office fit-out, or shed setup, add more points than you think you'll need. Retrofitting later costs more.
• Consider height and placement. Power points behind furniture you'll never move? Fine. Power points behind a bed headboard where you can't reach them? Frustrating. Think about how you'll actually use each outlet day to day.

Core Services Electrical & Air — Licensed electrical contractors serving the Wide Bay. We install power point additions in homes across Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Bundaberg, and surrounding areas. Call for a quote.

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