Welcome to another entry in our “Ask an Electrician” series, dedicated to demystifying the electrical queries of Sydney homeowners. Today, we’re addressing a common enhancement many consider for their homes: adding additional power points to a room. Whether you’re in bustling Marrickville or the vibrant Inner West, understanding what’s involved and the associated costs can help you plan your next home improvement project.
Why Add More PowerPoints?
As our homes become increasingly filled with gadgets and appliances, the original electrical design may no longer meet our needs. Adding extra power points can reduce reliance on extension cords and power boards, which, if overused, can pose safety risks.
What’s Required?
- Assessment: A licensed electrician will first need to assess your current electrical system to ensure it can handle the additional load. This includes checking your home’s wiring, circuit capacity, and safety switch adequacy.
- Planning: Deciding on the number and location of new power points is crucial. It’s not just about where you currently need them, but also considering future needs.
- Compliance: All electrical work must comply with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules), ensuring safety and functionality.
- Installation: This involves cutting into walls, running new wiring, installing new power points, and integrating them into your home’s electrical system.
Hypothetical Scenario: The Nguyen Family in Marrickville
The Nguyens, a family of four living in Marrickville, found themselves constantly juggling chargers and appliances in their living room, leading to the inconvenient and unsafe use of multiple extension cords. They decided to add four new power points to make their space more functional and safer.
Process and Costs:
- Initial Assessment: A local electrician thoroughly checked their electrical system, confirming it could support the additional power points. This assessment cost them $150.
- Installation: The electrician quoted $200 per new power point, covering labour and materials. For four power points, this totalled $800.
- Total Cost: The investment for the Nguyen family was $950, including the initial assessment and installation of four new power points.
Outcome:
The new power points installed made the Nguyens’ living room more organised and safer. The risk of overusing extension cords was eliminated, and they gained greater flexibility in arranging their space.
Conclusion
Adding extra power points is a practical upgrade for many Sydney homes, offering enhanced safety and convenience. While the costs can vary depending on the complexity of the installation and the rates of your chosen electrician, investing in this upgrade can significantly improve the functionality of your home.
Our “Ask an Electrician” series strives to provide you with the knowledge and tips you need for a safer, more efficient home. If you’re considering adding more power points or have other electrical improvements, consulting with a licensed electrician is the first step to ensuring your home meets your needs and complies with all safety standards.
Stay tuned for more helpful tips and insights in future posts. And remember, for any electrical upgrades or questions, always rely on the expertise of licensed professionals.
