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Power point installation is one of the most common electrical jobs in Adelaide homes. Most houses built before the 1990s were wired for far fewer appliances than we use now, so it is normal to find powerboards daisy-chained behind the TV, extension leads across the kitchen and nowhere to plug in a phone by the bed. Adding a few well-placed outlets fixes that, and it is safer than relying on powerboards.
SuperFox is an enquiry service. We pass your enquiry to one local electrician, who calls you back and quotes for the work. For other electrical jobs, see our electrician Adelaide hub.
What power point jobs are covered?
A local electrician can usually handle any of these:
- New power points where there are none, such as a kitchen bench, study, bedroom or garage
- Single to double conversions
- Moving a power point during a renovation or furniture change
- Outdoor power points for the patio, barbecue, pool equipment, shed or garden lighting
- USB power points with built-in USB-A or USB-C charging ports
- Replacing damaged power points that are cracked, loose, discoloured or sparking
- Dedicated circuits for high-demand appliances such as ovens, heat pumps or workshop gear
Signs you need new or replacement power points
| Sign | What it suggests |
|---|---|
| Powerboards plugged into powerboards | Not enough outlets for how you use the room |
| Scorch marks or a burning smell | Overheating; stop using it and get it checked |
| Plugs fall out or feel loose | Worn contacts that can arc and heat up |
| Cracked or broken faceplate | Live parts may be exposed |
| Power point feels warm | Possible loose connection or overload |
| Extension leads running outdoors | An outdoor power point is safer |
What’s involved in installing a power point
For a typical install power point job, the electrician will:
- Look at the location and the nearest circuit, checking whether it can take another outlet or whether a new circuit is needed.
- Run cable through the wall cavity, roof space or under the floor. In brick homes, this sometimes means chasing a channel in the wall or using surface-mounted conduit.
- Fit the outlet, whether a standard double, USB model or weatherproof outdoor unit.
- Test the polarity, earth and safety switch protection on the circuit.
- Issue a certificate of compliance for the work.
Some installs are quick because cable can be dropped down a timber stud wall from the roof. Others take longer, such as double-brick walls, concrete slabs or homes with no roof access.
Outdoor power points
An outdoor power point lets you run a pool pump, garden tools, a barbecue rotisserie or festoon lights without trailing a lead through a window. Outdoor outlets should be weatherproof, positioned to stay out of the weather where possible, and protected by a safety switch. In coastal suburbs such as Glenelg, Henley Beach and Hallett Cove, salt air is hard on exposed fittings, so ask about outlets suited to coastal conditions.
USB power points
USB power points replace a standard double outlet with one that also has USB charging ports. They suit bedsides, kitchen benches and home offices. Some models offer USB-C with faster charging; others suit phones only. The electrician can show you options that fit standard wall plates.
Power points in Adelaide homes
Older Adelaide homes are often double brick or solid brick, which makes cable runs harder than in timber-framed houses. Some older houses also have outdated wiring, and adding an outlet to an old circuit may reveal that the circuit isn’t protected by a safety switch. In that case, the electrician may recommend adding safety switches or a switchboard upgrade at the same time.
Hot summers mean portable air-conditioners and fans get plugged in all over the house. If you find yourself running a heater or portable cooler from a powerboard, a dedicated outlet is the safer answer.
What affects the price of power point installation?
The electrician quotes before work starts. The main factors are:
- Number of outlets. Several outlets in one visit is more efficient than separate call-outs
- Wall construction. Timber stud walls are simpler than double brick or concrete
- Access to the roof space or under the floor
- Distance from the circuit or switchboard
- Outlet type. Weatherproof and USB outlets cost more than standard doubles
- New circuit required for high-load appliances
- Condition of existing wiring and switchboard
Many electricians charge a call-out or minimum fee, so it pays to group small jobs together. Our guide to plumber and electrician call-out fees explains how these charges usually work.
SA rules and what to ask the electrician
Electrical work in South Australia must be done by a licensed electrical worker, with licensing administered by Consumer and Business Services (CBS). You can check a licence on the CBS public register. The electrician must give you a certificate of compliance for the work; see our explainer on the certificate of compliance in SA.
Ask the electrician:
- Can the existing circuit handle the new outlets?
- Will the new power points be protected by a safety switch?
- Is the outdoor outlet weatherproof and suitable for its position?
- Will the wall need chasing or surface conduit?
- Can you do other small jobs while you’re here, such as lighting installation?
Getting your power points sorted
Send one enquiry through the contact form or call 08 6800 6079. List every outlet you want so the quote covers the lot. We pass the details to one local electrician, who calls you back within 24–48 hours.