15amp Power Point Installation – Everything You Need To Know!

General power outlets are 10amp while a 15amp power point is designed to fit 15 amp appliances safely. 15 amp outlets are able to fit 15 amp appliances and also 10amp plugs but a 10 amp outlet cannot fit a 15 amp plug. 15 amp circuits are dedicated single outlets that run off single phase circuits but can handle heavier electrical loads. 

When do I Need a 15amp Power Outlet?

15amp power points are great for places that have appliances that need this type of power. Most times this is for places with a plug in split system aircon or hot water system or for a home workshop where an appliance needs the 15amp socket to safely draw out power. 3 phase power is often upgraded from single phase power when a home has many different electrical systems that draw out a large amount of power. Most times however single phase power and installing one or a few 15amp power sockets will be more efficient for some people. 

If you are curious to know why you should upgrade to 3 phase power or compare between single phase and 3 phase power our blogs are here to help!

The general process to install 15 amp and other power outlets are:

1. The power is turned off to ensure that work can be done safely when operating with the wires. This is either to the one dedicated circuit where the new power outlet is being installed or the whole home’s power will be temporarily disconnected if multiple are being installed. 
2. Electrical cables are fed to the location where the 15amp socket will be installed via a hole in the wall. A metal clamp holds the wires together and enough pokes out so they can be properly hooked up to the outlet. 
3. The cables’ insulation is stripped carefully to expose the wires underneath and all attached to the new receptacle in their respected parts.
4. The receptacle is attached to the box and hole in the wall and then the power wall plate is installed.
5. A test will be carried out after the power has been restored to see if the installation of the 15amp socket was successful. 

Who Installs the 15amp Power Points?

Only a licensed and fully qualified electrician will be able to work on installing 15amp power points and all power outlets in general. There is limited work untrained electricians can do themselves and installing power outlets is illegal and highly unadvised. Ensure to hire a licensed and certified electrician who is trained to install power outlets and work safely with cabling.

The average cost to install a power point in Australia ranges from $80 to $130 an hour and the average cost to purchase a single outlet ranges from $70 to $130. Each electrician charades different rates for their labour and the type of job will influence this. The number of outlets being installed, where they will be installed and the type of socket change the costs. Ensure to gather different quotes for various electricians to see their pricing of installing the 15amp power point.