Power Plug Installation – Everything you Need To Know!

Different power outlets and sockets are available to be installed around the home and have different uses. These can be installed and various points around the home and a combination of different power sockets can be included. 

Single Power Point

Single power points contain one power source for a plug to be connected to. A single power outlet is often common in older homes and in places where only a single or few appliances will be used, such as in the laundry. A single electrical socket is mainly used in residential buildings but in recent times and when more appliances are used they are often upgraded to a soluble power outlet. 

Double Power Point

Double power outlets have the same size cover plate as a single power outlet but have two places for two plugs to be installed. These are becoming more common and the favoured choice over single outlets in buildings. This is because it allows two appliances to be plugged into the electrical socket and is more convenient. In places where only one appliance needs power then single is favoured but most times double outlets will be installed. 

USB Power Point

Double outlets also have the option to be a USB power point and offer a USB connection. The inclusion of the USB port allows another appliance to be connected to the power outlet along with two more. For example, in the kitchen, the kettle and toaster can be plugged in while a phone charger can also be added. USB power sockets are also easy to install and can replace existing double power outlets easily. 

Smart Power Point

A smart power point is where a power outlet can be controlled through a smart device. This means that appliances can be powered on or off through the device at any time and anywhere. Controlling them will allow people to turn the appliance on and off when they want, such as to save electricity when not needing them. Examples of appliances that are often connected to smart plugs are Christmas lights, air conditioners, coffee machines, lights and outdoor appliances.

For a power point installation service, it will on average cost around $75 – $150. Electricians will on average cost $80 per hour and this will add to the overall cost of a power plug installation. When a single power point is installed then it often costs more than installing many or double power points at times. Most times having an electrician perform numerous power point installations or undergoing other electrical jobs is more efficient and money saving.

Installing a power outlet includes the labour costs and also the actual cost of the power socket. The difficulty of the installation will further increase the installation jobs and also the location each one is being installed. Smart power outlets or more technologically advanced power outlets will also cost more to install than simple single and double wall sockets.

When a fully qualified electrician performs a power point installation the main steps followed are:

1. Disconnecting power to the building or at least to the circuit which the power outlets will be installed 
2. Use an electrical live voltage tester to ensure that the systems and wires definitely have no power
3. Remove the existing power socket, including the wall plate if there is one present. If a new power point is being installed in a new location then the wires behind the wall will be directed to where the new hole for the power socket will go
4. Connect all the wires to the correct points on the new wall plate, including the neutral and ground wires
5. After the wires are connected the power plate is screwed and installed onto the wall
6. A safety inspection will occur to make certain the power point is safe to use and power can be turned on again