New Power Point Installation: Where to Add Extra Power Points at Home

An outlet behind a heavy sofa is little help when you need to charge a laptop. A single accessible power point can also become inconvenient when a spare bedroom turns into a home office or the kitchen gains another everyday appliance.

New power point installation works best when the locations follow how you use the room. Before choosing positions, think about furniture, equipment and the places where you regularly need power.

A simple room-by-room plan gives your electrician a useful starting point and helps you avoid putting new outlets in awkward places.

Map the furniture before marking outlet locations

Start with a sketch showing beds, desks, cabinets, sofas and major appliances. Mark the existing power points, then note which ones are difficult to reach or too far from the equipment they serve.

Consider whether furniture is likely to move. A power point that suits today’s layout may become inaccessible if the desk moves to another wall.

Also think about the size of plugs and charging adapters. A location should give you enough practical access to use the outlet, rather than leaving it tightly trapped behind furniture.

Your preferred positions are a planning guide. An electrician will assess suitable placement and the installation requirements.

Kitchen: separate permanent appliances from bench use

List the appliances that stay plugged in, then consider the ones you bring out for cooking. A kettle, toaster, coffee machine and mixer may use different parts of the bench.

Think about where you actually prepare food rather than simply spreading outlets evenly along a wall. Include pantry work areas if they will house appliances.

Final positioning needs to account for the sink, cooking equipment and applicable installation requirements. For an island bench, raise the question early because wiring access can affect the project.

Home office: plan for the whole desk setup

A working desk may need power for a computer, monitors, printer, speakers and an adjustable desk, as well as charging devices.

Note which equipment is permanently connected and which items come and go. You may want accessible charging near the desktop while keeping other connections out of the way.

Adding more outlets does not increase the capacity of the circuit supplying them. Tell your electrician what equipment you expect to use so that the electrical arrangement can be assessed alongside the layout.

Bedrooms: think beyond bedside charging

Bedside locations are useful for lamps and chargers, but also consider dressing tables, study desks and the places where you use cleaning equipment.

Check the bedhead and bedside-table dimensions before settling on a position. An outlet hidden behind a wide bedhead can be difficult to access even if it is close to the bed.

For a room that may become a study or guest bedroom, discuss a layout that supports both uses. This can be more practical than planning only around one furniture arrangement.

Living rooms: account for entertainment and occasional use

Plan connections for televisions, sound equipment and related devices together. If the television will be wall-mounted, discuss outlet placement and cable management before installation.

Remember lamps, charging beside seating and seasonal items. An accessible outlet can make ordinary tasks easier without requiring a cable across the room.

If you are already planning electrical work for a renovation, include outlet locations in the early discussion, before walls and finishes are completed.

Garages and outdoor areas need their own assessment

Tell the electrician whether an outlet will serve a workbench, garden equipment or an outdoor entertaining area. Location, exposure and equipment requirements affect the choice and installation.

For larger equipment or vehicle charging, ask about the specific supply requirements before choosing an outlet. Explain the intended use so the supply can be assessed appropriately.

What affects the installation scope?

Wall construction, wiring access, distance from suitable wiring and the condition of the existing installation can all affect the work. A new outlet in an accessible wall may involve a different scope from one requiring difficult cable access or changes to a circuit.

Ask about any surface repairs and whether they are included. Providing photographs and a marked layout helps your electrician understand the project, although a site inspection may still be needed.

Power point installation is electrical work, including small additions or replacements. Energy Safe Victoria advises homeowners to use a licensed electrician rather than attempt these jobs themselves. Read its electrical DIY guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Can power points be added to an existing home?

Often they can, but the available wiring routes and electrical installation need assessment. Discuss the preferred locations before buying fittings.

Are outlets with USB charging worth considering?

They may suit regularly used charging locations. Check the connection type and charging specifications against your devices, and retain enough conventional outlets for other uses.

Can I choose the height of the new outlets?

You can explain your access preferences and furniture layout. The electrician will determine suitable placement in line with the installation requirements.

Plan additional power points with Prokop Electrical

Start with our power point installation service and a list of the rooms you want to improve.

Call 1300 776 567 or contact Prokop Electrical to discuss practical outlet locations for your home.