Power points should be installed based on how each room is actually used, not just placed wherever is cheapest or easiest for the builder. Most Adelaide homes built before the 2000s are significantly underserviced with outlets, and renovations are the best opportunity to fix that permanently.
This guide covers the ideal placement for power points installation in every major room, what Australian regulations require, common mistakes to avoid, and how H. Irwin Electrical approaches outlet planning for homes across Glenelg, Plympton, Unley, North Adelaide, and surrounding suburbs.
Understand Why Power Point Placement Matters So Much
Once your renovation walls are closed up and plastered, moving or adding power points means cutting into finished surfaces, replastering, and repainting. That work can cost $300 to $800 per point depending on wall construction and access.
Getting placement right during the rough-in stage costs a fraction of that. It is one of the highest-value decisions you can make before a renovation is locked in.
Beyond convenience, poor placement creates real hazards. Extension leads and power boards running across floors are a trip risk and a fire risk. Double adaptors overloaded at a single point are one of the leading causes of residential electrical fires in South Australia.
A licensed electrician will also ensure every new outlet meets AS/NZS 3000 wiring standards and South Australian electrical safety requirements. Do not rely on a builder or cabinet maker to make these decisions for you.
Plan Power Points Room by Room
Every room has different demands. Here is a practical breakdown of where to place outlets in the most common renovation areas.
Kitchen
The kitchen is almost always underserviced. You need dedicated outlets for the fridge, dishwasher, microwave, range hood, and a separate circuit for high-draw appliances like ovens and induction cooktops.
On the benchtop, plan for at least one double power point every 900mm of bench run. This sounds like a lot until you try to use a coffee machine, toaster, kettle, and blender at the same time on a busy morning.
USB-A and USB-C integrated outlets are increasingly popular in kitchen renovations. They reduce the need for wall adaptors and keep benches cleaner. H. Irwin Electrical can advise on which brands hold up well in kitchen environments.
Living Room and Lounge
Map out where your TV, entertainment unit, and any gaming or streaming equipment will sit before finalising outlet locations. A media wall with a single power point behind it looks great but becomes frustrating fast.
Plan for at least one double outlet on each wall. Furniture positions change, and having outlets in multiple locations prevents you from being locked into one layout permanently. Include a floor outlet if you have a large open-plan space.
Bedrooms
Each bedside table should have its own double outlet, ideally with at least one USB port integrated. Placing these at 450mm to 600mm above floor level makes them accessible without reaching behind furniture.
Include an outlet near the wardrobe for a clothes steamer or iron, and one near the window if you plan to run a portable air conditioner during Adelaide summers.
Home Office
A dedicated home office needs more outlets than most people plan for. A desktop computer, monitor, printer, external drives, a phone charger, desk lamp, and speakers can easily require eight to ten points at a single workstation.
Consider a dedicated circuit for the office if you run power-hungry equipment. A surge-protected outlet strip is not a substitute for adequate wiring.
Bathroom and Laundry
Australian standards are strict about outlet placement near water. In bathrooms, general power outlets must be at least 1000mm horizontally from the edge of a shower or bath. Shaver outlets are a separate category and must be installed by a licensed electrician.
In the laundry, ensure you have dedicated outlets for the washing machine and dryer on separate circuits if both are high-draw. A bench outlet for a steamer or sewing machine is also worth adding while walls are open.
Review Australian Electrical Standards That Apply in SA
All electrical work in South Australia must comply with AS/NZS 3000:2018, commonly called the Wiring Rules. These govern everything from cable sizing to outlet spacing, earthing, and circuit protection.
In addition, the SA Government requires all electrical installation work to be performed by a licensed electrical worker. Unlicensed work is illegal, unsafe, and will void your home insurance in the event of a claim related to that work.
| Requirement | Standard or Rule |
|---|---|
| All new circuits must have RCD protection | AS/NZS 3000:2018 |
| Outlets near water sources must meet clearance distances | AS/NZS 3000 Zone rules |
| All work must be done by a licensed electrician | SA Electrical Safety Act |
| Certificate of electrical safety required for new work | SA regulatory requirement |
| Smoke alarms required on all circuits in new work zones | SA Building Code |
If your renovation involves a kitchen, bathroom, or any new circuit, your electrician is required to issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety. Keep this document with your home records.
Compare Standard Heights and Positions for Power Points
Power point height is a practical decision, not just an aesthetic one. The right height depends on the room, the user, and how the outlet will be accessed.
| Location | Recommended Height (from floor) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard living areas | 300mm | Below furniture sightlines |
| Kitchen benchtop | 150mm above bench surface | Accessible without moving appliances |
| Bedroom bedsides | 450mm to 600mm | Avoids reaching behind bed |
| Home office desk | At desk height or above | Reduces cable clutter on floor |
| Garage or workshop | 1200mm | Above workbench level |
| Outdoor entertaining area | 600mm minimum | Must be weatherproof rated |
| Laundry | Above appliance height | Accessible without moving machines |
For accessible homes or households with elderly or mobility-impaired residents, outlets at 600mm to 900mm height are much easier to use. This is worth flagging with your electrician during the planning stage.
Explore Outdoor and Garage Power Point Placement
Outdoor entertaining is a major part of Adelaide living, and the homes H. Irwin Electrical works on across Henley Beach, West Beach, Glenelg North, and Somerton Park often have large alfresco areas that are completely underserviced electrically.
Outdoor power points must be weatherproof rated to IP44 or higher. They also need RCD protection and should be positioned to serve specific needs rather than placed randomly on a back wall.
- Include at least two outdoor outlets on a rear entertaining area
- Place one near the BBQ or outdoor kitchen zone for lighting and appliances
- Add a point near the garden shed or pool equipment if applicable
- Consider a lockable outdoor outlet for security in front yard placements
- Ensure garage outlets are on a separate circuit from the house
- EV charger installation requires a dedicated circuit and should be planned during any renovation if you own or plan to own an electric vehicle
Garages and workshops are often where people jury-rig power boards and extension leads. Getting proper outlet coverage installed during a renovation eliminates this permanently and adds real value to the property.
Avoid These Common Power Point Mistakes in Renovations
After working on renovations across Marion, Kurralta Park, Richmond, Fulham, Hyde Park, and Beverley, H. Irwin Electrical sees the same mistakes come up repeatedly. Here are the ones that cost homeowners the most.
- Installing too few outlets and assuming power boards will cover the gap
- Placing kitchen benchtop outlets behind where appliances will permanently sit
- Forgetting outlets inside pantry cupboards for appliance storage
- Not planning for under-island or island-end outlets in open-plan kitchens
- Skipping outdoor outlets to save money during the build, then paying more to add them later
- Ignoring USB outlets in high-use areas like kitchens and bedside tables
- Failing to plan for a dedicated circuit for high-draw appliances
- Not considering future needs like EV charging or home battery storage
The best time to have this conversation with your electrician is before the builder starts framing. Once walls are up, every change costs more money and time.
FAQs on Power Point Placement During a Home Renovation
How many power points does the average room need?
There is no legally prescribed minimum for living areas, but a practical guide is at least two double outlets per wall in main living rooms, one double outlet per bedside in bedrooms, and a minimum of one double outlet every 900mm of bench run in kitchens. Most older Adelaide homes fall well short of these numbers.
Can I install power points myself to save money?
No. In South Australia, all electrical installation work must be carried out by a licensed electrical worker. DIY electrical work is illegal, dangerous, and will void your home insurance. A licensed electrician must also issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety for any new installation work.
What is the difference between a single, double, and triple power point?
A single outlet has one socket, a double has two, and a triple has three. In most renovation planning, doubles are the standard minimum. Triples are useful in dedicated office or workshop spaces where multiple devices need to be connected at a fixed location without using a power board.
Do I need weatherproof power points outside?
Yes. Any outlet installed outdoors or in wet areas like carports must be weatherproof rated to at least IP44. They must also be protected by a residual current device. Using a standard indoor outlet outdoors is non-compliant and poses a serious shock risk, especially in coastal areas like Glenelg and Henley Beach where salt air accelerates corrosion.
How much does it cost to add a power point during a renovation?
Adding outlets during the rough-in stage of a renovation typically costs $80 to $150 per point, depending on circuit complexity. Adding the same outlet after walls are finished and plastered can cost $300 to $800 or more. Planning thoroughly upfront is always the more cost-effective approach.
Should I install USB power points or standard outlets?
USB-integrated outlets are a great choice for bedrooms, kitchens, and home offices where phones and tablets are charged regularly. They reduce the need for bulky adaptors and keep surfaces cleaner. Standard USB-A ports are being phased out in favour of USB-C, so look for outlets with USB-C or dual USB-A and USB-C options when renovating now.
Wrap Up and Next Steps
Getting power point placement right during a renovation is one of the smartest investments you can make in your home. Plan for how you actually live, think room by room, and always have this conversation with a licensed electrician before walls are closed.
H. Irwin Electrical works with homeowners across Glenelg, Novar Gardens, Somerton Park, Unley, Prospect, and all surrounding suburbs to plan and install power points that genuinely serve the way you use your home. Call us on 0432 270 757 to book a pre-renovation electrical consultation or request a quote for your project.
