You really need some extra power points, but what’s the most economical way to get them installed?
Running out of power points is one of the most common electrical frustrations in Australian homes. Whether it’s the kitchen bench, the home office, or behind the TV cabinet, the demand for outlets keeps growing. The good news is that adding more doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you choose the right method.
This guide covers the cheapest and safest options, what each costs in 2026, and why a licensed electrician is required for all of them.
The Cheapest Option: Upgrade to a 4-Gang Power Point
The most cost-effective way to get more power points is to replace an existing double power point (2 outlets) with a 4-gang fitting (4 outlets). In most cases, the existing wiring can be reused, which keeps labour time short and cost low.
What’s involved:
- Remove the existing double GPO
- Fit the new 4-gang plate to the same wall box (or replace the box if needed)
- Connect to existing circuit wiring
- Test and certify
Typical cost: $150-$250 per point including labour and parts, depending on your location in Tasmania.
This is the go-to recommendation when the existing circuit can handle the extra load. It doubles your outlets without any new cabling runs.
When You Need a New Power Point Installed from Scratch
If you need an outlet in a new location (not where one already exists), the job involves running new cable through walls or ceiling space. This is more involved but still very achievable.
Typical cost: $200-$400, depending on wall material, cable run length, and whether a new circuit is required.
Key cost factors:
- Plasterboard walls are faster and cheaper than brick or tile
- Short cable runs from a nearby circuit cost less than long runs from the switchboard
- Adding a dedicated circuit (for high-load appliances) costs more due to switchboard work
What About Power Boards and Double Adapters?
Power boards and double adapters seem like the easy fix, but they come with real limitations.
A quality surge-protected power board is fine for low-draw devices like phone chargers, lamps, and laptops. The problems start when people daisy-chain adapters, overload a single circuit, or use cheap unbranded boards near flammable materials.
Double adapters (the plug-in type that splits one outlet into two) are the highest-risk option. They put mechanical stress on the original outlet and can loosen over time. Under Australian Standards, they should not be used for high-draw appliances at all.
The rule of thumb: Power boards are a short-term solution. If you’re relying on them permanently in a room, it’s worth investing in a proper installation.
How Many Power Points Can You Have on One Circuit?
Most residential power circuits in Australia are protected by a 16 amp circuit breaker. The total load across all power points on that circuit must stay within 16 amps (roughly 3,600 watts at 240V).
This means you can’t run a kettle, toaster, heater, and clothes dryer from the same circuit without tripping the breaker.
Low-draw devices like TVs, computers, gaming consoles, and phone chargers are fine to run together. The upgrade from a double to a 4-gang point works well for entertainment and office setups for this reason.
If you need power for high-draw appliances (ovens, air conditioners, EV chargers), a dedicated circuit is required. Your electrician can advise on this during the quote.
Can You Convert a Single Power Point to a Double?
Yes, and it’s one of the most common small jobs we do. If a room only has single GPOs (one outlet per plate), swapping them for double GPOs is a quick and affordable fix.
The process is similar to upgrading to a 4-gang: the existing wiring is usually sufficient, and no new cabling is needed. Most single-to-double upgrades cost $120-$200 per point.
Can You Run a Power Point from a Light Switch?
In some situations, yes. If there is a switch loop in the wall (common in older homes), an electrician can sometimes run a power point from the same location as a light switch. This avoids a new cable run and can reduce cost.
This depends on the wiring setup in your specific home and requires assessment on-site. It is not always possible, but worth asking about when getting a quote.
Is DIY Power Point Installation Legal in Australia?
No. Under Australian law, all fixed electrical wiring work (including installing or replacing power points) must be carried out by a licensed electrician. This applies in Tasmania and every other state and territory.
Unlicensed electrical work can:
- Void your home insurance
- Result in fines of up to $40,000
- Create fire and electrocution hazards
- Fail to meet AS/NZS 3000 wiring standards
The requirement for a licensed electrician is what separates power point installation from a DIY job. The good news is that simple upgrades are quick work for a professional and are priced accordingly.
How to Save Money on PowerPoint Installation
You don’t need to compromise on safety to keep costs down. These are the practical ways to reduce your bill:
- Bundle multiple points into one visit. Call-out fees ($100-$180) make single-point jobs expensive per outlet. Installing three or four in one visit significantly lowers the cost per point.
- Upgrade existing points rather than add new locations. Reusing existing wiring is always cheaper than running new cable.
- Choose standard GPOs over designer finishes. HPM and Clipsal standard white double GPOs cost around $15-$30 in hardware. Premium Saturn or USB models cost more.
- Plan ahead before the electrician arrives. Know exactly what you want, where, and how many. Time spent deciding on-site is time you’re paying for.
Get more than one quote. Pricing varies between electricians. Getting two or three quotes for larger jobs is worth the effort.
If you’re based in Launceston or the broader Northern Tasmania area and need more power points installed, Mance Electrical can assess your circuit, recommend the most cost-effective solution, and complete the work to Australian Standards. Contact us or call (03) 6331 4711.
In case you need an emergency electrician in Launceston, Get in touch with us for fast, professional and high quality electrical services
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to install a power point in Australia?
A standard power point installation costs between $150 and $400 in 2025, depending on the type, location, wall material, and whether new cabling is required. Upgrading an existing double to a 4-gang is generally at the lower end of that range.
What is the cheapest way to get more power points?
Replacing an existing double GPO with a 4-gang (4-outlet) power point is the cheapest method because it uses existing wiring. No new cable runs are required in most cases.
How many power points can I add to one circuit?
There is no fixed limit on the number of power points per circuit, but the total load must not exceed the circuit breaker rating (typically 16 amps for residential circuits). An electrician will assess circuit capacity as part of any installation.
Can I install a power point myself in Australia?
No. All fixed electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician under Australian law. DIY electrical work is illegal and can void your home insurance.
How long does it take to install a power point?
A simple upgrade (double to 4-gang) takes 30-60 minutes. New installations involving cable runs take 1-2 hours depending on access and distance.