Back in 2017, the average Australian home had about 17 connected devices. Fast forward to 2021, and that number jumped to 20—by 2025, it’s set to hit 33. With smart gadgets, entertainment systems, and home office setups now standard in most households, our demand for power points has never been higher.
For Melbourne homeowners, this raises an important question: can your home’s electrical system keep up? Older houses often lack enough electrical power points, which can lead to overloaded circuits or an over-reliance on power boards. Meanwhile, modern homes need well-placed outlets to balance convenience with safety.
If you’re renovating, adding new appliances, or simply finding yourself constantly searching for an available socket, it might be time to reassess your electrical setup. A licensed electrician can help make sure your home is not just keeping up, but staying ahead—safe, efficient, and ready for the future.
Room-by-Room Power Point Recommendations
A minimum of four to six power points per room used to be enough. But these days, with phones, laptops, smart devices, and home offices, most homes need a lot more. Instead of following a set number, the best approach is to assess your specific power needs in each room based on how you plan to use the space and the devices you’ll be using. This ensures you have enough outlets without overdoing it.
To avoid the constant game of unplugging one device to charge another, here’s a room-by-room guide on how many power points you actually need in a modern home.
Living Room: Entertainment and Charging Needs
The living room is where everything happens—movie nights, gaming marathons, and catching up on your favourite shows. To keep things running smoothly (and avoid a tangle of cables), install double power points behind the entertainment unit for TVs, sound systems, and gaming consoles.
Extra wall sockets near seating areas mean no more fighting over phone chargers. And if you want to boost comfort, consider energy-efficient lighting and ceiling fans to keep the space cool and inviting.
Kitchen: Supporting Essential Appliances
The kitchen is the heart of the home—and one of the biggest power users. Between the microwave, toaster, dishwasher, coffee machine, and other gadgets, you’ll need plenty of power points to keep things running smoothly. It’s also essential to have dedicated circuits for high-demand appliances like ovens and cooktops, as required by AS/NZS 3000. These dedicated circuits prevent overloading and ensure safe operation.
Adding extra outlets on splashbacks and island benches can enhance convenience, but these installations must be carried out by a licensed electrician to comply with Australian electrical safety regulations.
Bedrooms: Comfort and Convenience
Bedrooms aren’t just for sleeping—they’re charging stations, mini offices, and sometimes even entertainment hubs. Double power points next to the bed keep lamps, chargers, electric blankets and alarm clocks within easy reach.
A well-placed outlet near the wardrobe is perfect for a wall-mounted TV, while a study nook benefits from an extra socket for a Wi-Fi router or other gadgets. If you’re in an older home, upgrading the wiring can help keep up with today’s power-hungry lifestyle.
Home Office: Powering Productivity
A good home office isn’t just about a comfy chair and a sturdy desk—you need plenty of power, too. Multiple power points are a must for computers, monitors, printers, and Wi-Fi routers.
To keep your internet connection rock solid, consider installing dedicated Ethernet data points instead of relying on patchy Wi-Fi.
A qualified electrician can also check your home’s electrical load and recommend dedicated circuits so you don’t have to deal with flickering lights or unexpected power drops during an important video call.
Bathrooms: Electrical Safety and Practicality
Between hairdryers, electric shavers, and heated towel rails, bathrooms need well-placed power points—but safety comes first. Australian standards, as outlined in AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules, define specific zones and requirements for electrical installations in wet areas to ensure safety.
These zones dictate what types of electrical fixtures and outlets are permitted, and where. For example, Zone 1 (directly above the shower or bath) prohibits standard power points, while Zone 2 may allow specifically rated outlets installed by a licensed electrician. Always consult a professional to ensure compliance.
Outdoor Areas & Garages: Power for Tools and Entertainment
Your outdoor spaces need power just as much as your indoor ones—whether it’s for garden tools, a BBQ setup, or outdoor lighting. Weatherproof power points are a smart addition, giving you reliable access to electricity. It’s crucial to select power points with the appropriate Ingress Protection (IP) rating for the specific outdoor conditions. For example, choose IPX4 for splash resistance or IP56 for protection against strong jets of water. A licensed electrician can advise on the correct rating for your needs.
In the garage, extra circuits make sure power tools run smoothly without tripping the system. A licensed electrician can also help future-proof your home with smart electrical upgrades and energy-efficient solutions, so you’re ready for whatever technology comes next.
Considerations for Future-Proofing Your Home
Smart power point placement isn’t just about convenience—it’s about keeping your home ready for whatever the future holds. As technology continues to evolve, thinking ahead with future-proof electrical solutions can help you avoid costly upgrades and unnecessary headaches later on.
Electric Vehicle Charging
As electric vehicles become the norm, your garage or carport needs the right setup to keep up. A dedicated power point with a high-capacity circuit is essential for safe and efficient EV charging. In Victoria, a licensed electrician must install EV charging systems to ensure compliance with Australian electrical standards and prevent overloading your home’s electrical system.
Smart Home Systems
Today’s homes are packed with smart tech, from automated lighting and security systems to voice-controlled appliances.
Strategically placed data points can improve your internet connection by providing a more stable and reliable alternative to Wi-Fi. A licensed electrician can install Ethernet connections in key areas, such as home offices and entertainment spaces, ensuring seamless connectivity for smart home devices, gaming consoles, and streaming services.
Renewable Energy Integration
If you’re upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or solar panels, it’s worth considering whether your home’s electrical setup is ready to support them.
Adding new wiring, battery storage, and energy monitoring might require an upgrade, and a qualified electrician can check if your switchboard and circuit breakers can handle the extra load.
Flexibility and Scalability
With home offices, entertainment systems, and kitchen gadgets all demanding power, it’s crucial to have enough outlets in the right places. Installing double power points (or even quad power points!) in busy areas, allowing room for future upgrades, and opting for discreet wall sockets can make life easier and keep your space clutter-free.
Outdoor and Lifestyle Considerations
From BBQs and patio heaters to outdoor lighting and garden tools, having weatherproof power points makes outdoor living more convenient. Entertainment areas also need dedicated circuits to keep everything running safely.
A licensed electrician can check if your electrical panel has enough capacity to power it all without overloading your system.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Power Points
Underestimating the Number of Outlets
A common oversight is not installing enough power points, which often results in a tangle of power boards and extension cords—not only inconvenient but also a fire hazard.
Proper planning ensures every room has enough outlets to comfortably handle current and future appliances without overloading circuits.
Poor Placement
Where you place power points matters just as much as how many you have. Installing them too low for a wall-mounted TV or too far from bedside tables can be frustrating.
Strategically placing double power points within easy reach and opting for hidden wall sockets where aesthetics matter can make all the difference.
Ignoring Specific Room Needs
Each space in your home has different electrical demands. The kitchen needs dedicated circuits for high-powered appliances, while a home office benefits from data point installation to maintain a reliable internet connection. A licensed professional can help you plan for these unique needs so your home functions seamlessly.
Not Considering Electrical Load Capacity
Older homes may have outdated wiring and switchboards that aren’t designed for modern energy demands. This can lead to flickering lights, frequently tripped circuits, and potential fire hazards. A licensed electrician can assess your home’s electrical load and recommend necessary upgrades, such as replacing old fuse boxes with modern switchboards.
Crafting a Well-Powered Melbourne Home
Making sure your Melbourne home has enough power to handle modern appliances, smart tech, and future upgrades takes careful planning. The right power point placement isn’t just about convenience—it helps prevent electrical hazards and keeps your home running smoothly.
That’s where Kenner Electrics comes in. Our team of licensed professionals is dedicated to quality, safety, and precision. Whether you’re giving an older home a much-needed electrical upgrade or designing a brand-new wiring layout, we’ve got the expertise to get it right.
Get in touch with Kenner Electrics today for expert advice and dependable service—because a well-powered home is a smart home.
