What it costs
$150 to $300 for a straightforward additional outlet off an existing circuit with reasonable access. Several points in one visit are cheaper per point. Difficult access, a new dedicated circuit, or an outlet that requires RCD protection to be added first costs more.
How fast
Under an hour for a single point in an accessible wall; a morning for a room's worth. Usually bookable within a few days.
What we install
Houses here were wired when a bedroom needed one outlet for a lamp. If yours has double adaptors behind the furniture and an extension lead under a rug, you don't have a bad habit — you have an under-provisioned house.
- Additional outlets in bedrooms, living areas and along the kitchen bench, run through the roof space and down the cavity so there's no surface conduit.
- USB-C and USB-A combination sockets — useful bedside and in the kitchen, and they free up the actual outlets.
- Replacing old sockets that are cracked, loose in the wall, discoloured, or no longer gripping a plug. A loose socket is a heat source.
- Outdoor weatherproof outlets for the pergola, shed or pond pump — IP-rated and RCD protected.
- Dedicated circuits for induction cooktops, ovens, air-conditioning and workshop tools.
The catch in an old house
Adding outlets is straightforward electrically. Solid plaster walls, blocked cavities, chimney breasts and cottages with no subfloor access are what make it a job. There's also a limit worth knowing: if the existing circuit is already loaded, or it's original rubber cable, adding points to it isn't the right call. New and altered circuits must be RCD protected, so on an old ceramic fuse board a request for two power points can legitimately become a switchboard conversation. We'll explain the options rather than quote the cheap version.
Common questions
How much does it cost to install a power point?
$150 to $300 for an additional outlet off an existing circuit with reasonable access. Multiple points in one visit are cheaper per point.
Can I install a power point myself?
No. In South Australia all fixed electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrical worker. DIY electrical work is illegal, voids home insurance and is a leading cause of electrocution in the home.
Can you add outlets without damaging my plaster?
In most cases yes — cable goes through the roof space and drops inside the wall cavity, so the only opening is the outlet itself. Where a cavity is blocked or a wall is solid masonry we'll show you the options before cutting.
Do you install USB power points?
Yes, including USB-C fast charging. They fit a standard wall plate and are a straightforward swap on an existing outlet.
Related
Serving Unley, Parkside, Goodwood and Malvern. See what electrical work costs in Adelaide.