Electric power points, otherwise known as general power outlets or socket outlets, are common in almost all modern households. A couple of years back, old homes had only a single power point installed in every room. This was because there were very few appliances, which meant that electricity was only needed for lighting. The same case also applies to modern homes with relatively cheaper designs. They have fewer power points due to the stiff competition between contractors and as always, the cheapest of contractor gets the contract. This could be very expensive especially if later on, you decide to alter the previous electrical design by adding a power point in the kitchen or a bedside lamp in the bedroom.
Before making any changes, it is advisable that you consult a professional electrician Adelaide or from your nearby location and thereafter you can come up with an electrical plan that suits your needs. It is also more economical to install socket outlets during construction than during the final touches.
Types of power points
The most common power points include:
- Single GPO
- Weatherproof GPO
- Double GPO
- Double with switch GPO
- USB GPO
Single vs. double power points
If you are in the construction stage of a new house, use double power points in all rooms apart from areas that require only a single power point. Although double GPOs are more expensive than single GPOs, they are more convenient as compared to single GPOs.
“With switch” power point
You can purchase a GPO with an additional switch for a fan or a light; this will greatly reduce the clutter on your walls. However, your visitors will have a hard time locating the switch and they will keep nagging you about the switches. It is therefore advisable that you should avoid using this kind of power points in communal buildings where visitors will probably need assistance to move around.
USB power points
It is similar to any other socket outlet the only difference is that it has USB ports that allow you to charge your tablet or phone directly without the use of an adapter.
15A power point
Normally, 15A power points are used in garages, motor homes; however, they can also be located in the areas where large machinery is used. There absolutely no need of having a 15A power point in your house and besides they are much more expensive than normal power points. Below are ways you can differentiate a 10A outlet from a 15A power point
- A 10A power point has a smaller earth pin socket
- A 10A socket cannot accommodate any 15A appliance. On the other hand, a 15A socket can accommodate a 10A appliance.
Installing additional power points
Installing additional power points to an existing installation can be either cheap or expensive depending on factors such as the size of the cable run and if the entire wall has to be refinished. A professional electrician Adelaide can install these additional power points with ease and at a fair price. Easy ways of installing additional GPOs include
- You can start by upgrading all single or double GPOs to double and quad GPOs respectively.
- You can also install back to back socket outlets
Unfortunately, you cannot use these methods to install GPOs in specific places. You can use either a conduit or trunking. Often, you will find conduits in garages, sheds or in places that they can be fitted without compromising the aesthetic look of the interior design. Trunking incorporates use of a square tape that is white in color and is often installed in cupboards such that it is hard to notice it.
Common problems
As time passes, switches become harder to turn on or off and eventually, they stop functioning altogether. In some cases, the switch mechanism falls out leaving the copper that was supposedly behind it exposed. With no switch, the socket creates a shock hazard, which should be repaired immediately if possible.
Regularly used GPOs are frequently removed off the wall and this makes it easy to remove and put them back on the wall.
Conclusion
Installing electrical power points will go a long way in ensuring that you have enough sockets for all your appliances and in case you decide to install them, choose quality over cost. Consult your local electrician in case you have any more questions regarding GPOs.