15amp Power Point Installation

What is a 15amp Power Point?

Most Sydney homes, especially those built more than 20 years ago, will have standard 10amp power points throughout. While these are perfectly suitable for most appliances, with the advances in technology and the variety of devices that we now have in our homes, in some cases, they’re running at capacity or even over. 

What Appliances Require 15amp Power Points?

Any appliance that needs heat requires more amperage than others. As you can see from the chart below, some everyday appliances might be putting strain on your current 10amp power points.

Appliance	<10 Amps	>10 Amps
Laptop	0.5
Mobile phone charger	0.5
Fridge/Freezer	1.5
Microwave oven	6.5
Hair dryer	10
Washing machine	10
Tumble dryer		Up to 11
Fan heater		Up to 13
Iron		Up to 13
Electric kettle		Up to 13
EV charger		13+

Anybody with a workshop where machinery like drills and band saws are used will benefit from 15amp power points. 

Why You Need 15amp Power Points

If you plug 15amp devices into 10amp power points, you run the risk of overloading the circuits, causing the wires to melt and possibly sparking an electrical fire. 

There’s no damage the other way, though; if you plug a 10amp device into a 15amp power point, it only takes the amount of energy that it needs, keeping everything safe.

Benefits of 15amp Power Points

Apart from providing the proper amount of amperage to the relevant devices, switching your power points over to 15amp ones has other benefits.

Safety

The most crucial benefit is in the safety aspect. Having single-phase power points that can handle heavier loads significantly reduces the risk of electric shock or fire. 

More Tech Forward

Today’s 15amp power points come standard with USB sockets to allow for different types of devices to be easily connected.  As we use more devices outdoors than ever, 15amp power points are also designed to be installed outside.

Improve Home Value

Any upgrade to electrical work can significantly increase your home’s value. Upgraded switchboards, underground power cables, and 15amp power points make a property even more attractive to potential buyers.

15amp or 3-phase?

3-phase provides more power (available watts) to run devices. However, as devices share that power, the amperage is cut into thirds.  High amp devices benefit more from a single phase 15amp circuit than sharing a 3-phase one.

Types of Power Outlets Available in Sydney

There are five types of power outlets available in Sydney, and it’s worth considering upgrading the ones in your home to meet the electricity requirements now and in the future:

Type of Power Outlet	Use and Benefit
General Power Outlets (GPO)	These are the standard type of 10amp power outlets found in most homes. Consider upgrading to 15amp.
Dedicated Circuit Power Points	Some appliances in your home perform better if they’re on their own dedicated circuit and not showing power with other devices. Refrigerators, ovens, and air conditioners are excellent examples.
USB Power Points	Many modern devices are powered with cables that fit a USB plug. USB power points save space and can be placed in more areas. 15amp power points often come with USB ports as a standard feature.
External Power Points	Outdoor lighting, entertainment areas, and pool lights all need outside power sources; external power points provide this.
Specialised Outlets	EV car chargers, workshop tools, and other modern devices may not fit regular power points, so specialised ones must be installed.

North Shore Electricians 15amp Power Point Installation Process

We have a four-step process when it comes to installing 15amp power points.

1. Site Inspection

First, we take a look at all the existing power points in your home and assess which ones need to be upgraded, including any that may be faulty. We’ll determine where the best locations are for new power points, taking accessibility and practicality into account.

At this point, we’ll give you the complete quote to allow you to make your decision.

2. Begin the Project

Once we’re given the go-ahead, we’ll switch off the switchboard’s power. This action may mean you’re without electricity for a short period. We’ll also need to drill into walls to prepare the locations for the power points and gain access to the house wiring. 

Due to the limited access to power and the noise from our drilling, this could be an ideal time to take the family out of the home while we complete the task.

3. Place the Power Points and Test

Once the drilling is complete, we’ll install each power point. Each of these will run to a 15amp circuit, which we’ll need to install in your switchboard. 

Every power point will then be tested to ensure it functions at its maximum capacity and that there are no faults.

4. Tidy Up and Certify

When we’re satisfied that the installation of the 15amp power points is complete and they all function appropriately, we’ll tidy the entire area. Except for the sparkling new power points, it’ll appear as if we were never there.

It’s a government requirement that after any electrical work is performed on a property, a certificate of completion for electrical work (CCEW) is provided to you, your energy provider, and the Department of Fair Trading. We’ll action this for you before we leave.

It’s Time to Upgrade Your Power Points

If your home is over 20 years old, it’s a no-brainer that you should upgrade your power points. Even more recently built or renovated homes may still have more 10amp than 15amp power points.

Contact us as North Shore Electricians today, and one of our experts will inspect your home and determine where you need to make changes.