How Many Power Points Should Each Room Have? A Practical Guide for Australian Homes

Ever found yourself playing musical chairs with your power boards, trying to plug in all your devices? You're not alone. Many Australian homes were built when a single power point per room seemed sufficient, but today's tech-filled lifestyle demands much more. The good news is there's a simple formula to ensure you never run short on power again.

What the Standards Actually Say

Contrary to popular belief, Australian standards don't mandate a specific number of power points per room. Instead, the AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules focus on safety and accessibility - ensuring power points are properly installed, switched, and positioned for safe use. This means you have flexibility to design your electrical layout based on your actual needs.

Key safety requirements include:

• All power points must be switched
• Standard height of about 300mm above finished floor level
• Avoid placement near water sources in kitchens and bathrooms
• Dedicated circuits for high-draw appliances like ovens and cooktops

Room-by-Room Power Point Recommendations

Based on current electrical expert recommendations and modern living needs, here's what you should aim for:

Bedrooms: 4-6 Power Points

Think about everything you plug in: bedside lamps, phone chargers, alarm clocks, smart speakers, and maybe a laptop charger. Modern bedrooms need:

• 2 points near the bed (one each side)
• 1-2 points near a desk or dressing table
• 1 point near the wardrobe for iron or other devices
• Consider USB charging points for convenience

Living Rooms: 4-6 Power Points

Your entertainment hub needs serious power planning:

• 2-3 points behind the TV unit (TV, sound system, gaming console)
• 2 points near seating areas (phone charging, lamps)
• Consider floor outlets in open-plan areas to avoid trip hazards
• Think about smart home devices and Wi-Fi extenders

Kitchens: 6-8 Power Points

The kitchen is the power-hungry heart of the home. Plan for:

• 2-3 points above benchtops (toaster, kettle, blender)
• Dedicated points for fixed appliances (fridge, dishwasher, oven)
• Points on splashbacks or island benches
• Remember safety - keep points away from sinks and water sources

Future-Proofing Your Home

When planning your power points, think about tomorrow as well as today. The number of devices we use is only increasing, so it's better to have a few extra points than not enough.

Smart upgrades to consider:

• USB charging points in key locations
• Smart switches and outlets for home automation
• Weatherproof outdoor points for entertaining areas
• Dedicated circuits for home offices or workshop areas

Final Takeaway

While Australian standards don't specify exact numbers, modern living demands more power points than ever before. Aim for 4-6 in bedrooms and living areas, and 6-8 in kitchens. The best approach is to map out where you actually use your devices and plan accordingly. Remember - it's much cheaper and easier to install extra points during construction or renovation than to add them later. Your future self (and all your gadgets) will thank you!