It costs between $150 to $250 to install powerpoints in Australia. Also known as socket outlets, powerpoints are the standard connection points used to power everyday appliances, electronics, and devices throughout the home.
Most homes require multiple outlets in each room, and the price to install them depends on how accessible the walls are, how far the cabling needs to run, and whether a licenced electrician needs to install a new safety switch.
This guide will discuss factors affecting the cost of powerpoint installation, the difference between adding extra powerpoints vs replacing old ones, and what to expect in new builds.
Factors Affecting Powerpoint Installation Costs
These are the main factors that affect powerpoint installation costs:
Accessibility of the Installation
Installation is quicker and more affordable when the electrician has clear access to cavity walls. For example, a timber-framed wall with no insulation or backing board allows faster cable runs. Solid brick walls, tiled splashbacks, or tight locations behind cabinetry slow the process and increase labour time.
Distance From the Switchboard
The longer the distance between the switchboard and the new outlet, the more cable is required. This not only raises material costs but also adds time for the installer to feed the cable through the wall or ceiling space. A short 3 to 4 metre cable run will stay around the $150 mark, but a longer cable run through multiple rooms will increase the price.
RCD or Safety Switch Requirements
All new socket outlets must be protected by an RCD. If the switchboard doesn’t already have a spare RCD/safety switch available, a new RCD will need to be installed. This increases the cost by $80 to $150, depending on the board type and existing space, and the electrician’s hourly rate. Homes with outdated fuse boxes often need additional switchboard upgrades to comply with safety standards.
Adding Extra Powerpoints vs Replacing Old Ones
Replacing existing powerpoints is generally faster and cheaper. No new cable runs are required, and the existing cut-out in the wall remains usable. Most simple replacements cost between $100 to $150, depending on the faceplate style or any surface damage.
Adding a new powerpoint or socket outlet costs more due to the extra labour and cabling involved. For example, adding a powerpoint directly behind an existing outlet (on the opposite side of the wall) will cost $100. But if the new outlet is far from any nearby circuit or has limited access, the cost of installing the powerpoint will be around $150.
Typical Costs for New Builds vs Renovations
Installing powerpoints in new builds costs less. During rough-in, the walls are open and roof space is clear, which allows fast cable runs with fewer obstructions. Most installations in new homes sit at the lower end of the $150 to $250 range.
Renovations cost more. Plastered walls, laid floors, fitted cabinetry, and tiled surfaces all limit access. Electricians must spend more time fishing cables through tight areas or cutting and patching surfaces.
The added labour increases the cost by $50 or more per outlet, which pushes prices towards the top of the range or higher in complex setups.
