Power boards are a common sight in Aussie homes. They’re convenient, cheap, and seem like a simple fix when there aren’t enough wall sockets. But relying too heavily on them can be a serious fire hazard. If your home is cluttered with extension cords and overloaded power boards, it might be time to think about installing extra power points. Here’s why.
What Happens When You Overload a Power Board?
Power boards are designed to handle a certain amount of electrical load. When you plug in too many high-powered appliances, like heaters, kettles, microwaves or hairdryers, you can exceed what the board (and the circuit it’s connected to) can safely handle. This can lead to:
- Overheating
- Melted cables
- Tripped circuit breakers
- Electrical fires
Older homes are especially vulnerable, as their wiring may not be designed to cope with modern electrical demands.
Signs Your Power Boards Are Pushed Too Hard
Keep an eye out for these red flags:
- Warm or hot plugs and sockets
- Scorch marks or a burning smell
- Lights flicker when appliances are turned on
- Power boards hidden behind furniture or under rugs
If you’re regularly daisy-chaining power boards (plugging one into another), that’s a big no-no and a fire risk waiting to happen.
Why Installing Extra Power Points Is Safer
The most effective way to reduce the risk of overload is to install more fixed power points. Here’s how that helps:
- Distributes electrical load more evenly across your circuits
- Reduces reliance on power boards and extension cords
- Minimises tripping hazards from tangled cords
- Improves accessibility and convenience
A licensed electrician can assess your home’s layout and recommend the right number and placement of outlets to suit your lifestyle, especially in high-demand areas like kitchens, home offices, and entertainment zones.
Overloaded power boards are more than just messy; they’re a serious safety hazard. If you’re constantly running out of sockets or overloading circuits, it’s time to upgrade your home with extra power points. Contact Airmelec today and let us help make your space safer and more functional.