Types of Powerpoints
Our General Purpose Outlets (GPOs) are Type 1, at 230 volts and have a maximum current rating of 10 amps in Australia. There’s a wide variety of these outlets available across multiple styles, colours, pricing and purposes. Not all power points are created equal, and some are better suited to the task at hand. These are the most common types found in Australian homes:
Double Power Point
A double power point is the standard, familiar electrical outlet with two side-by-side sockets and a switch for each. Again, there’s a near-endless number of styles to choose from, with options to suit the aesthetic of your home.
Older homes may suffer from each outlet being a single power point. This wastes much of their electrical potential and forces you to rely on double adaptors and multi-outlet power boards. Upgrading a single outlet to a double power point in key areas of the home is a no-brainer. The process is typically straightforward, with little-to-no necessary switchboard upgrades required.
Power Point with Extra Switch
The double power point receives an extra switch in the middle for activating other features such as a light or ceiling fan. This helps reduce the clutter of having a separate switch and power point close by.
Of course, a power point with an extra switch will only benefit an easy-to-reach area.
So, these options work well in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, and garages. An electrician must rewire the connection to the light or ceiling fan so that it can be controlled by the additional switch on a power point.
USB Power Point
If your power points are fitted with USB outlets, you won’t need to fight partners and siblings for the phone’s wall charger connection. Select models of double power points are equipped with two USB connections for charging phones and tablets with ease.
If you are worried about USBs becoming outdated, the latest model power points are also fitted with USB Type-C ports, which are the slimmer charging ports becoming more important as the standard for new technologies.
Smart Powerpoint
Smart powerpoints are a great way to connect and expand the smart home without having to equip a whole bunch of new technologies.
Have a professional fit your smart power point, and you can activate appliances from a smartphone. This saves you from bending over and getting out of bed. Plus, there’s the safety benefits. Have you left the iron on? Turn it off remotely from your phone. How good!
Outdoor Power Point
An outdoor power point looks distinct when compared to its indoor counterpart. An outdoor power point will typically have the outlets angled downwards or concealed from the rain, along with an additional weather and dustproof rating. In Australia, they must have a minimum IP67 rating to keep appliances and the house protected from faults.
Equip these around the entertainment area or shed to make your time outdoors much more secure and convenient.
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