Power Points
The Importance of Power Points- You can never have too many
We’re all familiar with the frustration: you reach for a power point (also referred to as a GPO or General Power Outlet) only to find it already occupied. Now comes the dilemma: which device takes precedence?
This scenario can lead to less than ideal situations. Whether it’s reluctantly unplugging someone else’s device to charge your own (not conducive to domestic harmony) or accidentally disconnecting your air fryer to boil the kettle, only to realize later that your meal remains cold and uncooked.
We can all concur that such outcomes should be avoided at all costs. But how?
Some may suggest a quick fix with a power board extension, providing extra sockets for convenience. However, this approach carries numerous safety risks.
Instead, when the need arises, we strongly advise enlisting the services of a professional electrician to install additional power points.
Advantages of Power Points
Ensuring an adequate number of power points in your home goes beyond just safety; it’s also about preventing circuit overload and potential power outages or damage.
This consideration is particularly crucial for older residences or those with outdated electrical systems, which may lack the capacity to support simultaneous use of multiple high-wattage appliances.
Therefore, it’s essential to assess the sufficiency and placement of power points within your home.
When several appliances with varying wattage requirements are plugged into the same circuit, it often leads to fuse tripping or circuit breaker failure. Thus, distributing each appliance across separate outlets on individual circuits can offer significant benefits.
Signs indicating the need for Power Point replacement?
Determining whether your power point requires replacement involves several indicators:
- Physical Damage: If the power point shows visible signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, charring, or melting, it's likely time for a replacement.
- Loose Connections: If plugs don't fit securely into the socket or if the socket feels loose, it could indicate internal damage or wear, necessitating replacement.
- Electrical Issues: If you notice intermittent power supply, sparking, or flickering lights when using the power point, it could signify underlying electrical problems that require attention.
- Age of the Power Point: Over time, power points can degrade due to regular use and aging. If your power points are old or outdated, it's advisable to consider replacing them, especially if they haven't been upgraded to meet current safety standards.
- Tripping Circuit Breakers: If the circuit breaker associated with a particular power point frequently trips, it could indicate an overload or fault in the wiring, necessitating inspection and potential replacement of the power point.
- Burnt Smell: A persistent burnt smell emanating from the power point is a clear indication of electrical issues and warrants immediate investigation and possible replacement.
- Non-functionality: If the power point fails to deliver electricity or shows signs of complete malfunction, replacement may be the only solution.
In any case, if you’re uncertain about the condition of your power points or encounter any of these warning signs, it’s advisable to consult a qualified electrician for inspection and necessary replacements to ensure safety and proper functioning of your electrical system.
Types of Power Points
The necessary quantity varies based on your space requirements. Modern homes often demand additional socket outlets compared to their original construction due to the surge in electrical devices we utilize daily. Additionally, the number needed might fluctuate based on individual room requirements within a household. Below are several options to contemplate when planning new power point installations:
Single Power Points
A single power point only has on socket outlet so it can be good for areas that don’t require much power that you want to look clean and uncluttered.
The most common instance in which a single power point will be installed is in an industrial or commercial setting where they are operating large machinery. This single outlet will operate at 15 amps (as opposed to the normal 10 amp outlets you have in homes and offices) and generally only runs one of these machines at a time.
They are also common in outdoor settings as single weatherproof outlets are more common than double.
Double Power Points
These are among the most frequently encountered power points in both residential and commercial settings.
With their sleek appearance, when strategically positioned throughout a room, they can typically fulfill your electrical power requirements.
Moreover, they come in both horizontal and vertical layouts, offering flexibility to accommodate your space preferences.
Quad Power Points
The four-socket outlet, akin to its double power point counterpart, offers expanded capacity for accommodating multiple electrical devices simultaneously. This additional functionality proves especially advantageous in settings where numerous gadgets are utilized within close proximity, such as behind a television or home entertainment unit. By featuring more sockets, it eliminates the inconvenience of juggling between adapters and power boards, streamlining the setup and reducing clutter.
Whether in residential living spaces or commercial environments, the four-socket outlet presents a practical solution to the escalating demand for power connectivity in our increasingly technology-driven world. Its placement strategically around a room ensures easy access to power without the unsightly mess of tangled cords, enhancing both convenience and aesthetics in modern settings.
USB Power Points
Introducing USB power points to our range of services has been met with enthusiasm from our customers!
In today’s digital age, the need for overnight charging of various electronic devices is ubiquitous in almost every household, and this demand is only expected to rise.
Furthermore, our double and quad power points can now be equipped with an additional switch, eliminating the necessity for a separate gang plate for your light or fan switch. This not only maximizes wall space but also contributes to a more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Why not opt for an inexpensive Power Board instead?
In many areas of the house, there’s often a greater demand for power outlets than what’s currently available.
This is primarily due to the significant increase in the number of electrical appliances and devices we use in our daily lives over the past few decades, often surpassing the capacity of properties built during that time frame.
Whether it’s the kitchen, living room, or bedroom, the competition for available plug points is fierce.
To address this issue, many resort to purchasing cheap extension power boards. Seems like a simple solution, right? Wrong.
Apart from the unsightly appearance of power boards, particularly when visible in living spaces like bedrooms or, worse yet, on kitchen countertops, they also pose serious safety risks.
Attempting to channel excessive electricity through a single circuit can strain it, leading to power surges or trips that endanger both the connected appliances and the electrical circuits in your home.
In essence, mishandling electricity can be hazardous, and insufficient power points to accommodate the load can result in blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers, leading to recurring power outages and the need for professional intervention to rectify the underlying issue.
