Damon Mcknight
Changing a power outlet in Australia is not a simple task and should be done with caution. In fact, in Australia, rewiring a power outlet must be carried out by a licensed electrician, and heavy fines may be incurred if an unlicensed individual attempts to do so. Before changing a power outlet, it is important to check for signs that the outlet needs to be replaced, such as a cracked faceplate, a burning smell, or a spark. Once it has been established that the outlet needs to be replaced, the power supply to the property should be turned off, and the wires should be disconnected from the old outlet and reconnected to the new one. Finally, the outlet can be secured back into the wall, and power can be restored.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can change a power outlet in Australia? | A licensed electrician |
| When to change a power outlet | When the faceplate is cracked, or the outlet feels hot, sparks, smokes, or has a burning smell. |
| Tools required | Wire strippers, a screwdriver, voltage tester, and the new outlet. |
| Steps to change a power outlet | 1. Turn off the power supply at the main switch. 2. Remove the faceplate of the existing power outlet. 3. Unscrew and pull out the outlet. 4. Remove the wires from the old outlet. 5. Attach the wires to the new outlet. 6. Push the outlet back into the wall and screw it in. 7. Put the wall plate back on. 8. Turn the power back on and test the outlet. |
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What You'll Learn
Rewiring a power outlet in Australia should be done by a licensed electrician
One of the main risks associated with DIY electrical work is the possibility of electrocution. Even if you turn off the main power supply, there may still be residual current in the lines, which can be extremely dangerous. Electricians are trained to handle these situations safely and can ensure that the power is completely shut off before beginning any work. They also have the necessary tools and equipment to test for residual voltage and protect themselves from electrical hazards.
Another risk of attempting to rewire a power outlet yourself is making incorrect wire connections. The wiring process can be complex, and it is crucial that the wires are connected correctly to prevent short circuits, electrical fires, and other issues. Licensed electricians have the knowledge and experience to properly identify and connect the wires, ensuring that your outlet is safe and functional.
In addition, there are specific regulations and building codes that must be followed when performing electrical work in Australia. These regulations can vary between states and territories, and failing to comply with them can result in hefty fines. Licensed electricians are familiar with these regulations and can ensure that your rewiring project meets all the necessary standards and requirements.
Finally, hiring a licensed electrician provides peace of mind and ensures the safety of your home and family. Electrical work done by unqualified individuals may not meet the required standards, posing a risk to your property and loved ones. Licensed electricians are insured and certified, so you can be confident that the work will be completed correctly and safely. They can also provide guidance on choosing the right type of power outlet and offer solutions to any electrical concerns you may have.
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Turn off the power supply at the main switch
In Australia, only a licensed electrician is permitted to replace a power outlet. If you are a qualified electrician, the first step of replacing a power outlet is to turn off the power supply at the main switch. This is the most important step to ensure your safety.
Before you turn off the power supply, you should check that the power outlet you are working on corresponds to the correct switch on your circuit breaker. If your circuit breaker is not labelled, it is best to turn off the power to the entire house. You can use a voltage tester to double-check that the power is off.
Turning off the main power supply is not enough to ensure that there is no residual current left in the lines. To be extra cautious, you can use a voltage tester to check for any remaining voltage in the wires of the house. This is an important step to prevent the risk of electrocution.
Once you have confirmed that the power is off, you can proceed to the next steps of replacing the power outlet. This includes removing the faceplate and outlet, detaching the wires, and preparing to install the new outlet.
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Remove the faceplate and outlet
Before beginning any work involving your power outlets, it is important to emphasise that rewiring a power outlet is illegal in Australia if you are not a licensed electrician. If you are not a licensed electrician, do not attempt to perform this task.
Now, to remove the faceplate and outlet, follow these steps:
Firstly, turn off the power supply to your property by flipping the main switch. You can also turn off the power from the circuit breaker that the electrical outlet you are working on is connected to. If your circuit breaker is not labelled, turn off the power to your entire house to be safe.
Next, you will need to remove the faceplate. Carefully unscrew the faceplate from the wall bracket. The screws are often hidden under small caps to maintain a tidy appearance, so you may need to pop these off with a sharp pick or a similar tool.
Once the screws are removed, you can gently pull the faceplate away from the wall. Now, you will need to unscrew and pull out the outlet itself. Before touching anything, make absolutely sure that there is no voltage left in the wires. Even if you have turned off the main power supply, there may still be residual current left in the lines.
After confirming that the power is off, you can begin to remove the wires from the outlet. Note where the wires are attached to the old outlet, as you will need to attach the wires to the new outlet in the same way. Typically, the brown or red wire is connected to the Active (A) terminal screw, the blue or black wire is connected to the Neutral (N) terminal screw, and the green/yellow wire is connected to the Earth (E) terminal screw.
Once you have noted the wiring configuration, carefully disconnect the wires from the old outlet. Now, you have successfully removed the faceplate and outlet, and you can prepare to install the new outlet.
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Attach wires to the new outlet
It is important to note that rewiring a power outlet is illegal in Australia if you are not a licensed electrician. If you are a licensed electrician, follow these steps to attach wires to a new power outlet:
Firstly, make sure that the power supply to your property is turned off at the main switch. You can use a voltage tester to be extra sure that the power is off. Then, remove the wires from the old outlet. Note where the wires were attached to the old outlet, taking a photo with your phone to remember.
Now, you can attach the wires to the new outlet. The brown or red wire should be connected to the Active (A) terminal screw. The blue or black wire should be connected to the Neutral (N) terminal screw. The neutral wire may be white and connected to a silver screw terminal. The green/yellow wire should be connected to the Earth (E) terminal screw. The grounding wire may be a green-coated wire or a copper wire, and it connects to the green grounding screw on the receptacle.
Once the wires are attached, push the outlet back into the wall and screw it in, using the same holes as the old outlet. Put the wall plate back on and tighten the mounting screws. Check that the receptacle is straight and restore power to test the outlet with the voltage tester.
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Push the new outlet back into the wall and turn the power back on
Before pushing the new outlet back into the wall, it is important to be aware of the relevant laws and guidelines. In Australia, it is illegal to rewire a power point unless you are a licensed electrician. Under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, electrical installation and electrical work must be performed by authorised electricians. Violators may be penalised or imprisoned.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to hire a licensed electrician to replace a power outlet. They will be able to ensure that the outlet is installed correctly and safely.
However, if you are a licensed electrician or are otherwise authorised to perform electrical work, you can proceed with the following steps:
Once you have connected the wires to the new outlet, gently push the outlet back into the wall. Ensure that the outlet is securely in place and that it is straight. Screw in the new outlet and faceplate using the same holes as the old outlet.
After the new outlet is securely in place, you can turn the power back on. Go to your property's main switch or circuit breaker and turn on the power supply. If you turned off the power to your entire house, you can now restore power to the rest of your property. Finally, test the new outlet with a voltage tester to ensure that it is functioning properly.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is illegal to change a power outlet yourself in Australia unless you are a licensed electrician.
You may notice a cracked faceplate, sparks, smoke, a burning smell, or the outlet may feel hot. A plug may not stay in the outlet, or items plugged into it may not be getting power.
You will need wire strippers, a screwdriver, and a voltage tester. If you are adding a new outlet, you will also need a drill, a drywall saw, a length of 2.5mm2 TPS electrical cable, an electronic stud finder, and a pencil.
First, turn off the power supply at your property's main switch. Then, remove the faceplate and the outlet itself. Remove the wires from the old outlet, then attach the wires to the new outlet, matching the colours to the correct terminal screws. Push the outlet back into the wall, screw it in, and replace the faceplate.
The cost will depend on the type of power outlet you choose and the electrician's rates. Slimline outlets range from 4mm to 9mm thick and cost between $10 and $20. The Slim Wafer slimline outlet is 2mm thick and may cost around $25.
