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Changing a power point in Australia is a job that must be carried out by a licensed electrician. It is illegal for homeowners to attempt this task themselves, and it can be dangerous. The cost of hiring an electrician to change a power point in Australia is relatively low, and the work can be completed in under an hour. The process involves turning off the power supply, removing the wall plate, identifying the wires, connecting the wires to the corresponding circuits, and installing the new power point.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can change a power point in Australia? | Only a licensed electrician is allowed to carry out any electrical work, including the installation of power points. |
| What are the regulations? | Australian standards require circuits for power points to be protected by a circuit breaker or fuse rated at a maximum of 20 amperes. The installation must comply with the Australian/New Zealand Standard for Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000:2018). |
| What are the potential issues with changing a power point? | There is a risk of electrocution from residual current left in the lines. There may also be hidden issues inside walls that come out via the power points. |
| What is the process for changing a power point? | 1. Turn off the power supply at the property's main switch. 2. Remove the cover plate from the wall bracket. 3. Check for any residual voltage in the wires. 4. Identify the wires and their corresponding circuits. 5. Connect the wires to the new power point. 6. Install the new power point. |
| What are the potential penalties for changing a power point without a license? | Penalties will cost up to $40,000 for individuals who are caught performing illegal electrical work. |
| What is the cost of changing a power point? | It should cost around $150 to change a power outlet or up to $200 for multiple outlets. The hourly rate for an electrician changes per state and can be anywhere from $60-$130 for labour, plus the cost of the power point. |
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What You'll Learn
Understand Australian electrical safety regulations
In Australia, electrical safety is regulated by a combination of Commonwealth, state, and territory laws, which are enforced by the relevant authorities. The specific regulations may vary depending on the state or territory, but there are some overarching principles and standards that apply nationally. Here is an overview of the electrical safety regulations in Australia:
Electrical Safety Legislation
The Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) is a critical component of electrical safety in Australia. It encompasses legislation from participating jurisdictions, aiming to ensure that all electrical equipment manufactured or imported into the country meets stringent safety standards. This system plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the public and industry professionals alike.
Work Health and Safety (WHS) Laws
The WHS model laws, established in 2011, are a cornerstone of electrical safety in Australia. These laws outline the duties of individuals and entities in maintaining electrical safety in the workplace. Under these laws, a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) assumes primary responsibility for ensuring the electrical safety of their workplace and workers. This includes managing risks, consulting with affected parties, and adhering to relevant standards.
Electrical Safety Act and Regulation
The Electrical Safety Act 2002 is a pivotal piece of legislation in Queensland, designed to prevent injuries, deaths, and property damage caused by electricity. This Act takes precedence over the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 when both apply. It mandates that businesses and business owners (PCBUs) prioritise electrical safety in their operations. The accompanying Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 provides practical guidelines for complying with the Act, including codes of practice that offer advice on meeting electrical safety obligations.
Standards for Electrical Equipment
Australia maintains rigorous standards for electrical equipment, as outlined in the relevant Standards Australia or joint Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand. These standards are essential for ensuring that electrical equipment meets essential safety requirements. In their absence, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, along with AS/NZS3820, come into effect. Compliance with these standards is critical for the safety of both individuals and property.
Licensed Electrical Work
It is important to highlight that electrical work and installations in Australia are legally required to be performed by authorised electricians under the Home Building Act 1989. Undertaking DIY electrical work is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous and can result in hefty fines or even imprisonment. Engaging a qualified electrician ensures compliance with safety regulations and maintains the validity of insurance policies.
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Identify the wires
While it is illegal to change a power point yourself in Australia, and it is recommended that you hire a qualified electrician to do so, it is important to know how to identify wires when doing any electrical work.
Firstly, turn off the power to the entire building at the mains switch. Then, carefully unscrew the cover plate from the wall bracket. You can use a sharp pick to pop off the little caps that are often hiding the screws.
Before proceeding, make sure there is no voltage left in the wires. Even if you have turned off the main power, there could still be residual current left in the lines.
Now, identify the wires. Note where the red and black wires are attached to the old receptacle. You may also see a green and yellow wire, which is the 'earth' wire. The colours of the wires indicate what they are: brown is the active phase, blue is neutral, and green and yellow are earth ground.
If you are uncertain, take a photo of the wiring arrangement on the back of the plate so that the wires can be reconnected in the correct spot.
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Disconnect the power supply
Disconnecting the power supply is the most important step when changing a power point. Before working with wires, you must ensure that the wire is disconnected from the power supply and is not 'live'. This is done by turning off the power to the entire building at the mains switch located in the fuse or junction box. It is important to note that simply turning off the power may not be enough, as there could still be residual current left in the lines. Therefore, it is crucial to test and double-check that there is no voltage left in the wires. This can be done by plugging in a functioning device or appliance and confirming that it does not turn on. Another appliance can be used to double-check. Additionally, a high-voltage multimeter or electrical test screwdriver can be used for further confirmation.
It is worth noting that multiple power points may be wired to the same circuit segment, so it is recommended to use an appropriate appliance to test the disconnection of the power first, as there may be residual capacitance available in that circuit segment. An appliance will draw this remaining charge, while a voltmeter may not.
Once it has been confirmed that the power supply is disconnected and there is no residual current, it is safe to proceed with handling the wires. However, it is highly recommended to seek the help of a licensed electrician, as working with electrical wiring can be extremely dangerous.
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Remove the wall plate
Before starting any electrical work, it is important to remember that it may be illegal to do it yourself in Australia. Therefore, it is always recommended to call a licensed electrician.
Now, to remove the wall plate, the first step is to turn off the power to the entire building at the mains switch located in your home's fuse or junction box. This is crucial for safety reasons, as you don't want to risk electrocution from residual current.
The next step is to carefully remove the existing wall plate. This should be done with extreme caution, as you may not know what the wiring looks like behind it unless you were the original installer. Gently pull on the cover/skirt/face plate to remove it. Underneath, you will typically find two screws that mount the power point to the wall. Some power points may also have screws hidden under little caps or round dots, which you can pop off with a sharp pick or a Stanley knife.
Once you have located all the screws, carefully unscrew them to detach the power point from its mounting. If the power point is screwed into a metal wall mount plate, you may need to use pliers to hold the mounting in place while removing the screws.
After removing the screws, gently pull the power point out of the hole in the wall to access the mounting plate behind it. This will expose the wiring and allow you to proceed to the next step of identifying the wires.
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Connect wires to the new powerpoint
In Australia, connecting wires to a new powerpoint is considered an electrical installation and should be done by an authorised electrician under the Home Building Act 1989. Violators who are not licensed electricians may be penalised or imprisoned.
However, if you are a qualified electrician, here is some general advice on how to connect wires to a new powerpoint:
Firstly, ensure that you have turned off the power to the entire building at the mains switch. Then, remove the cover plate and screws of the powerpoint with a screwdriver. Check with a voltage tester to ensure that the electricity is off before proceeding.
Next, identify the different types of wires, such as red, black, yellow, and green. Note where they are attached to the old powerpoint, and then carefully remove them. If there is a green and yellow wire, this is the 'earth' wire.
Now, you can re-attach the wires to the new powerpoint. Attach the ground wire (green and yellow) to the green terminal at the back of the new power socket. Then, connect the power supply wires to their proper terminals.
Finally, gently tuck the wires back into the powerpoint and screw the cover plate back into place.
It is important to note that electrical work can be dangerous, and it is always recommended to seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any part of the process.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is illegal to change a powerpoint in Australia unless you are a licensed electrician.
There is a risk of electrocution and, if something goes wrong, your insurance company may not pay out if the work was not carried out by a qualified electrician.
The hourly rate for an electrician in Australia is between $60 and $130, and the work should take under an hour. The cost of the powerpoint itself varies depending on the type you select.
First, turn off the power supply at your property's main switch. Then, carefully remove the wall plate and identify the wires, taking care to note Australia's colour-coding system. Once the wiring is complete, affix and secure the new powerpoint in place.
There are a variety of powerpoints to choose from, including everyday two-point outlets, large dolly outlets, slimline outlets, and weatherproof outlets. Consider the power demand of the devices you plan to use, as well as the style and thickness of the powerpoint.
