Power boards are often viewed as an easy and inexpensive way to increase the number of power points in your home. Available in nearly every store, from Bunnings to Kmart, power boards seem like a quick fix for connecting multiple devices to a single outlet. They’re affordable, easy to use, and save you from the hassle and expense of calling in an electrician to install additional power points. On the surface, they seem to tick all the boxes, right? Unfortunately, that’s not the case
1. Power Boards Are Meant to Be a Temporary Solution
While power boards can be convenient, they should only be used as a temporary measure. Over time, improper use and poor maintenance of power boards can lead to serious hazards, including electrical fires. In fact, overloading power boards is one of the most common causes of preventable house fires. This is why, in many workplace environments, power boards must be regularly tested and tagged to comply with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) regulations, along with other electrical appliances.
If power boards are improperly maintained or used incorrectly at home, they can become dangerous. Keeping them as a long-term solution puts your family and home at risk.
2. Overloading Power Points: A Recipe for Disaster
Many people don’t realise that the power point a power board is plugged into wasn’t designed to handle multiple appliances, especially not high-wattage devices. Appliances like kettles, toasters, microwaves, and laptops can pull a significant amount of power. When too many devices are plugged into a single power point via a power board, it can lead to overloading the circuit, which may cause overheating and, ultimately, electrical fires.
While power boards may seem like an easy solution for plugging in several devices, they’re not designed to handle the current load of multiple high-wattage appliances. The risk of overloading is far greater when power boards are used improperly, and the consequences can be severe.
3. The Dangerous Habit of “Piggybacking” with Adapters
Another common, yet dangerous, practice is using double adapters or piggybacking multiple power boards. In this situation, one power board is plugged into another, which significantly exceeds the total current rating of the original power point or the power board. Each power board has a maximum current rating, and exceeding this limit can cause the circuit to become overloaded.
This creates a dangerous situation where overheated wires could potentially cause fires or electrical shock hazards. Using double adapters or connecting several power boards together to create more outlets is a practice that should be avoided at all costs.
4. The Unsightly and Hazardous Nature of Power Boards
Aside from the safety concerns, power boards can be an eyesore in your home. Unless they’re tucked away under sofas or hidden behind furniture, they often create a mess of cables and cords, cluttering your space and making it look untidy. This also creates a tripping hazard, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, or kitchens.
The sight of tangled cords and plugs not only makes your space feel less organised but could also cause accidents if someone trips over the cables. Additionally, the clutter from power boards can create unnecessary strain on your electrical setup, which could lead to more wear and tear.
A Better Alternative: Installing Additional Power Points
The easiest and safest way to ensure your home stays powered without the dangers of power boards is by having additional power points installed by a professional electrician. At Assured Electrical, our team can provide a solution that fits your needs, allowing you to expand your electrical capacity safely and effectively.
We can easily replace your double power points with quad power points, giving you more outlets while reducing the risk of overloading circuits. We can also install power points with built-in USB charging ports—a convenient and stylish option that eliminates the need for bulky adapters.
Not only do these installations look tidier, but they also make your home safer by reducing clutter and preventing the need for dangerous workarounds like double adapters.
Get in Touch with Assured Electrical Today
If you’re tired of dealing with messy, hazardous power boards and need a safer, more efficient way to power your home, Assured Electrical is here to help. Our team of expert electricians can install additional power points and provide customised electrical solutions that suit your home’s needs. Say goodbye to power boards and hello to a safer, more organised electrical setup.
Contact us today on 0407 384 518 for a consultation, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more updates and tips on keeping your home safe.