Short answer: The hipages 2026 cost guide puts the average cost of installing a power point at $140 to $180, including labour and materials, and notes it usually costs more in a brick wall. That’s a national average. Replacing an existing power point is usually cheaper than adding a new one, and outdoor, USB or high-current outlets cost more.
Most homes don’t have enough power points where they’re needed. Older Inner West homes especially tend to have one lonely outlet per room, which is how you end up with double adaptors and power boards behind the TV. Adding or upgrading power points is a small job, but there are a few things that change the price.
What kind of job is it?
Replacing an existing power point
Swapping a cracked, loose or old single outlet for a new double power point in the same spot is the simplest job. The cable is already there. It’s mainly the cost of the new outlet and the time to fit and test it.
Adding a new power point
A new outlet needs cable from an existing circuit or a new circuit. How hard that is depends on the wall:
- Plasterboard or timber-framed walls with roof or subfloor access: usually straightforward.
- Double-brick walls, common in terraces and Federation homes in suburbs like Leichhardt and Haberfield: the cable may need to be chased into the brick and the wall patched, or run in surface conduit.
- Kitchens and splashbacks: tiles, stone and cabinetry need careful planning.
Outdoor power points
Outdoor outlets need a weatherproof enclosure suited to the location and RCD protection. They cost more than an indoor outlet, but they stop extension cords running through doors and windows.
USB and specialty outlets
Power points with built-in USB-A or USB-C chargers, outlets for appliances that draw more current, and outlets on their own circuit (for example, for a freezer or a home office) all cost more than a standard double GPO.
Typical market figures
| Item | Typical figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Install a power point (labour and materials) | $140 to $180 on average | hipages, updated Jan 2026 |
| Kitchen renovation with 5 power points | $450 to $850 | same guide |
| Electrician service fee | $80 to $130 | same guide |
These are national averages published by hipages, not Blue Link prices.
Things that change the price
- How many you’re adding. The first power point carries the call-out. Each extra one at the same visit costs less.
- The wall type. Brick and tiled walls take longer than plasterboard.
- The circuit. If the existing circuit is already heavily loaded or has old cabling, a new circuit from the switchboard may be the safer option.
- The switchboard. Adding a new circuit to a board with ceramic fuses or no spare space can trigger a switchboard upgrade.
- The outlet itself. A basic white double GPO is cheap. Designer finishes, USB-C and smart outlets aren’t.
Power boards vs a new power point
Power boards are fine for low-power devices like phone chargers, lamps and TVs. They’re a poor long-term solution for heaters, kettles, air fryers or anything that draws a lot of current for long periods. If you’re running a heater off a power board every winter, a dedicated power point is safer.
Watch for warning signs at any outlet: heat, discolouring, crackling, a loose plug that falls out, or a fishy or burning smell. If you notice any of these, stop using the outlet and read our guide on a burning smell from a power point.
Why DIY isn’t an option
Some hardware stores sell power points, which leads people to think they can fit one themselves. In NSW, you need an electrical licence to do any electrical wiring work, whatever the cost or size of the job, according to NSW Government licensing guidance. That includes replacing a power point. A licensed electrician tests the work and provides a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work.
Planning tips
- Think about where furniture will go before choosing positions.
- Add more than you think you need. Two doubles is better than one double and a power board.
- In kitchens, plan outlets for the appliances that live on the bench.
- Consider an outdoor outlet near where you’d use a pressure washer, garden tools or an outdoor heater.
- If you’re planning an EV, talk about a dedicated charging circuit at the same time.
Need more power points? We install and replace power points across the Inner West, including Leichhardt, Marrickville, Petersham and Ashfield. See our lighting and power page, or call 0421 772 661 for a fixed quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to replace a power point than install a new one?
Usually. Replacing an outlet in the same position uses the existing cable, so there’s less labour than running cable to a new spot.
Can I swap a single power point for a double?
Yes, in most cases. It’s one of the most common small electrical jobs, and it often reduces the need for double adaptors and power boards.
Are USB power points worth it?
They’re handy beside beds, desks and kitchen benches, and they free up the outlets for other things. They cost more than a standard power point.
Do outdoor power points need special protection?
Yes. They need a weatherproof outlet suited to the location and RCD protection. Your electrician will choose a rating that suits where it’s mounted.