/// SYDNEY RESIDENTIAL

Install, Repair or Upgrade Power Points & Switches

Not enough power points? Or has a switch stopped working? We can fix it today.

Verify our NSW Contractors Licence 493243C on the official NSW Trades register.

Licensed electrician installing a residential power point in a Sydney home
[ OVERVIEW ]

What are powerpoints and switches?

A powerpoint, also called a GPO (General Power Outlet), is the socket in your wall that you plug appliances and devices into. A light switch is the mechanism that controls your lights.

Both are standard household fixtures. Most people never think about them until one stops working, or there are not enough of them in the right places.

Installing, replacing, or moving either one is classified as electrical work under NSW law. That means it must be done by a licensed electrician. This page covers what we do, what it costs, and what to expect when we come out.

[ SYMPTOM CHECKLIST ]

Signs it is time to call us

Power points

These are the most common signs we see at Sydney homes.

  • A socket that has stopped working entirely
  • A socket that trips the safety switch as soon as something is plugged in
  • Scorch marks or discolouration around the outlet
  • A socket that feels warm or hot to the touch
  • Heavy reliance on powerboards because there are not enough outlets
  • Old round-pin or two-pin sockets in pre-1990s homes that need upgrading

Switches

  • A switch that no longer clicks properly or feels loose in the wall
  • A switch that makes a crackling or buzzing sound when used
  • Lights that flicker when the switch is toggled
  • A switch that feels warm or hot to the touch
  • Dimmers that hum, buzz, or do not dim evenly

Most of these are quick jobs once we have seen them. The longer a fault is left, the more likely it is to develop into a bigger problem.

[ FAULT CLASSIFICATION ]

What Sydney homeowners should know

RCD protection: what the law requires

Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3000) require any new or replacement power point to be on a circuit protected by an RCD, also called a safety switch. This is mandatory for all new socket outlet installations. Older Sydney homes sometimes have fuse-wire systems or switchboards without adequate RCD protection. If your property is in this situation, we will let you know during our assessment and discuss the most practical way to bring it up to standard. This is not always an expensive job.

Why you cannot replace a power point yourself

In NSW, all electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician. This includes replacing a single socket or a light switch. Unlicensed electrical work is an offence under the Home Building Act 1989. It also voids home and contents insurance and is a contributing cause of residential fires in Australia. The good news is that the licensed alternative is usually faster and more affordable than people expect before they get a quote.

Single versus double power points

A single power point (GPO) has one socket. A double has two sockets in the same wall plate. Most new installations use double GPOs as the default. If your home has single power points throughout and you rely heavily on powerboards, upgrading them to doubles is one of the most cost-effective electrical improvements you can make.

USB power points

USB power points include standard 240V sockets alongside built-in USB-A or USB-C ports. They are popular in bedrooms, home offices, and kitchens. They eliminate the need for plug-in adapters and reduce cable clutter on benches and bedside tables.

[ NETWORK AUTHORISATION ]

Certifications & Accreditations

ACCREDITATION / 01

AUSGRID

Network distributor authorisation
ACCREDITATION / 02

ENDEAVOUR ENERGY

Network distributor authorisation
ACCREDITATION / 03

ESSENTIAL ENERGY

Network distributor authorisation
ACCREDITATION / 04

LEVEL 2 ASP

Accredited service provider · Lic 6855
ACCREDITATION / 05

SAA ACCREDITED

Solar accreditation Australia
ACCREDITATION / 06

NSW CONTRACTORS

Electrical contractors licence · 493243C
[ CLIENT TRANSMISSION ]

Real feedback

5.0 · 7 Google reviews

See all on Google
Sam is an absolute legend. He fixed my hot water system this afternoon. He didn’t charge me a lot and he done a great job
Jack Brown
Google review
Couldn’t be happier with Electrosurge Solutions. I had a full house rewire done and a bunch of upgrades like downlights, pendant lighting, new powerpoints, ethernet/data cabling, and exterior sensor lights. Sam is very tidy and everything looks and works perfectly. Really easy to deal with and you can tell they take pride in doing things properly. Definitely recommend if you want a quality electrician.
Claire
Google review
Sam is professional, courteous and honest. He is upfront with the costs and does everything per the book. He was a pleasure to work with and gave us exactly what we wanted. Highly recommended. Wish every tradie was like Sam
Nagarajan Valanoor
Google review
Sam is an absolute legend. He fixed my hot water system this afternoon. He didn’t charge me a lot and he done a great job
Jack Brown
Google review
[ INFORMATION QUERY ]

Frequently asked questions

01Do I need a Certificate of Compliance after power point or switch work?

Yes, in most cases. A Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) must be issued by a licensed electrician for electrical installations and alterations in NSW. We include this as part of the job at no extra charge.

02Can you install a power point anywhere in my home?

Usually yes, but the location affects cost. Points close to existing wiring are straightforward. Locations that need long cable runs or penetrations through masonry take more time and material. We will assess your situation and advise before starting.

03How long does a power point installation take?

A straightforward replacement typically takes under an hour. A new installation on an existing circuit usually takes one to two hours. Jobs that need a new dedicated circuit or switchboard work take longer. We give you a realistic time estimate when we quote.

04What happens if my home has no safety switch on the power circuit?

Australian Standards require RCD protection on any circuit receiving a new power point. If your circuit is not protected, we will identify this during our assessment and explain the options. In many cases it is a small additional job.

05Do you work on weekends?

Yes. We are open Monday to Sunday, 7am to 5pm. After-hours call-outs are available for urgent situations such as a sparking or non-functioning power point that cannot wait. Standard weekend rates apply. When you call, we will confirm availability in your suburb and give you a price estimate before booking.

06What is the difference between a GPO and a power point?

They refer to the same thing. GPO stands for General Power Outlet, which is the formal Australian Standards term used in wiring documentation. In everyday speech, most people call it a power point or socket. Both describe the 240V outlet mounted in your wall that you plug appliances and devices into. You may also hear it called an outlet or socket, but GPO is the term your electrician and the standards use.

07Are you licensed to do more than standard power point work?

Yes. We hold a Level 2 Authorised Service Provider (ASP) licence in addition to our electrical contractor licence. This authorises us to work on network-connected parts of your electrical system, which a standard contractor licence does not cover.

[ RELATED SERVICES ]

Related Services

Lighting & Downlights

Upgrade switches and add dimmers when you're installing new downlights.

View service →

Surge Protection

Protect sensitive electronics plugged into new power points from voltage spikes.

View service →

Fitouts & New Installations

Add all required power points and data points during your commercial fitout.

View service →

Renovation

Include new power points and switches in your full electrical renovation package.

View service →

Safety Switches (RCD)

Install RCD-protected power points in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

View service →
< OPERATIONAL SEQUENCE >

Assessment to completion

Licensed electrician inspecting a switchboard during on-site electrical work in Sydney
01

Tell us what you need

Describe your electrical issue or project and we'll schedule a time to assess the situation.

02

We inspect and quote

Our technician examines the work required and gives you a transparent price before anything begins.

03

We complete the job

We finish on time, clean up after ourselves, and ensure everything meets code and your expectations.

/// RESULT

From booking to sign-off

From booking through to final checks, we manage the details so you can get the job finished right.

Get in touch

Send a message and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Service area
Greater Sydney and the Illawarra
Hours
Mon–Sun 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
24/7 emergency call-outs
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