Put some thought into the electrical layout of your new build

Whether you are adding an additional couple of rooms or building a whole house from the ground up, an important stage of any building process is to consider the plan for your electricity usage. A practiced electrician technician in Melbourne can assist you in identifying your power outlet and lighting locations. By getting your layout right the first time, you will be able to enjoy fully functional electricity without any of the hassle of extension cords, awkward power cords and juggling charging several devices on the one power point. 

We take power points for granted if they are situated in the right spots. As a bare minimum, there should be a double outlet on either side of a double bed, to power everything from chargers to bedside lamps and electric blankets. You will probably need at least two or three in the kitchen. During your design, picture where your toaster, kettle and any other everyday appliances would sit, then include one more outlet than you think you will need, because chances are it will come in handy. During breakfast time and before dinner, for example, there could be a sudden rush in the kitchen. It is much simpler to add an additional outlet at this stage rather than attempt to install one later, as that will mean completely changing the wiring. 

While it is wise to design your power layout around how you plan to decorate, it is also worth considering that these power outlets will be in this position for the lifespan of the house. This means that if you or future residents want to move furniture around then they could potentially limit this scope. Try to identify the most practical areas that would still accommodate a slightly different room arrangement. 

Adding another is a good idea also because this will discourage you from overloading the few power outlets that you do have. Power boards should not be considered a long term solution to a lack of power points, as these can cause sparks and lead to electrical fires. Consider adding one or two power points outside and more if you have an outdoor kitchen. In general, an outdoor power point is great for a stereo in the summer and gardening power tools year round.

There is no strict rule about lighting layout, as different lights will work best with different layouts. Consult your lighting store or have your electrician view the specific lights you have selected, and then work out how many you’ll need and where they will go. For example you’ll need six to eight down lights in a room, compared to three pendant lights in a kitchen.  

Electricians frequently visit homes where the residents have put so much time and effort into lighting layout but totally neglected to think about the positioning of the light switches. Light switches need to be placed logically. A panel of four or six switches can be confusing, so try to arrange it so each switch directs you to the corresponding light. For bedroom and bathroom lights, the switch should be just inside the door so that it can be easily found in the middle of the night. Ask for the valuable advice of a smart electrician leader in Melbourne from Twin Electrics and Plumbing at http://twinelectrics.com.au/ and you will not regret it.