What Most People Get Wrong About Power Boards..
Power boards are one of the most common items found in Australian homes.
They’re convenient, affordable, and make it easy to connect multiple devices in areas where you might only have one wall outlet available.
But they’re also one of the most misunderstood electrical products in the home.
At Sublime Electrical Co, we regularly see power boards being used in ways they were never designed for. Most of the time it’s not because homeowners are being careless — it’s simply because nobody has explained what is safe and what isn’t.
So, let’s clear up some common misconceptions:
1. “A power board gives me more power”
This is one of the biggest misunderstandings.
A power board doesn’t increase the amount of electricity available from your outlet — it simply allows multiple devices to connect to the same power point.
The amount of power your circuit can safely handle hasn’t changed.
This means plugging in several high-powered appliances to one power board can put extra strain on the circuit.
Common high-power appliances include:
Portable heaters
Toasters
Kettles
Hair dryers
Microwaves
Air fryers
These appliances are designed to be plugged directly into a wall outlet where possible.
2. “If it fits, it’s safe”
Just because something plugs in doesn’t always mean it should.
A common issue we see is power boards being hidden behind entertainment units, desks, beds, and furniture where they can’t be easily checked.
Things to look out for:
Multiple power boards connected together
Extension leads plugged into power boards
Damaged or cracked casings
Loose plugs
Cables trapped under furniture
If a power board feels warm, smells unusual, or shows signs of damage, it should be removed from use.
3. Overloading can become a fire risk
When too many appliances are connected to one power board, the internal components can become overloaded.
Over time, this can cause:
Excessive heat buildup
Damaged cables
Melting plastic components
Increased risk of electrical faults
Many electrical issues start gradually, which is why they’re easy to overlook.
A power board sitting behind your TV for years might not seem like a concern — until something changes.
4. The easy fixes most homes can make
The good news is that improving power board safety is usually simple.
A few easy changes include:
✅ Use quality power boards with built-in overload protection
✅ Replace damaged or outdated power boards
✅ Avoid plugging high-wattage appliances into power boards
✅ Keep power boards visible and ventilated
✅ Consider installing additional power points where you regularly need them
Sometimes the best solution isn’t another power board — it’s adding a properly positioned outlet where you actually use your appliances.
5. A quick check you can do today
Take five minutes and look around your home.
Ask yourself:
How many power boards are currently plugged in?
Are any power boards connected to another power board?
Are any hidden behind furniture?
Are any running heating appliances?
Are any showing signs of wear?
Small checks like this can help prevent bigger issues later. Electrical safety doesn’t always mean major upgrades or expensive changes, often, it’s simply understanding how the things we use every day are designed to work.
A power board is a helpful tool when used correctly — but like anything electrical, it needs to be treated with care. If something doesn’t look right, it’s always worth getting advice from a qualified electrician.
Not sure? Get it checked! Sublime Electrical Co are here to help you remain safe within your home!