Placing power points in the kitchen

With all those shiny new electrical appliances jostling for prime benchtop space in a kitchen renovation, correct power-point placement is far from a haphazard art. Careful planning is paramount.

Electrician Craig Degruyter, of Melbourne Electrical Specialists, says that when you begin thinking about a kitchen renovation you should start with placing power points for the three main kitchen appliances - the microwave, dishwasher and rangehood.

"Quite often, there's also a power point near the pantry for a kettle and toaster. Then there are generally two or three double power points above the benchtops for general use, depending on the size of the kitchen. It's a good idea to put a power point on the side of an island bench, too, so you have the flexibility to use any appliances you wish."

What kind of power point should I use?

The quad, or four-plug power point, is popular in kitchen renovations. "These are useful for bigger benchtop areas, especially corners, as they keep everything together," says Craig. "However, sometimes two double power points are a better option, because power packs (like those on mobile phone chargers) may not fit on a quad next to other plugs."

Where should I place the power points?

Craig says kitchen power points need to be placed away from sinks and hotplates. "They also need to be 1.5 to 2 metres away from each other for ease of access and to prevent overload," he explains. "We don't advise the use of power boards or adaptors."

It's important to talk to both your kitchen designer and electrician for advice on power-point placement. Do your bit by counting your plug-in items (don't forget that new espresso machine). A checklist, often provided by an electrician, can simplify the task and prevent you from overlooking anything important.

What if I want internet sockets in the kitchen?

Forward-thinking renovators may also like to include a couple of data sockets in their kitchen plans - perhaps one near the fridge and one on the bench near the microwave. Digital technologies in whitegoods may not be so rare in the not-too-distant future.

How many power points should I have?

It's worth thinking about your cooking style and kitchen usage too. For example, if you're a keen entertainer, there's likely to be more than one cook in the kitchen area using different appliances at once.

Lack of power points is a common error, so if in doubt, pop in an extra one. You won't know your exact needs until you live in your new space, and access will be more difficult and costly down the track.

How safe will my kitchen be?

Asking your electrician to perform an electrical safety assessment of your switchboard, wiring and fittings such as switches, lights and power-points, could also save future headaches.

Contact a kitchen renovator to ensure you have the right number of power points in the kitchen: