The legality of pop up power points in Australia
Pop Up Power Points
Pop up power points are the latest kitchen appliance slowly becoming mainstream in homes across Australia. Helping homeowners connect, power and charge devices easily on their bench-tops adding convenience for a lifetime. But a big question is, are they safe and legal to use in kitchens? What happens with water, spills, liquid or grime? And what effects can this have? In this blog post, we’ll go through these points to help buyers feel more comfortable before installation.
Pop-up power points are legal and compliant for installation in kitchen benchtops or islands across Australia. However, they must be installed at least 1 meter away from sinks, taps, or other water sources. The rule typically varies by state, but maintaining a distance of 0.8m will generally cover all situations. We recommend consulting your local installer or electrician to confirm the best installation practices for your specific location.
Next, ensure that the pop-up power point model you purchase complies with Australian electrical standards. Some models bought from online platforms like eBay or Amazon may come from international sources and may not meet local compliance requirements.
Additionally, we recommend installing an RCD (Residual Current Device) on the circuit to which your pop-up power point connects. This safety device will disconnect the power if it detects current leakage or an overload. Most pop-up power outlets come with an overload protection switch built in.
Lastly, certain pop-up power outlets feature a liquid-sealed top. This can help protect against spills that may occur outside of sink or water source areas. Keep in mind that these models usually seal only when closed, not while the outlets are extracted. Always check the product details or datasheet for information on water protection specifications.
Disclaimer
The information on this page should be used as a guide only. We suggest doing your own independent research, or consulting your local tradesperson before installing a pop up power point or taking advice.
- For more information on “switches and sockets in wet areas”, please see this article by NSW Fair Trading
