Power boards are multiplying
Power boards are incredibly useful but relying on them too heavily - especially for larger appliances - can place extra strain on a single outlet and the circuit behind it. High-power items such as heaters, kettles, microwaves and air fryers can generate a significant electrical load, particularly when several are running at once.
Overloaded power boards can overheat, which may increase the risk of damaged wiring, electrical faults or even fire hazards. It's also important to avoid plugging power boards into one another, sometimes called "daisy chaining", as this can overload a circuit surprisingly quickly.
A simple way to reduce the risk is to avoid running multiple high-power appliances from the same outlet or power board, unplug devices you're not using and choose quality power boards with overload protection where possible.
Your outlets feel warm
Power outlets shouldn't become noticeably hot to the touch. A little warmth can occasionally happen with devices that use a lot of power, but noticeable heat is your home's way of asking for attention.
Warm outlets can indicate an overloaded circuit, a loose connection or a worn outlet - especially if several appliances are running from the same point.
Circuit breakers trip regularly
Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home by shutting off power when a circuit becomes overloaded or detects an electrical fault. So, if your breaker trips every now and then after plugging in one too many appliances, it's doing exactly what it's meant to do.
However, if it becomes a regular occurrence - especially in the same room or area of the house - it may suggest the circuit is struggling to handle the demand.
Lights flicker when appliances turn on
Does the kitchen light dim slightly every time the microwave starts? Or do the bedroom lights flicker when the heater kicks in?
A small amount of dimming can occasionally happen when high-power appliances switch on, but repeated or noticeable flickering can suggest a circuit is under heavy demand or that several large appliances are drawing power at the same time.
Chargers and cords are everywhere
A maze of extension cords weaving around furniture might not seem like a major issue, but it often points to an over-reliance on a small number of outlets.
Besides encouraging too many devices to run from one area of the home, excess cords can also become trip hazards and create clutter that makes spaces harder to keep tidy and safe.
Burning smells or buzzing sounds
If an outlet has a burned smell, makes buzzing noises or shows scorch marks, switch off power to the area and contact a licensed electrician as soon as possible.
And if your home simply doesn't have enough outlets for modern living, having extra power points professionally installed can often make everyday life far more convenient.
Source: EnergySafety WA
