Cost of Installing Outdoor Electrical Outlets/Powerpoints

Installing outdoor power outlets allows homes and businesses to harness electricity safely outside. But the costs can be daunting for Aussies without electrical expertise. From materials to permits, navigating the expense of outdoor electrical work is frustrating. This guide breaks down the real average costs involved in installing various outdoor power points. Discover accurate pricing information to budget and plan your outdoor access project.

Average Costs in Australia

Providing outdoor power access can be a worthwhile investment for Aussie households and businesses. But before taking on an outdoor electrical project, it’s helpful to understand the average costs involved.

Hourly Rates

The biggest driver of installation costs is the hourly rate charged by electricians. These professional fees can vary significantly based on experience, demand and overhead expenses.

Across the electrical trade, average hourly rates range from $70 up to $150. Apprentice electricians typically charge around $70-90 per hour. Fully qualified and licensed electricians with 5+ years experience often bill between $100-130 per hour. At the top end, electrical contractors and specialist firms can charge up to $150 per hour.

Rates also tend to be a little higher in metro areas compared to regional locations. And keep in mind service call fees, which can add $80 or more onto the total bill.

The complexity of the job is another factor – electricians may charge a higher hourly rate for more complex outdoor wiring tasks. On a typical outdoor power point installation taking 2-4 hours, labor fees of $200-500+ should be expected from a professional electrician.

Cost Range for Different Power Points

There’s a range of outdoor power point options, from simple double power points to weatherproof designs – each with varying install costs.

A standard double power point is the most affordable option. Installation costs generally range from $150 to $300, covering parts and 2-3 hours labor. Weatherproof designs such as safety switches and enclosures add more to the job. Typical install costs are:

• Weatherproof safety switch power point – $300 to $600
• Double power point with weatherproof enclosure – $400 to $800

More advanced IP66 and IP67 rated waterproof outlets with maximum weather protection can cost $600 to $1000 to install.

Additional power points wired to the same location are generally $50 to $100 per extra point.

General Installation Costs

Looking at general averages, a typical outdoor power point installation in Australia ranges from $300 to $600 – depending on the complexity of the job.

Here are some of the key factors that influence the overall installation costs:

• Access and site conditions – ease of access and digging adds time/materials
• Power point type – basic vs weatherproof models
• Number of power points – each extra point adds to labor/materials
• Distance to switchboard – longer cable runs cost more in cabling
• Electrical load needs – higher wattage circuits are more expensive
• Certified electrician vs handyman – proper qualifications demand higher rates
• Metro vs regional location – travel time adds to costs outside cities
• Electrician experience level – senior electricians charge more per hour
• Difficulty of wiring route – complex jobs take longer and cost more
• Specialist technical skills needed – certified for pools/spas etc costs more
• Returning customer discount – electricians may offer better rates to repeat clients
• Volume discounts – cheaper per unit cost for installing multiple power points

While costs can stack up quickly, utilizing a licensed electrician is highly recommended for any outdoor power project, ensuring safety and compliance. And investing in weatherproof models where required provides reliable, long-term outdoor power access.

Cost Factors

Delving into the various factors that influence the cost of installing outdoor electrical outlets, and providing a breakdown of these factors with average cost ranges.

Electrician’s Hourly Rate

The electrician’s hourly rate is one of the biggest factors impacting the total cost of an outdoor electrical outlet installation project. Fully qualified electricians typically charge $100-150 per hour for labor. Some key points on electrician hourly rates:

• Hourly rates vary based on experience, qualifications, overheads and demand
• Apprentices often charge $70-90 per hour; licensed electricians charge $100-130; electrical contractors can be $150+
• Expect to pay a higher hourly rate for complex outdoor wiring tasks
• In metro areas rates are often $10-20 higher than regional areas
• Allow 2-4 hours labor for a typical outdoor power point installation
• Service call fees (~$80+) also add to the total cost

When budgeting, you should expect to pay approximately $200-500+ in professional electrician fees to install an outdoor power point. Choosing a certified electrician is highly recommended for safety.

Type of Power Point

The type of outdoor power point chosen will impact the installation cost. Key variables include:

• Standard power points are the most affordable at $150-300 installed
• Weatherproof designs (e.g. safety switches) cost more at $300-600
• Advanced IP66/IP67 waterproof outlets cost $600-1000+
• Additional points at the same site are ~$50-100 per extra point

Opting for weatherproofing does add expense, but provides greater long term reliability in exposed outdoor settings.

Complexity of Installation

More complex installations with challenging locations or special materials/wiring needs will be more expensive overall. Key factors adding cost:

• Difficult access or digging conditions requiring more time or equipment
• Long cable runs to get power from the switchboard
• Higher electrical load requirements necessitating larger cabling
• Specialist skills e.g. pool/spa electrical certification
• Unexpected delays or issues requiring additional work

Simple, straightforward installations generally range from $300-500. But more complex jobs with added challenges can cost $800-1000+. Carefully planning the installation location and details can help minimize unforeseen costs.

Types of Outdoor Electrical Outlets & Their Costs

When planning an outdoor power point installation, homeowners and businesses alike need to consider which type of outlet best suits their needs. The ideal outdoor power solution comes down to assessing factors like exposure to weather, usage requirements, and safety.

Broadly, there are three main categories of outdoor electrical outlets to evaluate.

Weather-Resistant Power Points

Purpose-designed weather resistant power points are engineered for reliable performance in exposed outdoor environments. They are constructed using UV-stabilised and corrosion-resistant materials that prevent degradation from sunlight, moisture, dirt and other outdoor conditions.

Key features include:

• UV-stabilised plastic housing to prevent sun damage
• Silicone gaskets provide a weatherproof seal around plugs
• Corrosion-resistant screws, sockets and contacts
• Shuttered outlets to block moisture and debris when not in use
• Durable terminal blocks that maintain tight wire connections

Weather resistant power points are available in standard 10A designs, and industrial-rated 20A models for high load appliances. The most heavy duty IP66 and IP67 rated weatherproof outlets are waterproof even when submerged.

Weatherproofing does come at a small cost premium, with weather-resistant power points ranging from $30 to $100 per unit supplied and installed. However, paying this extra upfront helps avoid the much greater expense of replacing degraded outlets down the track.

Tamper-Resistant Electrical Outlets

For any outdoor power points that will be easily accessible, tamper-resistant electrical outlets are a smart safety choice. These integrate a built-in shutter system that only allows plugs to make contact when properly inserted.

The shuttered design prevents kids from accidentally inserting foreign objects like paperclips or sticks into the receptacle. It also deters inquisitive fingers from making dangerous contact with live electrical terminals.

Most modern power points feature tamper-resistant shutters as standard. When purchasing outlets specifically for outdoor installation, always opt for tamper-resistant models. The added protection is well worth the minimal extra cost of around $5-10 per outlet.

GFCI Outlets

In wet areas or other high risk outdoor locations, installing ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets is crucial. GFCIs provide an extra layer of protection by constantly monitoring electricity flow in the circuit.

If there is an imbalance caused by a ground fault, the GFCI immediately switches off power to prevent electrocution. This could happen if an electrical appliance falls into a pool or puddle for example.

GFCI protection can be implemented in two ways:

• GFCI outlet – has inbuilt GFCI interrupter within outlet unit
• GFCI breaker – installed at switchboard to protect whole circuit

Outdoor installations within 1.5m of wet areas require GFCI protection by Australian wiring rules. Expect to pay an extra $30-50 for a GFCI outlet, or $150-200 for a GFCI breaker installation.

When installing any outdoor power outlet, using professional electricians ensures electrical safety for years to come. With the right weatherproof, tamper-resistant and GFCI-protected power points, Aussies can enjoy power access outside their homes or businesses with confidence.

Hiring a Professional Electrician

When installing new outdoor electrical outlets, hiring a professional electrician is strongly advised. While it may add cost, using a qualified electrician brings important benefits in terms of safety, efficiency, quality and compliance.

Benefits of Professional Services

There are several key advantages to hiring a licensed electrician rather than trying DIY electrical work:

• Ensures work is completed safely and to Australian wiring standards
• Electricians have the expertise to provide advice and solutions
• They can handle complex jobs and challenging install locations
• Professional certification provides peace of mind and accountability
• Most offer warranties on their installation work

While hourly rates of $100-150 can seem expensive, electricians work efficiently to minimise time and costs. And the safety assurance is well worth the investment.

Selecting the Right Electrician

Not all electricians are equal – here are some tips for selecting a reliable professional:

• Check they hold a current electrical license for residential work
• Look for 5+ years experience and positive customer reviews
• Ask about their installation process and safety practices
• Obtain quotes from multiple electricians for comparison
• Consider additional credentials like pool/spa electrical certification

Reputable electricians will be happy to provide examples of previous work and references from past clients.

Obtaining Multiple Quotes

To find a great value electrician, it pays to get quotes from 3-5 installers before deciding. When obtaining quotes:

• Provide each electrician with full job details
• Ask questions and discuss issues in-person if possible
• Compare hourly rates, call-out fees and total cost estimates
• Weigh up cost vs experience, qualifications and reviews
• Consider extras like warranties, permits etc

Getting multiple quotes takes extra time upfront, but can save hundreds in installation costs. Just be sure to get quotes from properly certified professionals.

DIY vs Professional Installation

When adding outdoor power outlets, Aussie homeowners face the decision of DIY versus hiring a professional electrician. While DIY can seem tempting for the cost savings, professional installation brings major benefits for safety, quality, time-efficiency and peace of mind.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

At first glance, DIY installation appears significantly cheaper because hourly labor rates are lower. However, this comparison is misleading when all factors are considered. Inexperience means DIY jobs take much longer, raising time costs substantially. Mistakes requiring rework can also quickly negate any savings.

Meanwhile, professionals get the job done faster thanks to experience. They also have discounts on parts/materials not available to DIYers. Most importantly, DIY doesn’t account for the major hidden costs if safety risks eventuate.

Faulty DIY electrical work can lead to fires, electrocution hazards, damaged appliances and even injuries. When you factor in liability and the value of personal time lost, professional installation is ultimately more cost-effective for most Aussie homes.

Safety Considerations

Electrical work safety should be the number one priority. DIY installation brings major safety risks including potential electrocution from working on live wiring without proper precautions and training. Faulty or overloaded DIY electrical circuits also risk creating fire hazards and damaging property.

If DIY work causes injuries or property damage, liability can be a concern too. Professional electricians complete extensive training on electrical safety practices to systematically avoid these kinds of risks.

They also hold public liability insurance, providing further financial protection that DIY work lacks.

Time and Effort

A final consideration is the significant time investment required for DIY installation. Sourcing parts, researching methods, physical labor digging trenches, troubleshooting issues – these tasks take far longer without professional experience and tools.

Most Aussie homeowners don’t have the time or energy for major electrical projects on top of their daily responsibilities. In contrast, electricians can complete the installation extremely efficiently. In just a single site visit, professionals will get the job done safely with much less time and effort compared to DIY.