At Uncommon Electricians, we frequently attend Ipswich homes where power boards have become a serious fire risk. In many cases, the warning signs were there long before anything went wrong. This article explains how to tell if your power board is a fire hazard, why these risks occur, and what safe, compliant solutions look like.
Why Power Boards Can Be Dangerous
Power boards are designed for temporary, low-load use — not as a permanent solution for powering multiple high-demand appliances. When misused, they can:
Overheat
Melt internally
Create arcing
Ignite nearby materials
Older homes with limited power points are particularly prone to power board overuse, which significantly increases fire risk.
Common Warning Signs Your Power Board Is Unsafe
1. The Power Board Feels Warm or Hot
A power board should never feel warm to the touch. Heat is a clear sign of:
Overloading
Poor internal connections
Inferior construction
Age-related deterioration
Heat buildup is one of the leading causes of electrical fires.
2. Burn Marks, Melting, or Discolouration
Visible damage is a major red flag. Watch for:
Brown or black marks around outlets
Melted plastic
Warped casing
A burning smell
If you notice any of these signs, the power board should no longer be used.
3. Too Many Devices Plugged In
Power boards are often overloaded with:
Heaters
Air conditioners
Kettles
Microwaves
Multiple chargers and electronics
High-load appliances should never be plugged into power boards. These devices draw significant current and can quickly exceed safe limits.
4. Power Boards Daisy-Chained Together
Plugging one power board into another (known as daisy-chaining) is extremely dangerous and a common cause of house fires. This practice:
Overloads circuits
Increases heat
Voids manufacturer ratings
Is often flagged during insurance investigations
5. Old or Cheap Power Boards
Not all power boards are created equal. Cheap or older models may:
Lack overload protection
Have poor-quality wiring
Deteriorate over time
If your power board is more than a few years old or shows signs of wear, it may no longer be safe.
6. Loose Plugs or Intermittent Power
Loose connections can cause arcing — a major fire hazard. Warning signs include:
Plugs falling out easily
Crackling sounds
Flickering power
Devices cutting in and out
These issues should never be ignored.
Why Power Boards Are Often Overused in Ipswich Homes
Many Ipswich homes, particularly older properties, were built with:
Very few power points
No allowance for modern electronics
Limited circuit capacity
As households add more devices, power boards become a permanent fix — which they were never designed to be.
Safe Alternatives to Power Boards
The safest solution is not more power boards — it’s proper electrical upgrades.
A licensed electrician can:
Install additional power points
Add dedicated circuits
Upgrade switchboards
Improve load distribution
Ensure compliance with Queensland laws
These upgrades significantly reduce fire risk and improve convenience.
What You Should Never Do
For safety and legal reasons, homeowners should never:
Modify power boards
Repair damaged boards
Plug high-load appliances into boards
Perform DIY electrical work
In Queensland, electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician. Unsafe practices can void insurance and put lives at risk.
Electrical Laws and Insurance Implications
Under Queensland electrical safety laws and Australian Standards, electrical installations must be safe and fit for purpose. In the event of a fire, insurers may investigate:
Power board usage
Electrical compliance
Evidence of overloading or misuse
Unsafe power board use can contribute to denied claims.
How Uncommon Electricians Can Help
At Uncommon Electricians, we don’t just tell you to stop using power boards — we provide real solutions. Our services include:
Electrical safety inspections
Power point installations
Switchboard upgrades
Load assessments
We’ll help ensure your home is safe, compliant, and suited to modern electrical demands.
Book an Electrical Safety Check Today
If you rely heavily on power boards or have concerns about electrical safety, now is the time to act.
We’ll help reduce fire risks and protect your home — the uncommon way.
Give us a call at 07 3074 9486 or book a service on our website.
