# Are power boards and double adaptors safe? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) 4. Are power boards and double adaptors safe? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Are power boards and double adaptors safe?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/power-board-double-adaptor-safety/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/) [Costs and finance](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/) - [How does interest-free finance work for home energy upgrades?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/interest-free-finance-home-energy-upgrades/) - [What affects the cost of a home battery in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/what-affects-home-battery-cost-brisbane/) - [Can I get compensation for a power outage in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/power-outage-compensation-energex/) - [How much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) - [What affects switchboard upgrade cost?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) Power boards and double adaptors are safe only within their rated load; heaters and kettles are the usual overload risk. By Amanda Cooper, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. What does overloading a power point actually mean? 2. Which appliances cause the most trouble? 3. Are power boards and double adaptors the same thing? 4. What if I do not have enough power points? 5. When should I be extra careful? 6. What to note before you speak to an electrician 7. Frequently asked questions Power boards and double adaptors are only safe when the combined load stays within what the power point, the board and the cords are rated for. Overloading makes cords and plugs heat up, which is a fire risk. Heaters and kettles are the usual culprits. If you simply need more outlets, a licensed electrician can add them. ## What does overloading a power point actually mean? Every power point, cord and plug can only carry so much electrical current before it starts to heat up. A power board or double adaptor does not add capacity. It just lets you plug more things into the same single outlet, so the current from all of them flows through that one point. When the total is too high, plugs and cords can warm up, the plastic can soften or melt, and in the worst case a fire can start. The protection in your switchboard is mainly there to protect the wiring in the walls, so it should not be relied on to catch a board or cord that is running hot. ## Which appliances cause the most trouble? Appliances that make heat draw a lot of current. Heaters, kettles and similar items are the ones most often named in electrical safety and insurer guidance as unsuitable for sharing an outlet through a board or adaptor. The simplest guide is the manufacturer’s manual. It will say how the appliance is meant to be connected and whether it should go straight into a wall outlet. If the manual is silent or unclear, ask the manufacturer or a licensed electrician rather than guessing. ## Are power boards and double adaptors the same thing? No. A double adaptor simply splits one outlet into two and generally has no protective features. Some power boards include built-in protection, such as overload protection, but not all do, and a cheap or unlabelled board may offer none. Queensland’s [Electricity in the home](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-07/electricity-in-the-home.pdf) booklet from the Electrical Safety Office covers boards and adaptors. Stacking one board or adaptor into another multiplies the problem, because it sends even more current through the same outlet and the first cord. Stop and get help if you see these signs If a plug, cord, board or adaptor looks melted, scorched, cracked or discoloured, or smells of burning, stop using it and keep well away from it. Keep children and pets away too. Do not touch anything that looks damaged or hot. If you see smoke, sparks or flames, leave the building and call **000**. Otherwise, contact a licensed electrician. ## What if I do not have enough power points? Needing a board in every room is usually a sign the home has too few outlets for how you live. The safe fix is more power points, not more boards. In Queensland, electrical work has to be done by a licensed electrician, and the Electrical Safety Office Queensland is the regulator. An electrician can look at how many outlets you need, where they should go, and whether the circuit behind them can handle the extra load. That is not a job to attempt yourself. ## When should I be extra careful? - Where several high-heat appliances are used at once, such as in a kitchen or on a cold evening. - Where a board is hidden behind furniture or under bedding and heat cannot escape. - Where a plug does not sit firmly in the outlet, which can cause local heating. - Where cords are old, frayed or have been repaired with tape. What you can safely check Without touching any wiring, you can read the rating printed on a power board’s label and the appliance manual, and look for visible signs such as discolouration or melted plastic. Do not handle anything that looks damaged or feels hot. Write down what you see. ## What to note before you speak to an electrician 1. List what is plugged in — Note which appliances share the board or outlet and which ones run at the same time. 2. Photograph the labels — Photograph the rating label on the board and any appliance labels, without moving or opening anything. 3. Record any warning signs — Note discolouration, melted plastic, buzzing, or burning smells, and when you first noticed them. 4. Say where you need more outlets — Tell the electrician which rooms feel short of power points so they can plan around how you use each space. ## Frequently asked questions - Electrical safety guidance warns against stacking boards or adaptors because the combined load all runs through one outlet and the first cord. If you need more outlets, ask a licensed electrician about adding power points. - Heaters draw a lot of current, so safety guidance generally advises against sharing an outlet with them through a board or adaptor. Follow the heater's manual, and ask the manufacturer or a licensed electrician if it is unclear. - Double adaptors generally do not have protective features, whereas some power boards do. Check the product's label and the manufacturer's information, and look at the Electrical Safety Office's Electricity in the home booklet. - Stop using it and keep everyone away from it without touching it. If you see smoke, sparks or flames, leave and call 000; otherwise contact a licensed electrician. - Only a licensed electrician. Electrical work in Queensland must be done by a licensed person, and the Electrical Safety Office Queensland is the regulator. [Learn about Electrical](https://arlite.co/services/electrical/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) - [Energex](https://www.energex.com.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [ElectricalBurning smell or hot power point: what to do right nowFor a burning smell, smoke, sparks or a hot power point, keep away; call 000 for fire or sparks and a licensed electrician urgently otherwise.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [ElectricalDo power points expire, and when should they be replaced?Power points have no fixed expiry date but they wear out; scorch marks, cracks, loose plugs or buzzing mean a licensed electrician should look at them.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/do-power-points-wear-out/) - [ElectricalHow do I know if my appliances are safe?Look for damage and warning signs, check recall notices and the RCM mark, and have secondhand items checked by a licensed electrician.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/are-my-appliances-safe/) - [ElectricalDo I need a switchboard upgrade?Old fuses, frequent tripping, burn marks, no safety switches or new solar, EV or air conditioning loads are reasons to ask about an upgrade.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/do-i-need-a-switchboard-upgrade/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. What does overloading a power point actually mean? 2. Which appliances cause the most trouble? 3. Are power boards and double adaptors the same thing? 4. What if I do not have enough power points? 5. When should I be extra careful? 6. What to note before you speak to an electrician 7. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/electrical/power-board-double-adaptor-safety/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).