That’s where a USB power point comes in. Simply put, it’s a standard wall outlet with built-in USB ports that charge your devices straight from the wall, leaving your 240V plugs free for actual appliances. Internal transformers convert your home's mains power into safe, low-voltage electricity for your tech. While traditional USB-A ports are fine for older gear, modern USB-C ports offer much faster charging for newer phones and laptops. To save you from guessing what hardware you need, we’ve put together this complete guide to help you choose the right USB outlets for your home.

What Is a USB Power Point?

A USB power point is a standard Australian General Purpose Outlet outlet (GPO) engineered with USB charging ports built directly into the faceplate. Instead of plugging in a separate plug block that sticks out from the wall, the USB connections sit right alongside your normal plug sockets.

Available in single, double, and quad configurations, these outlets combine AC mains power and low-voltage DC charging in one unit. You can buy faceplates with classic USB-A ports, modern USB-C ports, or dual combination plates, letting you power heavy household appliances and charge your mobile devices while you’re at it.

How Do USB Power Points Work?

You don't need an engineering degree to understand how these outlets work — it all comes down to a clever little power conversion happening behind the plaster:

1. Mains Electricity Input: The outlet connects to your home’s standard 230V-240V AC electrical grid just like a normal power point.
2. Internal Power Conversion: A compact transformer module built inside the wall socket dials down that high-voltage AC into a regulated, low-voltage DC output (usually somewhere between 5V and 20V).
3. USB Output & Device Charging: When you plug in your charging cable, the outlet safely streams that regulated DC power straight into your device's battery.

What Are the Different Types of USB Power Points?

USB-A Power Points

These feature the classic flat, rectangular ports we’ve used for decades. They’re great for charging legacy gear, smartwatches, and older phones using standard USB cables.

USB-C Power Points

These feature the smaller, reversible oval port common on more modern tech. USB-C power points allow for much higher power limits, so they’re the practical choice for current smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

USB-A + USB-C Combination Power Points

Still tossing up between USB-A vs USB-C power points? You don’t have to, as hybrid plates have both types on the same wall plate. They’re ideal for busy households managing a mix of older and newer devices.

Double Power Points with USB

The most common configuration in Australian homes, double power points with USB include two standard 10A plug sockets with twin USB ports. They fit neatly into standard wall box spaces during a quick upgrade or new build.

4-Gang Power Points with USB

Also known as quad GPOs, these have four standard plug sockets plus integrated USB ports. They’re particularly popular for high-use spots like office desks, kitchen hubs, or TV entertainment units where multiple devices need power and outlet space is at a premium.

USB-A vs USB-C Power Points: What's the Difference?

What Is USB-C Power Delivery?

If you want your phone or laptop to charge fast, USB-C Power Delivery (USB PD) is an absolute game-changer. Standard USB ports output a fixed voltage, but a USB PD port intelligently 'talks' to your device when you plug it in. They negotiate the highest safe voltage and current — switching from standard 5V up to 9V, 15V, or 20V depending on what your battery can handle.

This intelligent negotiation is what lets you rapidly top up a phone or run a laptop directly from a wall outlet. Keep in mind that not every USB-C port includes Power Delivery — basic USB-C outlets without PD will still charge your gear, but only at standard speeds.

How Fast Can a USB Power Point Charge?

In order to understand charging speeds and capacity, it helps to have USB power point wattage explained first:

• Wattage Output: Total power is measured in Watts (W). Basic USB ports supply around 10W to 12W, which is enough for overnight charging. High-output USB-C PD modules pack 30W, 45W, or 65W for rapid top-ups.
• Voltage & Amperage: Outlets deliver higher wattage by increasing voltage and current through smart fast-charging mechanisms.
• Device Bottlenecks: Your device controls the maximum charge it accepts. Plugging an older phone capped at 12W into a 45W Power Delivery outlet won't damage it, but it will still only charge at 12W.
• Cable Quality: Don't let a cheap cable bottleneck your speeds! Fast charging requires a quality cable rated to carry higher wattages.
• Shared Output: If you plug two devices into the same wall plate at once, the outlet usually splits its total available power between both ports, which can slow down individual charging speeds.

What Should You Look for When Buying a USB Power Point?

1. Decide Between USB-A and USB-C

Start by looking at the cables lying around your house. For example, if you only have old devices, a USB-A will do the trick. If you have a mix of old and new gear, go for a hybrid USB-A + USB-C plate. If you’re planning to upgrade all your devices, stick to USB-C to future-proof your space.

2. Check the Charging Output

Check the shared amperage and wattage on the product specs. If you frequently charge power-hungry tablets or multiple devices at once, opt for higher output ratings.

3. Check Whether You Need Power Delivery

If you want to charge laptops directly from the wall or need rapid phone top-ups before heading out the door, make sure the USB-C outlet explicitly supports Power Delivery (PD).

4. Consider How Many USB Ports You Need

Think about how many devices get plugged in at that specific spot. A bedside table usually only needs two ports, whereas a busy study desk might need four.

5. Consider How Many Standard Power Outlets You Need

Decide whether a standard double GPO will cut it or if you need a 4-gang quad outlet to keep fixed gear like lamps, monitors, or printers powered.

6. Check Device and Cable Compatibility

Make sure your charging cables match the physical ports on the wall plate and are built to handle high-wattage fast charging.

7. Consider Where the Outlet Will Be Installed

Don't forget wall box space! USB internal mechanisms take up more depth behind the plaster than standard power points, so check that your wall cavities or mounting blocks have enough room.

Ready to choose? Browse our USB power points.

Where Are USB Power Points Most Useful?

Kitchen

It’s a smart idea to get USB power points for kitchens, with splashbacks and island benches as prime locations. Built-in USB ports keep 240V sockets open for kettles, air fryers, and blenders while keeping recipe tablets and phones charged away from food prep areas. Installing pop-up benchtop power points on island worktops gives you high-density charging without ruining clean benchtop lines.

Bedroom

Fitting USB power points for bedrooms gets rid of clunky wall blocks, leaving main plugs free for reading lamps and clock radios while your phone and smartwatch top up overnight.

Home Office

Desks are notorious cable traps. Adding USB power points for home offices lets you power phones, wireless gear, and laptops straight from the wall, leaving standard sockets free for monitors and printers.

Living Room

Placing USB outlets near couches or TV units provides convenient charging for family phones, tablets, and gaming controllers without running extension leads across the rug.

Commercial Workspaces

Hotels, cafes, boardrooms, and hot-desking offices install USB power points to offer convenient charging for guests and workers carrying different devices.

USB Power Points vs Standard Power Points

A standard GPO supplies 230V—240V AC electricity only, so you always need a separate plug-in transformer block to charge USB devices. A USB power point combines those same AC sockets with built-in low-voltage DC charging ports on the single faceplate.

1. Standard GPOs: Cheaper upfront and shallower behind the plaster. Best for laundries, utility rooms, fridges, and low-traffic areas where you don’t need to charge portable devices in the same spot.
2. USB Power Points: Keep socket space free while providing fast charging right where you need it. Preferred for bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and office desks.

Are USB Power Points Safe?

Yes, as long as you buy quality, compliant hardware and have it installed properly. Quality USB outlets include built-in thermal cut-outs, overload protection, and short-circuit protection to protect your devices and home wiring.

As a leading electrical wholesaler, MJS Electrical Supplies always recommends choosing products stamped with the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). This proves the hardware meets strict Australian safety standards (AS/NZS 3112 and AS/NZS 3000). Avoid cheap, uncertified online imports — they often lack basic thermal protection and can pose serious fire and shock hazards.

Do USB Power Points Need an Electrician to Install Them?

Yes. In Australia, replacing or installing fixed electrical power points — including swapping a standard wall outlet for a USB power point — must be carried out by a licensed electrician.

Even though USB ports output low-voltage DC power, the faceplate connects directly to 230V-240V AC mains electricity behind the plaster. Attempting DIY mains electrical work is illegal in Australia, voids your home insurance if something goes wrong, and carries huge risks of electrical shock. A licensed sparky will also check your wall box depth and circuit capacity to make sure everything runs safely.

When planning your layout, check out our full range of internal power points and power points accessories to match your new USB sockets with standard switches.