24/03/2026
Working from home in a rental property?
Most homes are designed for typical household use, not running complex office setups. Plugging too many devices into the same circuit, particularly alongside other high-powered appliances, can overload the system.
Here is our advice to tenants regarding electrical safety:
Tips to Avoid Overloading Circuits
1. Be mindful of multi-plug use
- Avoid plugging multiple high-use devices into one multi-plug box.
- Do not connect multi-plug boards into the same socket and especially do not connect them into other multi-plug boards (“daisy chaining”).
- Spread devices across different wall or room outlets where possible.
2. Balance power usage throughout the home
- Try not to run several high-power appliances at the same time on the same circuit, such as heaters or heat pumps, washing machines and dryers, dishwashers
For example: avoid running a heater, dryer, and multiple computer setups all at once. If you must plug several of these appliances into the same circuit, try to avoid using them all simultaneously (e.g. run the washing machine after you finish using your office appliances if on the same circuit).
3. Stagger usage during the day, especially if multiple occupants are working from home:
- Spread the use of office set ups away from other high electrical consuming appliances, such as heaters, kettles, microwaves, etc.
- Avoid peak “all-on-at-once” times if you cannot spread out set ups.
4. Watch for warning signs
- Power cutting out or circuits tripping frequently,
- Lights flickering or dimming, and/or
- Power points or plugs feeling hot.
These may indicate the system is under strain or has a faulty appliance connected.
5. Use appropriate equipment
- Use good-quality, surge-protected power boards.
- Don't use damaged cords or plugs or faulty appliances.
- Ensure larger appliances are plugged directly into wall sockets where possible.
