A kitchen renovation is one of the biggest investments you can make in your Melbourne home — and the electrical work is the backbone of the entire project. From additional power points to new lighting circuits, getting the electrical planning right at the start saves time, money, and headaches down the track.
This guide covers everything you need to discuss with your electrician before your kitchen renovation begins.
Why Electrical Planning Comes First
The biggest mistake homeowners make with kitchen renovations is leaving the electrical work until last. Electrical wiring needs to be roughed in before plastering, tiling, and cabinetry. Retrofitting wiring after the fact is expensive and often means compromising on outlet placement.
Book your electrician at the same time as your kitchen designer — ideally before demolition begins. This ensures:
- Power points are positioned exactly where your appliances will sit
- Lighting circuits are planned around your benchtop and cooking areas
- Dedicated circuits are installed for high-draw appliances
- Your switchboard can handle the additional electrical load
- All work meets current Australian Standards before walls are closed up
How Many Power Points Does a Kitchen Need?
Modern kitchens require far more power points than most people expect. The Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000 sets minimum requirements, but for a functional kitchen you’ll want more than the minimum.
Recommended Power Point Placement
- Benchtop level (splashback): At least 4–6 double power points spaced evenly along your benchtops for small appliances (toaster, kettle, blender, stand mixer)
- Behind the fridge: One dedicated double power point
- Dishwasher: One dedicated power point (usually under the bench)
- Oven/cooktop: Dedicated circuit — electric ovens typically need a 20A or 32A circuit depending on wattage
- Rangehood: One power point positioned above the cabinetry line
- Microwave: Dedicated power point at the planned microwave location
- Island bench: Pop-up or flush-mount power points if your island has appliances or charging needs
Pro tip: Plan for USB-C charging outlets in at least one benchtop location — they’re increasingly standard in modern kitchens for charging phones and tablets while cooking.
Dedicated Circuits: What Needs Its Own Circuit?
Certain kitchen appliances draw significant power and need their own dedicated electrical circuit. This prevents circuit overloading and nuisance safety switch trips.
- Electric oven: 20A or 32A dedicated circuit (depending on power rating)
- Induction cooktop: 32A dedicated circuit — induction cooktops draw 7,000–8,000 watts
- Dishwasher: Dedicated 10A circuit
- Fridge: Dedicated circuit recommended (prevents food spoilage if another appliance trips the circuit)
- Instant boiling water tap: Dedicated circuit for units like Zip or Billi
If you’re switching from gas to induction cooking, your electrician will need to run new cabling from your switchboard — this is one of the most common upgrades in Melbourne kitchen renovations right now.
Kitchen Lighting: Getting It Right
Good kitchen lighting requires layered design — a combination of task lighting, ambient lighting, and feature lighting.
Task Lighting
LED strip lights or puck lights under overhead cabinets provide shadow-free illumination on your benchtops. These are essential for food preparation safety and should be on a separate switch from your main kitchen lights.
Ambient Lighting
Recessed LED downlights are the standard choice for general kitchen illumination. Plan for even spacing — typically 1.2m–1.5m apart — and consider dimmer switches to adjust the mood for entertaining.
Feature Lighting
Pendant lights over island benches or dining areas add style and character. Your electrician will need to position junction boxes at the exact pendant locations before the ceiling is finished.
Switchboard Upgrades for Kitchen Renovations
Many Melbourne homes — particularly those built before the 1990s — have switchboards that simply cannot support a modern kitchen’s electrical demands. If your switchboard still has ceramic fuses or doesn’t have safety switches (RCDs), a switchboard upgrade is essential before your renovation.
Signs you need a switchboard upgrade:
- Ceramic fuses instead of circuit breakers
- No safety switches (RCDs) installed
- Frequent tripping when multiple appliances are used
- Insufficient spare circuits for new dedicated lines
- The switchboard is more than 25 years old
Kitchen Electrical Costs: What to Budget
- Additional power point (benchtop): $180–$280 per point
- Dedicated oven circuit (20A/32A): $350–$600
- Induction cooktop circuit (new run): $400–$700
- Under-cabinet LED lighting: $300–$600 (supply and install)
- Downlight installation: $80–$120 per light
- Pendant light installation: $150–$250 per pendant
- Switchboard upgrade: $1,200–$2,500
- Full kitchen electrical fit-out: $2,500–$6,000+ depending on scope
These are guide prices for Melbourne — your electrician will provide an exact quote based on your kitchen design and existing wiring.
Planning Your Kitchen Renovation Electrical Work
Don’t leave your kitchen electrical to chance. Getting a qualified electrician involved early in the planning process ensures your new kitchen is safe, functional, and future-proofed.
Planning a kitchen renovation in Melbourne? Contact Carlin Co Electrical for a free electrical consultation. Call 0432 632 346.
Related Electrical Services in Melbourne
Need help with kitchen electrical or other renovation work? We service all of Melbourne’s inner suburbs.
- Switchboard Upgrades – Modern switchboards with safety switches
- Lighting Installation – LED downlights, pendants, and under-cabinet lighting
- Power Points – Additional outlets and USB power points
- Electrician South Melbourne | Albert Park | Malvern | Hawthorn East
Read our other guides: Ceiling Fan Installation Guide | Switchboard Upgrade Guide | Three Phase Power Guide