When planning a bathroom renovation in Sydney, one of the most common — and important — questions homeowners ask is whether GPOs (general power outlets) are allowed near bathroom vanities. With electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, shavers, and charging stations now part of everyday life, power access has become a practical necessity rather than a luxury.
The short answer is yes, GPOs can be installed near vanities in NSW, but only when strict electrical safety rules are followed. Understanding these requirements early can help you avoid costly redesigns, inspection failures, or safety risks during your bathroom renovation.
Why GPO Placement Matters in Bathroom Renovations
Bathrooms are considered high-risk electrical zones due to the presence of water, steam, and condensation. In Sydney homes — especially in humid summer months or poorly ventilated apartments — moisture levels can remain high long after a shower is finished.
Because of this, NSW electrical regulations tightly control:
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Where power points can be installed
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How close they can be to water sources
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What safety protections must be in place
This is particularly relevant in compact bathrooms common in Inner West terraces, CBD apartments, and older homes across suburbs like Newtown, Redfern, Ashfield, and Marrickville.
The NSW Standards That Apply to Bathroom Power Points
In New South Wales, bathroom electrical work must comply with AS/NZS 3000 (the Wiring Rules), which is enforced through NSW Fair Trading and local councils.
These standards divide bathrooms into electrical zones, based on proximity to water sources such as basins, showers, baths, and toilets.
Key Rule for Vanities and GPOs
A GPO must not be installed within certain restricted zones, but it can be installed near a vanity provided it:
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Is outside the defined bathroom electrical zones
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Is protected by a Residual Current Device (RCD)
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Is installed by a licensed NSW electrician
Understanding Bathroom Electrical Zones (Simplified)
To make this easier to understand, here’s how the rules generally apply around vanities:
Zone 0
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Inside the bath or shower
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No power points allowed
Zone 1
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Directly above the bath or shower to a specific height
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No GPOs permitted
Zone 2
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Extends horizontally around the bath, shower, or basin
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GPOs generally not allowed
Outside Zones
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Beyond the restricted distances
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GPOs are permitted, subject to safety requirements
This means that most vanity-mounted or nearby power points are allowed as long as they sit outside the restricted zones.
How This Works in Real Sydney Bathrooms
In modern bathroom renovations across Zetland, Ryde, Lane Cove, and Olympic Park, designers commonly integrate GPOs:
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Inside vanity cabinets (away from plumbing)
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On side walls next to vanities
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Within mirrored shaving cabinets
In heritage homes in Balmain or Leichhardt, careful planning is often required to balance older layouts with modern electrical needs while still meeting current compliance standards.
Additional Safety Requirements for Bathroom GPOs
Even when placement is allowed, NSW regulations require several safety measures.
Mandatory RCD Protection
All bathroom power points must be protected by an RCD (safety switch). This device cuts power instantly if a fault is detected, significantly reducing the risk of electric shock.
IP Rating Considerations
In some locations, electricians may specify a power point with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating, offering extra resistance to moisture and steam.
Separation From Water Sources
Power points must maintain minimum clearances from:
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Basin edges
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Taps and spouts
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Shower screens
Exact distances are assessed on site by a licensed electrician, based on the layout.
Can You Install Power Points Inside a Vanity?
Yes — vanity interiors are one of the most popular and compliant solutions for modern bathrooms.
Internal vanity GPOs are commonly used for:
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Electric toothbrush chargers
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Hair trimmers and shavers
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Hidden appliance charging
When designed correctly, this approach:
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Keeps power points out of sight
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Reduces splash risk
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Maintains a clean, minimalist aesthetic
This is especially popular in North Shore family homes and high-end bathroom renovations in Eastern Suburbs suburbs like Randwick and Coogee.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Non-Compliance
From our experience with Sydney bathroom renovations, compliance issues often arise when:
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Homeowners attempt DIY electrical work
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GPOs are added late without redesigning layouts
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Ventilation is inadequate, increasing moisture exposure
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Installers are unfamiliar with current NSW standards
Any of these can result in failed inspections or forced rework.
Do You Need Council Approval for Bathroom Electrical Work?
Generally, council approval is not required solely to add or relocate a power point. However:
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All electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician
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A Certificate of Compliance must be issued
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Strata approval may be required in apartment buildings
This is particularly relevant in high-density areas like Chatswood, Parramatta, and Sydney CBD.
Planning GPOs Early Saves Money and Stress
One of the best ways to ensure compliance is to plan power point locations at the design stage, not after tiling or cabinetry has been installed.
Early planning allows:
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Better integration with vanity design
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Cleaner cable routing
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Fewer changes during construction
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Reduced renovation delays
This is standard practice in professionally managed bathroom renovations.
Final Answer: Are GPOs Allowed Near Vanities in NSW?
Yes — GPOs are allowed near bathroom vanities in NSW, provided they are positioned outside restricted electrical zones, protected by RCDs, and installed by a licensed electrician in accordance with Australian Standards. With the right design and professional execution, power points can be both safe and highly practical in modern bathrooms.
For expert guidance and fully compliant renovation solutions, visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen renovation and bathroom renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.
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