Here’s how you can expand them safely
An average Hungarian household today runs 15–20 electrical devices at the same time – from phone chargers to air conditioners and robot vacuum cleaners. However, most apartments were designed in a time when 1–2 outlets per room were considered more than enough.
The result? Power strips plugged into other power strips, extension cords running along the walls, and an electrical system that is constantly overloaded – quietly but steadily increasing the risk of fire.
If you also feel that there are too few outlets in your home, we’ll now show you how you can solve this safely and permanently.
Why are there so few outlets in older apartments?
Panel apartments and older condominium flats were designed according to the needs of the 1960s–1980s. At that time, the electrical appliances in a typical household were limited to a television, a refrigerator, and a few lamps. Accordingly, most rooms were equipped with only 1–2 outlets, and sometimes the entire apartment ran on a single electrical circuit.
Since then, the world has changed dramatically. Kitchen appliances, dishwashers, microwave ovens, laptops, monitors, routers, and smart home devices—the list grows longer every year. The electrical wiring in older apartments simply cannot keep up with modern demands.
The hidden dangers of extension cords and power strips
Power strips and extension cords may seem like the most obvious solution. They are cheap, easy to obtain — and extremely dangerous if used regularly and for long periods.
Overload: An average power strip can handle 3680 W. If a radiator, an electric kettle, and an iron are running on it at the same time, the load can easily exceed this limit.
Loose connections: The connections in power strips can loosen over time, which may lead to overheating and even fire.
Daisy-chaining: Plugging one power strip into another is one of the most common causes of apartment fires. The circuit breaker does not always trip in time because the total load may be right at the limit.
If you regularly use 3–4 power strips in your home, that’s not a solution — it’s a symptom. The real solution is installing additional outlets and, if necessary, creating new electrical circuits.
How many outlets are needed in an apartment? – Room-by-room guide
Based on modern standards and practical experience, the following number of outlets can be considered appropriate today:
Kitchen: 6–8 outlets – major appliances (oven, dishwasher, cooktop) should be on separate circuits
Living room: 6–8 outlets – for the TV wall, computer, chargers, lighting
Bedroom: 4–6 outlets – on both sides of the bed, near the dressing area, possibly for a TV
Bathroom: 2–3 outlets – for a razor or hair dryer (only with proper IP protection)
Hallway: 2 outlets – for a vacuum cleaner or shoe dryer
Terrace/balcony: 1–2 outlets – outdoor-rated
Of course, every apartment is different, so the exact requirements can only be determined through an on-site assessment.
Installing a new outlet – how does the process work?
Many people are hesitant about adding new outlets because they think it involves major demolition work. In reality, the process is usually more manageable:
On-site assessment – A qualified electrician evaluates the existing electrical network, the available capacity in the distribution panel, and your specific needs.
Circuit planning – If the existing circuits are already heavily loaded, a new circuit must be installed from the distribution board.
Wall chasing and wiring – Depending on the wall material (brick, concrete, or drywall), the wiring is either installed inside the wall or routed through a surface-mounted cable channel.
Connection and outlet installation – The outlet is replaced or a new one is installed, followed by checking all electrical connections.
Measurement and testing – This includes insulation resistance measurement, load testing, and testing the residual current device (RCD/FI relay).
Installing a single outlet can take as little as half a day, while upgrading outlets throughout an entire apartment may take 2–3 working days.
Outdoor outlets – terrace, balcony, garden
With the arrival of spring and summer, the demand for outdoor outlets increases. Garden lighting, electric lawn mowers, grills, and pool pumps all require a power source.
Outdoors, only outlets with IP44 or higher protection rating should be used, and the circuit must be protected by a residual current device (RCD/FI relay). Installing an outdoor outlet is not a DIY project: improper insulation or grounding can cause electric shock, especially in wet or rainy conditions.
Why should you entrust outlet expansion to a professional?
According to regulations, electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician. DIY solutions—such as “I’ll rewire it myself”—are not only dangerous, but can also create problems with insurance. In the event of fire damage, the insurance company may refuse compensation if they determine that the electrical system was modified improperly.
A professionally installed electrical circuit ensures that the system operates safely and reliably for many years—without the need for power strips and extension cords.
If you live in Budapest or the surrounding area and would like to make your home’s electrical system safer and more modern, feel free to contact me.
