Lanx GPO: Single, Double, or Weatherproof - What You Need

You're putting a GPO in near the outdoor laundry tap for a pressure washer, and the customer's asking whether they need the fancy weatherproof one or if a standard double will do since it's under the eave anyway. It's a fair question, and the answer isn't always "weatherproof everything outdoors" — it depends on exposure, not just location. Getting the single-vs-double and standard-vs-weatherproof calls right up front saves a return trip, the same way it's worth checking across the Lanx cable gland size and material guide before ordering glands for the same job.

Single or Double — What Actually Decides It

A double GPO isn't automatically the better choice just because it gives two outlets in the same wall space — it's a call based on expected load at that point, not a default upgrade. Kitchen benchtops, home offices, and entertainment areas usually justify a double given how many things get plugged in at once. A single GPO still makes sense for a dedicated circuit — a single appliance point, or a spot where a double would just invite double-adaptors and extension leads anyway. Lanx covers both configurations, including a single with an extra switch for a dedicated appliance circuit.

When You Actually Need Weatherproof

Weatherproof-rated GPOs matter where the outlet is genuinely exposed to moisture — direct rain, hose-down areas, or high-humidity spots like near an outdoor tap or pool equipment. An outlet fully under a covered patio with no wind-driven rain exposure may not need the same rating as one on an open deck. The IP53 rating on the Lanx weatherproof range covers protection against dust ingress and water spray from an angle — it's not a fully submersible rating, so it's still worth mounting it somewhere that isn't standing in water.

This is a general guide, not a substitute for checking the actual exposure of the specific location against AS/NZS 3000.

Floor Outlets and Specialty Circuits

Not every GPO goes in a wall. A flush floor outlet box suits an island bench or a room layout where running a wall circuit isn't practical — it sits flush until it's needed, which matters for a clean finish in a living space. A specialty RCD-protected outlet is worth considering for a single higher-draw appliance circuit where extra protection is warranted beyond what the switchboard already provides.

Common Mistakes

Defaulting to weatherproof "just in case" outdoors. It's not wrong, but it's often unnecessary cost and a bulkier fitting where a standard GPO under genuine cover would do the job fine.

Assuming IP53 means fully sealed. It covers spray and dust, not submersion — mounting one somewhere it could pool water is still a problem regardless of the rating.

Installing a single where load genuinely needs a double. A benchtop with a kettle, toaster, and coffee machine competing for one outlet is exactly how double-adaptors end up doing the double GPO's job badly.

Not checking the switch position on extra-switch models. Some jobs need the switch position to clear a splashback or joinery edge — worth checking before it's mounted, not after.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing Single vs Double

Is a double GPO always better than a single?

Not always — a single 10A GPO is the right call for a dedicated circuit where a second outlet isn't needed and would just invite extension leads.

Can I add an extra switch to an existing power point?

Generally that means replacing the unit with an extra-switch model rather than modifying the existing plate — it's licensed work either way, so it's worth planning the final configuration before ordering.

What's the difference between a 10A and 15A power point?

A 15A GPO, like the Lanx single 15A power point, suits a higher-draw appliance that a standard 10A plug and socket isn't rated for — the pin configuration is different, so it's not interchangeable with a standard 10A plug.

Weatherproof & Outdoor Use

Do I need a weatherproof GPO under a covered patio?

It depends on wind-driven rain exposure at that specific spot — a sheltered wall away from the open side may not need it, but it's worth erring toward weatherproof if there's any doubt.

Is IP53 enough for a GPO near a pool?

A double weatherproof GPO IP53 handles spray and dust exposure, but pool area electrical work has its own compliance requirements under AS/NZS 3000 worth checking against the specific installation.

Do I need a licence to install an outdoor GPO?

Yes — outdoor and indoor GPO installation is licensed electrical work in NSW, and it's worth confirming current requirements against NSW Fair Trading before starting the job.

Shop Lanx GPO & Power Points at Schnap

These GPOs and power points are trade priced with same-day dispatch on in-stock items from the Kingsgrove NSW warehouse.

• Standard Power Points
• Single Power Point 10A
• Single Power Point 15A
• Double Power Point 10A

• Weatherproof GPO
• Double Weatherproof GPO 10A IP53

• Specialty & Floor Outlets
• Specialty Outlet 20A RCD Protected
• Flush Floor Outlet Box

Find the full double GPO range at Schnap — trade pricing and same-day dispatch from Kingsgrove NSW.