G'day! Have a squiz at the power board under your desk or the one next to your bed. It's a proper bird's nest, isn't it? A tangled mess of cables and big, clunky charging bricks for your phone, your watch, your headphones, your tablet... it's a fair dinkum nightmare, and you're always running out of sockets.

This is a classic modern-day problem, but there's a simple, schmick solution that'll clean up that mess in a heartbeat: the multi USB charger.

What's the Go with a Multi USB Charger?

A multi USB charger (also called a charging station or hub) is a single, compact device that plugs into one wall socket but gives you multiple USB ports – allowing you to charge three, four, six, or even more devices all at the same time, from one spot.

It's the ultimate solution for decluttering your desk, kitchen bench, or bedside table. No more fighting with the family over the one good charger in the house!

The Ripper Benefits: Why You Need One

• It Tames the 'Cable Spaghetti': This is the big one. It replaces a whole handful of clunky, individual charging bricks with one neat hub. Your desk goes from a rat's nest to a clean, organised workspace.
• One Socket, Many Devices: It frees up your precious power point sockets for other important gear, like your lamp, computer, or air con.
• The Ultimate Travel Mate: Forget packing four different chargers for a holiday. You just pack one multi USB charger and a few cables, and you're sorted for the whole family. Too easy!
• It's Faster (If You Choose Right): Many modern multi-chargers offer high-speed charging, so you can juice up your gear way faster than with the little 5-watt brick that came in the box.

What to Look For: Not All Chargers are Created Equal, Mate!

Righto, this is the important bit. Don't just grab the cheapest one you can find. To get a good multi USB charger, you need to check the tech specs.

1. The Ports: USB-A vs. USB-C

• USB-A: This is the classic, rectangular port you've used for donkey's years. It's fine for older gear or for slow-charging your watch.
• USB-C: This is the new-school, small, oval-shaped port. It's the modern standard. You must get a charger with USB-C ports to unlock "Power Delivery" (PD), which is the tech that fast-charges your new phone, tablet, or even your laptop.

2. The Power (Total Wattage)

Look for the total output, measured in Watts (W). A cheap, old charger might only put out 12W total. A proper, modern multi USB charger might offer 65W, 100W, or even more. This high wattage is what allows it to fast-charge multiple devices at once, including a power-hungry laptop.

3. The Magic Word: "GaN"

This is the new standard for the best chargers. GaN (Gallium Nitride) is a new material for the internal bits that's way more efficient than old silicon. It means you can get a ridiculously powerful 100W charger in a package that's not much bigger than an old phone brick. It's fair dinkum clever stuff.

The Ultimate Upgrade: Ditch the Brick Altogether!

If you're doing a reno and really hate clutter, the ultimate solution is to get the USB ports built right into your wall. You can now replace your standard power points (GPOs) with modern ones that have USB-A and even high-speed USB-C ports built-in.

This gives you a completely clean, schmick-looking wall with no chunky chargers needed at all.

The CRITICAL Safety Warning: DIY vs. Pro

This is a crucial distinction, mate.

• Buying a portable multi USB charger and plugging it in? That's a "go for your life" DIY job.
• Replacing a power point (GPO) with a new one that has built-in USB ports? This involves working with 240V mains power. In Australia, this is absolutely not a DIY job. It is illegal and extremely dangerous.

This work must only ever be carried out by a licensed electrician. A qualified professional will ensure the GPO is wired safely, is compliant with Australian standards, and won't pose a fire or shock risk.

A Professional Job Needs Professional Gear

A licensed electrician will always use high-quality, compliant components to ensure your installation is safe and will last for donkey's years. This is why they source their gear from trusted trade suppliers, not just the retail shelf.

As one of Australia's most comprehensive electrical wholesaler and suppliers, Schnap Electric Products is a leading source for professional-grade gear. They stock the complete range of modern, high-quality power points, including the latest GPOs with built-in fast-charging USB-C ports, from the most trusted trade brands. On top of that, they provide all the essential, compliant wiring and switchboard components that a qualified professional needs to get the job done right. For a schmick, safe, and fully compliant reno, the pros rely on quality gear from a supplier like Schnap Electric.

G'day! You're on a long haul up the coast for the holidays, the kids are in the back glued to their tablets, and you're using your phone for the maps. Suddenly, you hear the dreaded "low battery" chime. You plug it into that little adapter in the 12V socket, but an hour later, it's only gone up by about 2%. It's a fair dinkum nightmare.

This is the classic problem of using a daggy old car USB charger. The new ones are a whole different beast, and in a country as big as ours, a reliable one is a non-negotiable for any road trip.

What's the Go? The 12V Socket

That little round socket in your dash or console (the one we all used to call the 'cigarette lighter') is your car's 12-volt (12V) power source. A car USB charger is a simple plug-in adapter that steps down that 12V power from your car's battery into the correct voltage (usually 5V or higher) that your phone, tablet, or other gadgets need.

Why Your Old Charger is Knackered (The 1A Problem)

For years, the standard cheap car USB charger put out a measly 1 Amp (1A) or 2.1 Amps (2.1A) of power. For an old flip-phone, that was heaps.

But your new smartphone (like a new iPhone or Samsung Galaxy) has a massive battery and is incredibly power-hungry, especially if you're using it for GPS maps or streaming music at the same time. That old 1A charger is like trying to fill a swimming pool with a garden hose. It just can't keep up.

What to Look for in a NEW, Fast Car USB Charger

If you want to actually gain charge while using your phone, you need to get with the times, mate. Here's what to look for in a modern charger.

1. The Port: USB-C is King

Forget the old rectangular USB-A port. The new standard is USB-C – that small, oval-shaped port that's reversible (so you can't plug it in wrong). To get proper fast-charging speeds on any new phone, you must use a USB-C port that supports Power Delivery (PD).

2. The Tech: PD or Quick Charge (QC)

• Power Delivery (PD): This is the fast-charging standard used by Apple, Google, and many others.
• Quick Charge (QC 3.0 or 4.0): This is another popular standard used by many Android phone makers.

A ripper of a charger will often have both: one USB-C (PD) port and one USB-A (QC) port.

3. The Grunt (Wattage): Higher is Better

Forget 5W. That's for snails. To fast-charge a modern phone, you need a car USB charger that can pump out at least 20W or 30W. If you want to charge a tablet or even a laptop, you can find chargers that go up to 60W or more.

4. Multiple Ports (A Must for the Family)

Don't be a galah and buy a single-port charger. You'll just start an argument with your passenger. A good unit will have at least two ports, and you can even find models with four or more to keep the kids in the back happy too.

What About the USB Ports Built into My Ute?

Many new utes and SUVs come with USB ports built right into the dash. That's schmick, but you need to check if they're any good. Often, the port that's linked to your car's media system (for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto) is a slow "data" port. There might be another, separate "charge only" port that's much faster. If they're all slow, just ignore them and get a high-quality car USB charger for your 12V socket.

From 12V Convenience to 240V Power: The Pro Solution

A plug-in car USB charger is a brilliant, low-voltage (12V) solution for your daily commute or a road trip. It's a simple, plug-and-play device.

But the world of automotive 12V electrics is a different game to the 240V systems that power our homes. For the ultimate "car charging" solution – a permanent, high-speed wallbox for your new electric vehicle (EV) – you're dealing with a serious, high-power 240V installation at your house.

This is a job that must be done by a licensed electrician. They are the only ones qualified to safely run the heavy-duty circuits needed to charge an EV quickly and safely. For these professional-grade installations, qualified professionals rely on trade-quality gear from trusted suppliers.

As one of Australia's top electrical wholesaler and supplies, Schnap Electric Products stocks the lot for the professional installer. They provide the essential, compliant components—from the heavy-duty wiring and isolation switches to the safety switches (RCBOs) in the switchboard—that a licensed professional needs to safely install a high-power EV charger or any other robust electrical system in your home or workshop. For a job that's done right, the pros start with quality gear from a supplier like Schnap Electric.

G'day! You're halfway to your campsite, the phone's doing the hard yakka as your GPS, and suddenly... the battery hits 10%. You plug it into that dodgy old 12V USB charger you got from a servo, but the battery percentage is still dropping. It's a fair dinkum nightmare.

In an age where our phones, tablets, and gadgets are our lifelines, a reliable charger in the car, ute, caravan, or tinnie isn't just a 'nice-to-have' – it's an absolute essential. Let's get the lowdown on the 12V USB charger and how to choose one that actually does the job.

What's the Go with a 12V USB Charger?

Simply put, a 12V USB charger is a device that takes the 12-volt DC power from your vehicle's battery (or your caravan's deep-cycle setup) and converts it into the right voltage (usually 5V, or higher for fast charging) to safely power your USB-C or USB-A devices.

There are two main types of 12V USB chargers you'll find in Australia:

1. The Classic Plug-in Adapter (The "Ciggy Lighter" Charger)

This is the one we all know. It's a simple adapter that you plug straight into the 12V "cigarette lighter" socket in your dash.

• Pros: Dead easy, 100% DIY, and portable. You can move it from the ute to the missus's car in seconds.
• Cons: Can look a bit messy, can get knocked out of the socket, and the cheap ones are often slow as a wet week.

2. The Flush-Mount USB Socket (The 'Schmick' Option)

This is the professional, permanent solution. It's a dedicated USB socket (or 'port') that gets installed directly into your car's trim, the wall of your caravan, or the back of your 4WD's canopy. It's wired directly to your 12V system.

• Pros: Looks schmick and factory-fitted. Provides a much more reliable, high-power connection. You can't lose it, and it's always ready to go.
• Cons: Requires installation.

Why Your Old Charger is Knackered (You Need a FAST One)

Here's the problem: your old charger probably puts out a measly 1 or 2.1 amps. Your new smartphone is incredibly power-hungry. If you're using it for maps or music, that old charger just can't keep up.

When you're buying a new 12V USB charger, you must look for fast-charging technology:

• USB-C with Power Delivery (PD): This is the new standard, mate. It's that small, oval-shaped port. A USB-C PD port can pump out 20W, 30W, or even 60W, and will fast-charge your new iPhone, Samsung, or Google phone from near-flat to 50% in about 30 minutes.
• Quick Charge (QC 3.0+): This is another fast-charging standard, often found on the USB-A (the old rectangular) port, and is great for many Android phones.
• High Wattage: Forget 5W. You want a charger that can deliver some serious grunt – look for 20W or higher to make a real difference.

Installation: DIY vs. Calling a Pro

This is a critical bit of info, mate.

• Plug-in 12V USB Charger: 100% DIY. Go for your life. Too easy.
• Flush-Mount 12V USB Socket: This involves wiring. While it's 12V and not 240V, it's still an electrical circuit. If you're not 100% confident with auto electrics (especially running a new fused line from the battery), this is a job for a qualified auto electrician. A dodgy 12V wiring job can still flatten your battery or, in a worst-case scenario, create a fire hazard if it's not fused properly.

From 12V on the Go to 240V at Home

A good 12V USB charger is a lifesaver for your mobile gear, but what about when you get home? That same demand for fast, convenient charging has now become the standard in Aussie house builds and renos.

While a 12V system is the domain of auto electricians, your 240V home wiring is strictly the job of a licensed electrician. For these professional home installations, they rely on trade-quality gear from a trusted supplier. Best electrical wholesaler and suppliers, Schnap Electric Products stocks the lot for the professional installer. They provide the latest, high-quality power points (GPOs) that come with built-in high-speed USB-C ports, along with all the compliant wiring, switches, and circuit protection a qualified professional needs to get the job done safely. For a schmick, permanent charging solution in your home (and the right gear for your 12V setup), the pros start with a quality supplier like Schnap Electric.

G'day! Have a squiz in your junk drawer. Go on, I'll wait. If you're like most Aussies, it's a proper bird's nest – a tangled, chaotic mess of white and black cables, most of which you've got no idea what they're for.

The humble usb charger cable is the most essential, and most frustrating, bit of tech we own. They're all different, they always go missing, and they always get knackered right at the connector.

But what's the go? You grab a cheapie from the servo, and it takes 8 hours to charge your phone. You use the one that came in the box, and it's done in an hour. The truth is, not all cables are created equal, and knowing the difference is the key to getting a fast, reliable charge.

The "Big Three" Plugs: What You'll Find in Australia

Let's break down the types of usb charger cable you'll find. The plug on the end (the bit that goes into your device) is the main thing.

1. Micro USB: This is the "old-school" Android and gadget plug. It's D-shaped and only goes in one way. It's still used for plenty of stuff like older Kindles, headphones, power banks, and kids' toys.
2. Lightning: This is the Apple one. If you've got an iPhone (that's not the brand new one), this is your guy. It's small, reversible, and proprietary to Apple.
3. USB-C: This is the new king, mate. It's the small, oval-shaped plug that's reversible (you can't plug it in wrong). It's on all the new Android phones (Samsung, Google), new iPads, laptops (even MacBooks), and even the new iPhone 15. This is the future, and it's the one you want.

Why USB-C is the New Go-To

It's not just the convenient reversible shape. USB-C is the standard for a reason. It's designed for "Power Delivery" (PD), a clever tech that lets it handle a massive amount of power. It's how you get those "fast charging" speeds that juice your phone up from 0 to 50% in the time it takes to have a quick shower.

The Secret: The Cable Must Support Fast Charging!

This is the bit that catches everyone out, mate.

You can have the world's most powerful, 100W GaN fast charger, but if you plug it into a thin, dodgy usb charger cable you bought for $2, it will not fast charge.

A cheap, thin cable will "bottleneck" the power, and your phone will charge at a snail's pace. The cable itself has to be a high-quality, "fast-charge compatible" cable that's rated to handle that high wattage (e.g., "60W" or "100W").

What to Look for in a Ripper of a Cable

• Fast-Charge Compatible: Make sure it says it supports "PD" (Power Delivery) or "QC" (Quick Charge) and has a high wattage rating.
• Durability (Go for Braided!): The weak point is always the 'neck' of the cable, right where it joins the plug. A braided (fabric-covered) usb charger cable is a fair dinkum brilliant choice for durability, as it stops the cable from kinking, splitting, and fraying.
• The Right Length: Get a long one (2-3 metres) for convenience next to the bed or on the couch.

From a Simple Cable to a Professional Setup

Okay, so you've got the perfect, high-speed usb charger cable and a grunty new wall charger brick. But what are you plugging it into? The safety and performance of your charging setup depend entirely on the power point (GPO) in your wall. If that's old, cracked, overloaded, or the plugs fall out of it, you've got a problem.

For a truly modern, schmick, and safe setup, the best solution (especially in a reno) is to get a licensed electrician to install a new power point with USB-C ports built right in. A qualified professional will always use trade-quality gear. As one of Australia's most comprehensive electrical wholesaler and suppliers, Schnap Electric Products stocks the lot. They provide the latest, high-quality power points with integrated fast-charging USB-C ports, alongside all the compliant wiring, switches, and circuit protection that a professional needs to get the job done right. For a safe, reliable power foundation for all your gadgets, the pros start with quality gear from a supplier like Schnap Electric.

G'day! There's nothing worse. You're at the footy, it's 3-quarter time, you pull out your phone to check the scores or take a photo, and you see that dreaded 1% battery warning. Or you're halfway to your campsite, miles from anywhere, and your phone (which is also your GPS, mate!) goes black.

In a country this big, being caught without power is a proper nightmare. That's why the portable USB charger – or as we all call it, the power bank – has become a fair dinkum essential for any Aussie.

What's the Go with a Portable USB Charger?

It's a simple bit of kit, really. A portable USB charger is just a big battery in a convenient case. You charge it up at home using your wall charger, chuck it in your bag, backpack, or ute, and it's ready to juice up your gear when you're nowhere near a power point.

It's the ultimate 'set and forget' backup, perfect for charging your phone, tablet, headphones, smart watch, or even your laptop, depending on the model.

What to Look For: Not All Power Banks are Created Equal

Don't just grab the cheapest one you can find, mate. The "best" portable USB charger for you comes down to a few key specs.

1. The Grunt (Capacity, measured in mAh)

This is the big one. "mAh" stands for milliampere-hours, and it's a measure of how much juice the battery holds.

• Small (5,000 - 10,000 mAh): A 'pocket rocket'. Perfect for a day at the beach or a night out. It'll give your phone one or two full charges.
• Medium (10,000 - 20,000 mAh): The classic all-rounder. This is the one you take for a weekend camping trip. It can charge your phone multiple times and probably top up your tablet, too.
• Large (20,000+ mAh): This is the heavy-duty beast. It's a bit of a brick, but it's the go-to for long trips off-grid, or if you need to charge a power-hungry laptop.

2. The Ports (USB-A vs. USB-C)

• USB-A: The old-school rectangular port. Fine for your older gear.
• USB-C: This is the new standard. It's that small, oval-shaped port you can't plug in wrong. Critically, USB-C ports support Power Delivery (PD), which is the tech that fast charges your new phone or laptop.

3. The Speed (Wattage - 'W')

An old portable USB charger might only put out 5W or 10W, which is slow as a wet week. A modern, high-quality unit with USB-C PD can pump out 20W, 30W, or even 100W. This is what lets you charge your phone from 0 to 50% in the time it takes to sink a beer.

Why They're a Must-Have for the Aussie Lifestyle

• Road Trips & 4WDing: A non-negotiable for keeping maps and comms running.
• Camping & Hiking: Keeps your phone, GPS, and head torch alive for days.
• Long Days Out: Perfect for a full day at the cricket, the races, or the beach.
• Storm Season: A full power bank is a lifesaver when a summer storm knocks the power out for the night.

A Note on Charging Your Charger

A portable USB charger is a brilliant, safe, low-voltage DIY solution for power on the go. But it's only as good as the charge you put into it. It relies on your home's 240V power points (GPOs) to be in good, safe nick. A high-quality power bank deserves to be charged from a high-quality, safe power point.

When tradies are doing a proper reno, they won't get their power points from just anywhere; they go to a proper electrical wholesaler to get compliant, reliable gear.

This is where a licensed professional's job begins. Installing or replacing a 240V power point is absolutely not a DIY job in Australia. It's illegal and bloody dangerous. A qualified professional will ensure your home's wiring is safe and up to the task of powering all your modern gadgets.

As one of Australia's most comprehensive electrical wholesaler and supplier networks, Schnap Electric Products stocks all the essential, compliant gear that a licensed professional needs. From the high-quality, modern power points (GPOs) that you plug your charger into, to the life-saving safety switches and circuit breakers that protect your entire home and all your expensive electronics, they provide the trade-quality components that form the backbone of a safe, reliable power system. For a home that's safe from the switchboard to the socket, the pros start with quality gear from a supplier like Schnap Electric.

G'day! Have a squiz at the power board under your desk or the one next to your bed. It's a proper bird's nest, isn't it? A tangled mess of cables and big, clunky charging bricks for your phone, your watch, your headphones, your tablet... it's a fair dinkum nightmare, and you're always running out of sockets.

This is a classic modern-day problem, but there's a simple, schmick solution that'll clean up that mess in a heartbeat: the multi port USB charger.

What's the Go with a Multi Port USB Charger?

A multi port USB charger (also called a charging station or hub) is a single, compact device that plugs into one wall socket but gives you multiple USB ports – allowing you to charge three, four, six, or even more devices all at the same time, from one spot.

It's the ultimate solution for decluttering your desk, kitchen bench, or bedside table. No more fighting with the family over the one good charger in the house!

The Ripper Benefits: Why You Need One

• It Tames the 'Cable Spaghetti': This is the big one. It replaces a whole handful of clunky, individual charging bricks with one neat hub. Your desk goes from a rat's nest to a clean, organised workspace.
• One Socket, Many Devices: It frees up your precious power point sockets for other important gear, like your lamp, computer, or air con.
• The Ultimate Travel Mate: Forget packing four different chargers for a holiday. You just pack one multi port USB charger and a few cables, and you're sorted for the whole family. Too easy!
• It's Faster (If You Choose Right): Many modern multi-chargers offer high-speed charging, so you can juice up your gear way faster than with the little 5-watt brick that came in the box.

What to Look For: Not All Chargers are Created Equal, Mate!

Righto, this is the important bit. Don't just grab the cheapest one you can find. To get a good multi port USB charger, you need to check the tech specs.

1. The Ports: USB-A vs. USB-C

• USB-A: This is the classic, rectangular port you've used for donkey's years. It's fine for older gear or for slow-charging your watch.
• USB-C: This is the new-school, small, oval-shaped port. It's the modern standard. You must get a charger with USB-C ports to unlock "Power Delivery" (PD), which is the tech that fast-charges your new phone, tablet, or even your laptop.

2. The Power (Total Wattage)

Look for the total output, measured in Watts (W). A cheap, old charger might only put out 12W total (slow as a wet week). A proper, modern multi port USB charger might offer 65W, 100W, or even more. This high wattage is what allows it to fast-charge multiple devices at once, including a power-hungry laptop.

3. The Magic Word: "GaN"

This is the new standard for the best chargers. GaN (Gallium Nitride) is a new material for the internal bits that's way more efficient than old silicon. It means you can get a ridiculously powerful 100W charger in a package that's not much bigger than an old phone brick. It's fair dinkum clever stuff.

The Ultimate Upgrade: Ditch the Brick Altogether!

If you're doing a reno and really hate clutter, the ultimate solution is to get the USB ports built right into your wall. You can now replace your standard power points (GPOs) with modern ones that have USB-A and even high-speed USB-C ports built-in.

This gives you a completely clean, schmick-looking wall with no chunky chargers needed at all.

The CRITICAL Safety Warning: DIY vs. Pro

This is a crucial distinction, mate.

• Buying a portable multi port USB charger and plugging it in? That's a "go for your life" DIY job.
• Replacing a power point (GPO) with a new one that has built-in USB ports? This involves working with 240V mains power. In Australia, this is absolutely not a DIY job. It is illegal and extremely dangerous.

This work must only ever be carried out by a licensed electrician. A qualified professional will ensure the GPO is wired safely, is compliant with Australian standards, and won't pose a fire or shock risk.

A Professional Job Needs Professional Gear

A licensed electrician will always use high-quality, compliant components to ensure your installation is safe and will last for donkey's years. This is why they source their gear from a trusted electrical wholesaler, not just the retail shelf.

As one of Australia's most comprehensive electrical wholesaler and supplier networks, Schnap Electric Products is a leading source for professional-grade gear. They stock the complete range of modern, high-quality power points, including the latest GPOs with built-in fast-charging USB-C ports, from the most trusted trade brands. On top of that, they provide all the essential, compliant wiring and switchboard components that a qualified professional needs to get the job done right. For a schmick, safe, and fully compliant reno, the pros rely on quality gear from a supplier like Schnap Electric.

G'day! Let's have a squiz at the power point next to your bed. You've got one, maybe two sockets. And you need to charge your phone... and your watch... and maybe your headphones. Or, you're sharing the socket with your partner. It's a proper nightmare of piggy-backed double adapters and clunky white "bricks".

The classic single-port charger just doesn't cut it anymore. That's why the dual USB charger has become the absolute bare minimum for a modern, gadget-filled Aussie home.

What's the Go with a Dual USB Charger?

A dual USB charger is a fair dinkum simple solution. It's one single charging brick that plugs into one single wall socket (GPO) but gives you two USB ports.

It's the perfect, simple upgrade, letting you charge your phone and your headphones, or your phone and your partner's phone, from the one spot. It’s all about convenience and cutting down on that ugly cable clutter.

The Ripper Benefits: Why Two is Better Than One

• It Saves Your Sockets: This is the big one. It frees up a precious power point for your bedside lamp, alarm clock, or anything else.
• Cuts the Clutter: It replaces two chunky, individual charging bricks with one single, often more compact, unit. Your desk or bedside table instantly looks cleaner and schmicker.
• The Perfect Travel Mate: Why pack two chargers when you can pack one? A dual USB charger is a non-negotiable for any holiday or work trip, letting you charge both your phone and your watch from that one dodgy hotel power point.

What to Look For: Not All Dual Chargers are Created Equal, Mate!

Righto, this is the important bit. Don't just grab the cheapest one you can find at the servo. To get a good dual USB charger, you need to check the tech specs.

1. The Ports: USB-A vs. USB-C

• Old School (Dual USB-A): These have two of the classic, rectangular USB-A ports. They're fine, but they are slow-charging.
• Modern (USB-A + USB-C): This is a popular combo. You get one old-school port for your watch or headphones, and one new-school USB-C (Power Delivery) port for fast-charging your phone.
• The New Standard (Dual USB-C): This is the go-to for modern gear, giving you two high-speed charging ports.

2. The Power (Total Wattage & "Shared Power")

This is what catches everyone out! A cheap dual USB charger might say "20W" on the box, but that's often shared. This means if you plug one device in, it gets the full 20W (which is fast). But the second you plug another device in, the power splits, and each port might only get 10W (which is slow).

A good dual charger will have a high total output (like 30W, 40W, or 65W) and will clearly state what each port can do, allowing it to fast-charge one phone and charge a second device properly at the same time.

3. The Magic Word: "GaN"

If you see GaN (Gallium Nitride) on the box, it's a good sign. This is new-school tech that lets manufacturers make ridiculously powerful chargers in a tiny, compact size.

The Ultimate Upgrade: Ditch the Brick Altogether!

If you're doing a reno and really hate clutter, the ultimate solution is to get the USB ports built right into your wall. You can now replace your standard GPOs with modern ones that have a dual USB charger (often one -A and one -C port) built-in.

This gives you a completely clean, schmick-looking wall with no chunky chargers needed at all.

The CRITICAL Safety Warning: DIY vs. Pro

This is a crucial distinction, mate.

• Buying a portable dual USB charger brick and plugging it in? That's a "go for your life" DIY job.
• Replacing a power point (GPO) with a new one that has built-in USB ports? This involves working with 240V mains power. In Australia, this is absolutely not a DIY job. It is illegal and extremely dangerous.

This work must only ever be carried out by a licensed electrician. A qualified professional will ensure the GPO is wired safely, is compliant with Australian standards, and won't pose a fire or shock risk.

A Professional Job Needs Professional Gear

A licensed electrician will always use high-quality, compliant components to ensure your installation is safe and will last for donkey's years. This is why they source their gear from a trusted electrical wholesaler, not just the retail shelf.

As one of Australia's most comprehensive electrical wholesaler and supplier networks, Schnap Electric Products is a leading source for professional-grade gear. They stock the complete range of modern, high-quality power points, including the latest GPOs with built-in fast-charging dual USB charger ports, from the most trusted trade brands. On top of that, they provide all the essential, compliant wiring and switchboard components that a qualified professional needs to get the job done right. For a schmick, safe, and fully compliant reno, the pros rely on quality gear from a supplier like Schnap Electric.

G'day! We've all been there. You're in the shed on a Saturday arvo, keen to hang a heavy shelf on the wall. You grab your drill, chuck in any old drill bit that looks about right, and give it a burl. You push, you sweat, and... screeeech. You're met with a puff of smoke, a lot of noise, and a drill bit that's now as blunt as a brick, having barely made a dent in the wall.

It's a fair dinkum frustrating moment, and it's almost always because you're using the wrong tool for the job. A drill is just the motor, mate; the drill bit is what does all the hard yakka. Using the right one is the difference between a clean, easy hole and a total dog's breakfast of a job.

The Right Bit for the Job: A Cheat Sheet

Not all bits are created equal. Using a wood bit on steel is like bringing a snorkel to a desert race – useless. Here's the lowdown on the main types you'll find in any Aussie hardware store.

1. The All-Rounder: HSS (High-Speed Steel) Drill Bit

This is your classic, general-purpose drill bit. It's usually black or silver (or sometimes has a gold-coloured titanium coating). It's the workhorse of your tool kit.

• Best for: Timber (pine, MDF), plastics, and softer metals like aluminium.
• The Lowdown: A good quality HSS set is the first thing you should buy. You'll use these for 90% of your jobs around the house.

2. The Brick Buster: Masonry Drill Bit

You'll spot this one by its distinctive, tough-looking tip, which is usually a chunk of tungsten carbide.

• Best for: Drilling into house bricks, mortar, light-duty concrete blocks, and tiles (if you're careful!).
• How to use it: You must use this with your drill on the 'hammer' function. The drill smashes the bit forward as it spins, pulverising the masonry. Trying to use a normal HSS bit on brick will get you nowhere, fast.

3. The Heavy Hitter: Cobalt (HSS-Co) Drill Bit

This is the bit you bring in when the HSS bit gives up the ghost. A cobalt bit isn't just "coated"; the cobalt is mixed right through the steel, making it incredibly hard and resistant to the high heat of drilling metal.

• Best for: Tough, hard metals. This is the best drill bit for stainless steel, cast iron, and other hardened metals.
• Hot Tip: You MUST use these at a slow speed and with a cutting lubricant, or you'll knacker even this tough nut.

4. The Timber Hog: Spade or Auger Bits

Need to drill a big, chunky hole through a timber stud to run some wires or pipes? A spade bit (the flat, 'paddle' shaped one) or an auger bit (which looks like a big corkscrew) is your weapon of choice. They're aggressive and designed to rip out a lot of timber, fast.

Pro Tips for Not Wrecking Your Bits

• Slow and Steady for Metal: The number one rookie mistake is running your drill at full pelt on metal. You need to use a slow, steady speed. Too fast = too much heat = a dead drill bit.
• Use Lube, Mate: When drilling any metal, a bit of cutting fluid or lubricant keeps the bit cool, stops it from binding, and gives you a much cleaner hole.
• Hammer On for Masonry, Hammer Off for Everything Else! Using the hammer function on timber or metal will just tear it to shreds. It's for brick and concrete only.

A Professional Job Needs Professional Gear

A licensed electrician or a professional installer knows that having the right drill bit (like a grunty cobalt bit for a metal switchboard or an SDS bit for a brick wall) is just step one. Step two is installing a high-quality, compliant fitting into that perfectly-drilled hole.

A pro can't risk their reputation on dodgy gear from a no-name supplier. They need to know that every component they install is safe, compliant, and built to last. That's why they rely on a top-notch electrical wholesaler for their supplies. As one of Australia's most comprehensive electrical suppliers, Schnap Electric Products stocks all the professional-grade gear that tradies trust. From the robust, weatherproof enclosures and switchboards that a pro might be drilling into, to the high-quality conduits, cable glands, and power points that get fitted off, they provide the gear that ensures a job is safe, compliant, and built to last. For a job that's professional from the drill bit to the final connection, the pros get their supplies from a proper electrical wholesaler like Schnap Electric.

G'day! You're in the middle of a weekend reno. You need to hang a heavy-duty shelf, install a TV bracket, or run some pipework, and you're faced with a good, solid, Aussie brick wall. You grab your standard drill bit (the black or silver HSS one you use for timber), give it a burl, and... screeeeeech.

You're met with a cloud of smoke, a deafening noise, a knackered drill bit, and a wall that's barely got a scratch. It's a fair dinkum frustrating moment.

That, mate, is because you've brought the wrong tool to the fight. For brick, concrete, stone, or mortar, you need a special kind of beast: the masonry drill bit.

How to Spot One: The Tip is the Giveaway

A masonry drill bit looks different from your standard timber or metal bit. The biggest giveaway is the tip. Instead of being twisted to a sharp point, a masonry bit has a chunky, arrow-shaped head made of tungsten carbide.

This tip is incredibly hard. It's not designed to cut the material like a wood bit. It's designed to pulverise it.

The Golden Rule: You MUST Use the Hammer Function

This is the most important part, mate. A masonry drill bit is pretty useless on its own. It's designed to work as part of a team with a drill that has a hammer function.

When you switch your drill to the 'hammer' setting (it usually has a little hammer symbol on it), the drill doesn't just spin; it also smashes the drill bit forward hundreds of times a second. It's this high-speed jackhammering action that allows the carbide tip to chip, pulverise, and blast its way through the hard material.

Trying to use a masonry drill bit without the hammer function is like trying to chop down a gum tree with a butter knife – you'll be there all bloody day and get nowhere. (And never use the hammer function on timber, metal, or tiles!)

When to Use This Ripper Bit

A masonry drill bit is your go-to for drilling into any hard building materials:

• Brick walls (both solid and cavity)
• Concrete (slabs, foundations, block walls)
• Mortar joints
• Stone and tiles (though for delicate tiles, a diamond-tipped bit is often a safer bet to prevent cracking)

It's the essential tool for any job that involves fixing something to a solid wall, like installing shelving, clotheslines, brackets, or running pipes and conduits.

Installation: A Hole is Just the Start

Knowing how to drill the hole is a ripper skill for any Aussie DIYer. But what you're putting in that hole is a whole different ball game.

If you're drilling a hole to run a 240V electrical cable for a new light or power point, your DIY job stops the second the hole is drilled. In Australia, it is illegal and extremely dangerous for anyone other than a licensed electrician to do any fixed wiring.

A qualified professional will not only drill that hole safely, but they'll also have the right, compliant gear to run through it. A pro installer won't just grab their gear from the retail shelf; they get their supplies from a proper electrical wholesaler to ensure everything is trade-quality and meets Australian standards.

As one of Australia's most comprehensive electrical wholesaler and supplier networks, Schnap Electric Products stocks the lot for the professional installer. They've got all the heavy-duty gear that gets installed in or on those masonry walls, including the rigid, weatherproof conduits, the heavy-duty power points, junction boxes, and all the compliant cabling that a licensed professional needs to do the job right. For a job that's safe from start to finish, the pros use the right tools and the right components from a supplier like Schnap Electric.

G'day! If you're in the middle of a reno or just looking to give your home a bit of a facelift, you've probably spent ages agonising over the paint colour, the flooring, and the benchtops. But then there's the one detail that can make or break the whole schmick look: the light switches.

For donkey's years, we all put up with the same, standard, daggy white rocker switch. It did the job, sure, but it wasn't exactly a design statement. These days, the range of light switches in Australia is massive, and choosing the right one can add a fair dinkum touch of class to any room.

Let's get the lowdown on what your options are, from the new standard to the high-tech smart switches that are changing the game.

The Main Types of Light Switches in Aussie Homes

The humble light switch has had a serious glow-up. Here are the main types you'll be choosing from for a modern build or renovation.

1. The Modern Rocker Switch (The New Standard)

This is the evolution of the classic switch. Instead of a chunky, rounded rocker, the modern version is slim, sleek, and has a more defined edge. Think of the popular Clipsal Classic or Iconic ranges. They provide a clean, minimalist look that's a massive step up from the old-school style and are the new go-to for most homes.

2. The Push Button Light Switch (The Stylish Choice)

This is the one designers and savvy renovators are all falling for. A push button switch replaces the rocker with a small, discreet button that gives a satisfying 'click'. They often sit almost flush with the wall plate, offering a truly minimalist, high-end, architectural look. Many of these (like the Clipsal Iconic) are modular, meaning you can easily swap the cover or 'skin' later on.

3. The Dimmer Light Switch (The Mood Setter)

A dimmer is a must-have for any living room, dining room, or bedroom. It replaces the simple on/off function with a dial or push-button that lets you smoothly control the brightness of your lights. It's the key to taking your lighting from just 'functional' to creating a perfect, relaxing atmosphere. Crucial tip: Make sure you get a modern LED-compatible dimmer to avoid any annoying flickering with your downlights.

4. The Smart Light Switch (The Brainy One)

This is the new-school champ. A smart light switch connects to your home's Wi-Fi, allowing you to control your lights from an app on your phone or with your voice ("Hey Google, turn off the kitchen lights!"). You can set schedules, create scenes, and even make it look like you're home when you're on holiday. It's the ultimate in convenience.

More Than Just White, Mate! (Finishes & Colours)

The biggest change in light switches in Australia has been the explosion in colours and finishes. You're no longer stuck with boring white. The most popular choices for a modern reno include:

• Matte Black (or Anthracite): A bold, sophisticated choice that looks unreal against white walls or timber.
• Matte White: A softer, more contemporary look than the old high-gloss plastic.
• Silver, Grey, or Brushed Metal: Perfect for matching modern kitchen appliances and tapware.

The CRITICAL Safety Warning: This is NOT a DIY Job

Righto, let's get serious, because this is the most important part of the entire article. It might look like a simple swap, but in Australia, it is illegal and extremely dangerous for anyone other than a licensed professional to install or replace a light switch.

Why? Because you're working directly with 240-volt mains power. A simple mistake—mixing up wires, a loose connection—can lead to a fatal electric shock or a house fire. It will also void your home insurance.

This work must only ever be carried out by a licensed electrician. They have the training, testing equipment, and legal authority to do the job safely and ensure it's compliant with Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3000).

A Professional Job Needs Professional Gear

A licensed electrician will always use high-quality, compliant components to ensure your installation is safe and will last for donkey's years. This is why they source their gear from trusted trade suppliers, not just the local hardware shelf.

As one of Australia's most comprehensive electrical wholesaler and suppliers, Schnap Electric Products is a leading source for professional-grade gear. They stock the complete range of light switches in Australia from the most trusted brands, including the latest modular push-button switches, LED-compatible dimmers, smart switches, and all the stylish cover plates to match. For a truly professional job that's safe, compliant, and looks schmick, the pros rely on quality gear from a supplier like Schnap Electric.