Why Victoria’s winter power board rush has prompted a safety warning
A Victorian coroner has warned households to inspect their electrical gear after data linked 26 deaths since 2015 to domestic electrical faults.
As Melburnians crank up the heaters and plug in extra appliances to survive the winter chill, safety authorities have issued an urgent reminder to check what is happening under your desk. A Victorian coroner has warned that power board fires spike dramatically during the colder months, with winter electricity demands pushing household circuits to their absolute limits [2].
Following an investigation into a fatal 2025 house fire in Carisbrook, Coroner Leveasque Peterson revealed that electrical faults in power boards present a severe, overlooked risk when overused or overloaded [2].
The winter spike is real
Data from Fire Rescue Victoria reveals a stark seasonal contrast: the state recorded 14 power board fires during winter 2024, compared to just six over the following summer [2]. With winter now in full swing, the temptation to chain multiple appliances, computers, and portable heaters into a single outlet is at its peak.
Since January 2015, Victorian investigators have confirmed 26 deaths resulting from house fires caused by electrical faults [2]. In five of those cases, a power board was either the confirmed or suspected culprit [2].
The state recorded 14 power board fires during winter 2024, compared to just six over the following summer.
How to audit your living room
Energy Safe Victoria advises against buying suspiciously cheap power boards from unknown online retailers [2]. Instead, they recommend purchasing reputable brands from established suppliers and immediately replacing any cords that show signs of fraying or damage [2].
Fire Rescue Victoria records an average of 3.6 power board fires every month [2]. To keep your home safe, never plug double adapters or extra power boards into each other, and keep them free of dust and away from soft furnishings.
It only takes a few minutes to look behind the couch and check your plugs, a small task that ensures your winter remains warm, quiet, and completely safe [2].
Filed for The Dispatch. Pippa keeps the Dispatch diary, chasing what is on across the city so you do not have to.
