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Arlec · Power board / surge protector

Arlec

Mixed6/10

Privately held Melbourne electrical wholesaler of power boards, timers, lighting and smart-home gear, sold mainly through Bunnings in Australia and NZ.

Founded
1947
From
Australia
HQ
Scoresby, Australia
Owned by
Independent
Made in
Mostly China
www.arlec.com.au

Power board / surge protector

Mixed6/10Budget

Arlec is a long-running Australian brand sold mainly through Bunnings, with cheap indoor and outdoor power boards and timers. In January 2025 it recalled two IP55 outdoor boards (PB36-L and PB34UPD, date code 8/24) in Australia and New Zealand after incidents linked to a non-compliant seal.

Good at

  • Wide range at Bunnings, including outdoor IP-rated boards
  • Timers and smart plugs alongside boards
  • Low prices

Weak at

  • Jan 2025 recall: PB36-L and PB34UPD IP55 boards (fire risk)
  • Build quality is basic
Reliability
Value
Features
Service & warranty
Surge powerboardsIP55 outdoor powerboardsGrid Connect smart plugs

Best for: DIYers wanting a cheap board from Bunnings

nzauuk (not sold)us (not sold)hk (not sold)

Power board / surge protector brands in Hong Kong

Arlec isn’t readily sold in Hong Kong for this category.

#BrandRatingPriceDetails

Researched September 2026 from public reviews, consumer groups and retailer listings, and summarised by hand — ratings are a judgement, not a lab score. Check current reviews and local retailers before you buy.