Do VUELUXE mirrors come with an AU plug or hardwire pigtail?

VUELUXE mirrors include both connection options in the box: a 1.5m AU plug cord for standard GPO (General Purpose Outlet) connection, and a hardwire pigtail (bare-ended cable) for direct wiring into the circuit. Builders and electricians can choose the appropriate method for the installation. Both options require a licensed electrician in Australia — the GPO installation for placing the outlet behind the mirror, and the hardwire for direct circuit connection.

Why both options are included

Different project types and installation scenarios suit different connection methods. Including both in the box removes the need for a site decision before ordering — the electrician can choose the appropriate method on the day based on what the wall cavity and circuit configuration allow.

This is particularly useful for VUELUXE’s trade buyer base, which includes both volume builders (who typically standardise on one method across a project) and renovation contractors (who inherit variable existing wall configurations where one method may be significantly easier than the other).

GPO plug-in installation: how it works

The plug-in option uses a 1.5m cord with an Australian standard 3-pin plug. The electrician installs a switched GPO behind or beside the mirror — the outlet is positioned so it is concealed by or behind the mirror frame. The mirror’s plug cord connects to the GPO. The wall switch controls the GPO, which controls the mirror.

Advantages of plug-in installation:

• Simpler installation if a GPO is already present or being roughed in near the mirror position
• Mirror can be removed and replaced without electrical work — useful for renovations or mirror replacements under warranty
• The connection is visible and clearly identifiable for future service

In new construction, the standard approach is to rough in a switched GPO at the mirror position as part of first fix, then plug the mirror in at second fix. This is a clean, compliant, and easily repeatable installation method for volume builders.

Hardwire installation: how it works

The hardwire option uses a pigtail — a short length of bare-ended cable extending from the mirror’s driver housing. The electrician connects this directly to the circuit wiring using junction connections, terminating the circuit at the mirror itself. The wall switch is wired into the circuit in the normal way.

Advantages of hardwire installation:

• Cleaner finish — no plug visible behind the mirror, no cord management required
• Preferred for high-end residential and hotel projects where even hidden cords are considered non-standard
• Eliminates the plug as a potential failure point (loose plug connections, corrosion at pin contacts)

Hardwire requires slightly more electrical work — the circuit is terminated at the mirror junction rather than at a GPO outlet. A licensed electrician must complete and certify this connection. The mirror cannot be removed without disconnecting the hardwired circuit, which requires the electrician to return for any future service or replacement.

Which method to use: the decision framework

The choice between plug-in and hardwire depends on project type and the builder or designer’s preference:

• New build, volume residential: GPO plug-in is faster and simpler. Standard roughed-in GPO at mirror position, mirror plugged in at second fix. Easy warranty service if needed.
• High-end residential or hotel: Hardwire for a cleaner finish. The additional electrical work is a minor cost relative to the project budget, and the finish is superior.
• Renovation, existing wall: Depends on what is in the wall cavity. If a GPO is already behind the mirror area, plug-in is straightforward. If not, hardwiring into an existing circuit may be simpler than installing a new GPO.

The electrician requirement in Australia

Both plug-in and hardwire installations require a licensed electrician in Australia. This is a requirement under the Electricity Safety Act and under the RCM certification conditions for electrical products sold in Australia. It is not specific to VUELUXE mirrors — it applies to all fixed and semi-fixed electrical installations.

For plug-in: the GPO installation (behind the mirror) must be done by a licensed electrician. The plug connection itself can be done by the owner or builder, but the outlet must be electrician-installed and certified.

For hardwire: the entire connection must be completed by a licensed electrician. The installation must be included in the electrical compliance certificate for the project.

VUELUXE’s installation guide covers both installation methods with step-by-step guidance for electricians. It is available for download or as a printed copy for site packs. Contact the trade desk for bulk copies for multi-site projects.

Related: Full installation guide — What’s included with each mirror — Electrician requirements for bathroom mirror installation in Australia