Common Electrical Issues in Older Homes and How to Fix Them

GT HVAC & Electrical May 1, 2025 9:35:06 AM

Older homes come with character, charm, and unfortunately, outdated electrical systems. While a heritage-style property may look beautiful on the outside, it could be hiding a range of electrical issues behind the walls — many of which can pose serious safety risks if not addressed. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common electrical problems found in older homes, why they occur, and what you can do to fix them safely and effectively.

1. Outdated Wiring

One of the most common issues in older homes is outdated or deteriorating wiring. Homes built before the 1980s often used materials and techniques that no longer meet today’s safety standards. For example, old rubber or cloth insulation around wires becomes brittle with age, increasing the risk of electric shock or fire.

Signs to watch for:

Cracking or fraying wires
Warm or discoloured power points
Persistent tripping of circuit breakers
Flickering lights when appliances are turned on

The fix:
If your home still has outdated wiring, a licensed electrician can conduct a full inspection and recommend a partial or complete rewire. While this can be a significant investment, it’s essential for safety and compliance.

2. Overloaded Circuits

Older homes were not built with today’s power demands in mind. Back then, homes had far fewer electrical appliances. These days, it's not unusual for a single room to have TVs, computers, chargers, heaters, air conditioning units, and lighting — all plugged in at once.

Signs to watch for:

Frequent blown fuses or tripped breakers
Buzzing noises from the switchboard
Lights dimming when appliances are turned on

The fix:

An electrician can assess the load on your circuits and install additional circuit breakers or upgrade the switchboard to accommodate modern demand. This not only improves performance but significantly reduces the risk of overheating or fire.

3. No Safety Switches (RCDs)

Many older homes lack residual current devices (RCDs), also known as safety switches. These life-saving devices cut power in milliseconds if they detect a fault, such as a person accidentally touching a live wire.

Why it matters:

Without safety switches, a small fault or short circuit can cause electric shocks, fires, or even electrocution.

The fix:

Installing safety switches is a straightforward job for a licensed electrician. In fact, current electrical regulations require safety switches on all new circuits. Adding them to older homes is one of the quickest and most important upgrades you can make.

4. Insufficient Power Points

It’s common for older homes to have only one or two power points per room, which simply doesn’t cut it for modern lifestyles. As a result, people often resort to power boards and double adapters, increasing the risk of overload.

The fix:
Rather than relying on temporary solutions, it’s safer to install more power points where you need them — including options with USB ports for modern devices. This also allows for safer cable management and a tidier look overall.

5. Outdated Switchboards

Switchboards are the control centre of your home’s electrical system. Older units can’t handle the electrical load of modern appliances and are often not compliant with today’s safety standards.

Signs of an outdated switchboard:

Ceramic fuses instead of circuit breakers
No safety switches
Overheating or a burnt smell
Buzzing or humming sounds

The fix:
Upgrading your switchboard improves safety, allows for future expansion (such as solar or battery systems), and brings your home in line with current regulations.

6. DIY Electrical Work

Some older homes have a history of unlicensed DIY repairs or modifications. These can be extremely dangerous and are illegal under electrical safety laws. From poorly spliced wires to incorrectly grounded systems, these hidden hazards can lead to serious consequences.

The fix:
A full electrical safety inspection can uncover dodgy wiring or illegal work. A licensed electrician will bring everything up to code and ensure your home is safe for daily use.

When Should You Call an Electrician?

If your home is more than 30 years old and hasn’t had recent electrical upgrades, it’s wise to book a professional electrical inspection. Even if everything appears to be working fine, hidden faults may be developing behind the scenes. Warning signs like flickering lights, tripping breakers, or burning smells should never be ignored.

Conclusion

Older homes need a little extra care when it comes to electrical systems. By understanding the most common issues — from outdated wiring to overloaded circuits — you can take proactive steps to ensure your home is safe, functional, and ready for modern living. Don’t wait for an emergency to strike. Regular inspections and timely upgrades will protect your family, reduce fire risk, and improve your everyday comfort.