What to look for in old homes.

• Outdated electrical fittings: Look for old wiring, fuse boxes, or outdated electrical panels that may need upgrading to meet modern safety standards.
• Burn marks around sockets: Check for any scorch marks, discoloration, or signs of overheating around electrical sockets, which could indicate potential fire hazards.
• Broken switches and sockets: Ensure that all switches and sockets are in proper working condition, without any cracks, loose connections, or malfunctioning components.
• Lack of record for electrical works done: Verify if there is documentation or records of past electrical repairs or upgrades, as it helps in understanding the history and condition of the electrical system in the house.

Things to look out for in old homes:
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In the last census, electrical fires were up by 22% from previous years, due to faulty or old wiring. As more houses or buildings are updated to include new switches, plugs and greater 240v capacity, they’ll need to be updated. In fact, all 279,000 NZ homes built during the 1970s and earlier need to be updated to meet compliance standards today. So, whether you’re undertaking a new build or renovating an existing project, it’s important to engage with expert electricians who can meet safety standards and wire around your electricity usage, with specific outlets that meet your electrical requirements.