Older homes in Oxley offer charm and character, but their electrical systems often don’t meet the needs of modern life. Many were built well before today’s appliances, safety standards, and energy demands existed. That can lead to serious issues if left unchecked.
Whether you’re living in a long-standing family home or renovating a property with potential, it’s worth knowing what to look out for.
Outdated Wiring
Lights flickering, frequent circuit breaker trips, a faint burning smell, or discoloured outlets can all be signs of outdated or deteriorating wiring. Homes built decades ago may still have original wiring that’s no longer safe or capable of supporting today’s electrical load.
Wiring that was once considered standard may now be a major safety risk. Having it inspected and, replaced by a licensed electrician is one of the most important upgrades you can make.
Insufficient Power Supply
Old switchboards weren’t designed for modern appliances. Running air conditioners, dishwashers, dryers, computers, and entertainment systems all at once can be too much for an outdated setup.
If your lights dim when you use the kettle or microwave, or you’re relying on power boards in every room, your home may need a switchboard upgrade or additional circuits. This helps avoid overload and ensures appliances work the way they should.
No Safety Switches (RCDs)
Many homes built before the 1990s don’t have safety switches or RCDs. These devices are designed to cut the power within milliseconds if a fault is detected, helping prevent electric shocks and electrical fires.
If your switchboard doesn’t have clearly marked safety switches or you’ve experienced tingles or minor shocks from appliances, it’s time to upgrade. Installing RCDs is a simple fix that significantly increases your home’s safety.
Overloaded Circuits
Older homes often don’t have enough individual circuits to keep up with modern needs. You might notice circuit breakers tripping when too many appliances are in use, or that some outlets feel warm. In some cases, lights may flicker or dim when heavy devices turn on.
Overloaded circuits put stress on your entire system. Adding extra circuits and redistributing power can prevent long-term damage and keep your system running smoothly.
Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are more than just annoying. They can point to loose bulbs, ageing fittings, dodgy switches, or wiring issues behind the scenes. While it might seem like a small nuisance, persistent flickering often signals a deeper problem in your electrical system. If it’s happening regularly, it’s worth having a professional take a look before it turns into a more serious fault.
Buzzing Outlets and Faulty Switches
Buzzing sounds from power points or switches that feel loose, spark, or crackle when used are clear signs that something’s not right. These issues can be caused by worn-out components, poor connections, or grounding faults. While easy to ignore at first, they can quickly become dangerous. Getting them inspected early helps prevent bigger electrical failures or safety hazards in your home.
Why Electrical Safety Matters
Outdated wiring and ageing electrical systems can be more than just frustrating. They increase the risk of shocks, fires, and costly breakdowns. Many insurance policies may also limit coverage for homes that don’t meet current safety codes.
If your home is showing signs of electrical wear and tear, it’s time to get it checked. DIY electrical fixes might seem like a shortcut, but without proper training, they can make things worse or put your safety at risk.
Just-In Time Electrical has helped many Oxley homeowners bring their systems up to standard. From installing safety switches to upgrading switchboards and rewiring older setups, they’ll make sure your home runs safely and reliably.
Whether you’re renovating or just tired of flickering lights and tripping breakers, get in touch with the team that knows how to handle older homes the right way.
Just-In Time Electrical is your local leading electrical contractor based in Brisbane’s western suburbs. Just-In Time Electrical has been operating for over 12 years and draws on a combined knowledge base of over 30 years.
