Top 5 Electrical Hazards in Older Auckland Homes (And How to Fix Them)

Molly Brady
11 hours ago
1 min read

Auckland is full of beautiful older homes — but beneath the charm, many hide serious electrical hazards that could pose safety risks or cause fires. Here’s what to look out for and how to stay safe.

1. Outdated Switchboards

Old fuse boxes aren’t designed for modern electrical loads. If you’re running multiple appliances or heat pumps, it’s time to upgrade to a modern switchboard with safety switches (RCDs).

2. Worn or Aluminium Wiring

Older wiring can degrade over time or loosen, creating potential fire risks. A wiring inspection can reveal if your system needs a rewire.

3. Exposed or Damaged Outdoor Cabling

Over time, garden or garage wiring can crack or be damaged by moisture — leading to shocks or short circuits.

4. Overloaded Circuits

Plugging multiple devices into one socket can cause overheating. Modern circuit breakers prevent this, but older systems may not.

5. Missing RCD Protection

Residual Current Devices (RCDs) detect and shut off dangerous current leaks within milliseconds — saving lives. Make sure yours are installed and working.