Older homes across Perth’s southern suburbs carry a charm that’s difficult to replicate. Solid timber floors, high ceilings and decades of family history make them attractive to both buyers and renovators. But, behind the character of a property can lurk outdated electrical systems no longer meeting modern safety standards, or the everyday electrical demands of your family.
At Gorey Electrical Service, we’ve seen the hidden risks firsthand. With over five decades of electrical experience working on residential properties, we know the electrical systems in many homes built before the 1990s are long overdue for an upgrade. Whether you’re renovating, buying or simply maintaining an older home, here are ten common electrical issues we see in heritage constructions and why addressing them early is crucial.
#1. Outdated Wiring Systems
Wiring is one of the most crucial components of any home’s electrical system. In many old properties, you’ll find a range of obsolete wiring systems, such as Vulcanised Indian Rubber (VIR) or aluminium cabling, both of which were common in homes built between the 1940s and 1970s. Unfortunately, these systems struggle to keep up with modern loads, but they also pose real safety risks.
VIR cables are electrical cables with a tinned conductor and rubber coating, which can become brittle and pose safety hazards like electrocution and fire hazards. Similarly, aluminium cabling can oxidise over time, resulting in loose connections that make them more prone to electrical fire. If your home hasn’t had its wiring inspected or upgraded for decades, a professional assessment is a vital first step. Having a licensed electrician run an eye over your home’s wiring setup helps to ensure both reliability and safety.
#2. Overload Circuits & Too Few Power Points
The homes of today use significantly more electricity than the homes of 30 or 40 years ago. For example, kitchens now host a range of high-powered appliances such as dishwashers, microwaves and coffee machines, all operating simultaneously. The rise of Working From Home (WFH) arrangements has led to an increased uptake in home office setups, while comprehensive entertainment systems and mobile devices draw substantial power from the grid. With these developments, it’s easy to see why many older homes simply weren’t designed to handle such loads.
It’s not uncommon to see rooms with a singular power point, leading to the overuse of double adaptors and extension cords. This not only clutters the home, but it also increases the chance of overload and overheating. If you’re finding you don’t have enough outlets to meet your family’s requirements, it may be time to contact a licensed electrical contractor to upgrade your circuits and install additional power points.
#3. Ageing or Inadequate Switchboards
The switchboard is essentially the control centre of your home’s electrical system. But older switchboards often lack the capacity and protective mechanisms required for modern usage. Many still rely on ceramic fuses, which were once industry standard, but no longer meet current Australian electrical safety regulations.
More importantly, older switchboards often lack residual current devices (RCDs), which are now mandatory in all Western Australian homes. These life-saving switches cut the power in milliseconds is a fault in the system is detected, preventing electric shock or fire. If your switchboard hasn’t been upgraded in the last two decades, it’s a smart move to have it assessed by a licensed electrician.
#4. Constantly Tripping Circuit Breakers
One of the most common complaints we hear from homeowners in older properties is that their circuit breakers trip frequently. This is generally a sign of an overloaded or unbalanced electrical system, particularly when multiple high-demand appliances are in use at the same time.
However, repeated tripping can also point to deeper issues, such as faulty safety switches, deteriorating wiring or even water ingress in switchboards. It’s both inconvenient and a potential signs your electrical infrastructure is under serious strain and could pose a risk to your family’s safety if left unaddressed.
#5. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Flickering lights are more than just a nuisance. In many older properties, flickering lights can be a sign of loose wiring connections, worn out fittings and overloaded circuits. While an occasional flicker might simply be a bad bulb, consistent issues across multiple rooms of the home could suggest more significant problems in the electrical system.
Electrical faults of this nature shouldn’t be dismissed as loose connections can cause intermittent arcing, where currents jump erratically between connections instead of flowing smoothly, generating heat and increasing the risk of electrical fires.
#6. Lack of Proper Earthing
Earthing provides a path for excess electrical current to safely disperse in the event of an electrical fault. Without proper earthing, there’s a risk the metal surfaces on appliances or switch plates can become “live”, posing a serious electrical shock hazard to individuals in the home.
Homes built decades ago were not always earthed to the same standards of the modern day, particularly if no significant upgrades to the property have been carried out. Ensuring your home has a correctly earthed electrical system is crucial for maintaining the safety of both people and appliances.
#7. Insufficient RCD Coverage
As mentioned previously, RCDs are now required by law to be installed on all circuits in Western Australian homes. However, many older properties either don’t have them at all or only have them covering a limited number of circuits. This leaves other parts of the home, particularly lighting circuits, unprotected.
Without RCDs, the risk of serious injury or fatal shocks from electrical faults increases. Upgrading your switchboard and ensuring full RCD coverage is best practice and a legal requirement in Western Australia under the Electricity Regulations 1947 for homeowners, landlords and sellers.
#8. Power Surges & Voltage Fluctuations
Power surges aren’t just caused by lightning. In older properties, they can be the result of overloaded or outdated wiring, particularly when large appliances like washing machines or dishwashers start up. These surges may not be noticeable day-to-day, but they can quietly damage sensitive electronics like TVs, computers and even refrigerators.
Installing surge protection, either at the switchboard or at key outlets, is a cost-effective and smart way to safeguard your electronics and ensure the voltage in your home remains stable.
#9. Poor Electrical Layout & DIY Wiring
One of the most dangerous issues we encounter in older properties is a legacy of DIY electrical work that are non-compliant to modern electrical safety standards. Whether it’s a backyard extension wired up by a previous owner or renovations completed without a permit, unauthorised and unsafe electrical work is both illegal and potentially deadly.
Unlicensed electrical work can lead to a range of serious faults, including exposed live wiring, improperly fused circuits and poor connections. In Western Australia, only licensed electricians can legally carry out electrical installations or repairs. If you’re unsure about the integrity of your home’s electrical make up, a full inspection by a licensed contractor is the safest course of action.
#10. A General Lack of Future Readiness
Lastly, while the electrical systems of older homes may function ‘well enough’ for now, many lack the capacity to handle upgrades for modern and innovative electronics, such as vehicle chargers, solar integration or home automation systems. Without pre-wiring or futureproofed circuits, these additions can be difficult, or expensive, to implement later on.
Modernising your electrical infrastructure today ensures your home is prepared for tomorrow’s technologies and avoids the irregular costs of completing individual upgrades as you need them.
Why It Pays To Modernise Your Electrical System
While it can be tempting to leave your home’s electrical system as is (particularly if the lights are still on), ignoring outdated electrical infrastructure can lead to larger and more expensive issues in the future. Modernising your home’s electrical system improves safety, but it can also unlock performance, energy efficiency and peace of mind.
Upgrading an old switchboard ensures you’re protected by life-saving RCDs. Replacing old wiring reduces the risks of fires and power failures. Adding more circuits and power points makes everyday living more convenient, while also reducing reliance on temporary solutions like power boards or adaptors.
A modernised system also futureproofs your home for modern, innovative technology. Whether you’re considering solar panels, smart home automation or electric vehicle charging, having an up-to-date, robust electrical foundation in place helps to save money, time and disruptions down the track.
For homeowners, landlords and renovators alike, these upgrades contribute to long term property value. A well-maintained and compliant electrical system is a strong selling point for potential buyers and may help you meet insurance and rental property compliance obligations.
Ready To Upgrade? Book A Safety Inspection Today
Owning an older home doesn’t mean you need to accept the safety risk an outdated system can present. Whether you’re planning renovations, experiencing persistent issues or simply want peace of mind, now is a great time to have your home’s electrical system assessed by a licensed professional.
For over 50 years, Perth homeowners have trusted Gorey Electrical Service to modernise and secure their property’s electrical infrastructure. Our team of qualified electricians provide comprehensive inspections, switchboard upgrades, rewiring, power point installations and tailored advice specific to your home’s requirements. Get in touch with our expert team to request a quote or book a safety assessment. Let’s make your home safer, smarter and ready for the future.
