How to Know When Your Home Needs Rewiring — An Electrician’s Guide for Illawarra Homeowners
Many homes across Wollongong and the Illawarra were built in the 1960s to 1990s — and the electrical systems in these homes can be showing their age. Outdated wiring is a leading cause of house fires in NSW. Here are the warning signs to watch for.
Warning Signs Your Home May Need Rewiring
Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers trip to protect your home from overloads. If the same breaker trips frequently, it’s a sign of an overloaded circuit or faulty wiring — not something to just reset and ignore.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
Occasional flickering when an appliance starts is normal. Persistent flickering or dimming throughout the house suggests loose connections or wiring that can’t handle the load.
Hot or Discoloured Power Points or Switches
Power points or light switches that feel warm to the touch, or show scorch marks, indicate dangerous wiring conditions. This requires immediate attention from a licensed electrician.
Burning Smell or Sparks
Any burning smell near power points or the switchboard, or visible sparks when plugging in appliances, requires urgent licensed electrical attention.
Old-Style Wiring (Rubber or Cloth Insulated)
Homes built before the 1980s may have rubber or cloth-insulated wiring that has become brittle with age. If your home is 40+ years old and hasn’t had electrical work done, it’s worth having a licensed electrician inspect it.
No Safety Switches
Safety switches (RCDs) are now required in all new NSW homes and should be installed in older homes. They protect against electrocution. If your switchboard doesn’t have safety switches, contact a licensed electrician.
Who Can Do Electrical Work in Wollongong?
All electrical work in NSW must be performed by a licensed electrician. Illawarra Handyman holds Electrical Licence 338916C from NSW Fair Trading. We handle power point installation, light fitting, ceiling fan installation, safety switch installation, and electrical repairs across Wollongong and the Illawarra.
Call: 0493 589 355 | Mon–Sat 7am–5pm
Need a licensed electrician in Wollongong or the Illawarra? Our electrical services covers the whole Illawarra region — no call-out fees, fully licensed and insured.