Electricity powers everything in our homes, from the kettle we boil every morning to the lights we switch off at night. But when something goes wrong with your electrical system, the consequences can be serious. Electrical faults are one of the leading causes of house fires in Australia, and many of them are entirely preventable.
As a licensed electrician serving the Mandurah and Peel region, I’ve seen firsthand the kinds of hazards that can build up quietly in a home over years. Here’s what every homeowner should know to keep their family safe.
1. Safety Switches (RCDs) Are Non-Negotiable
A Residual Current Device (RCD), commonly called a safety switch, is your first line of defence against electric shock. It detects tiny changes in current (the kind that happen when electricity flows through a person) and cuts the power in milliseconds.
Western Australian regulations now require safety switches on all power circuits and lighting circuits in new builds and renovations. But many older homes still don’t have adequate protection. If you’re not sure whether your switchboard has safety switches installed, it’s worth having a licensed electrician check.
Test your safety switches every three months by pressing the test button on the device. If it doesn’t trip the power, call an electrician immediately.
2. Watch for These Warning Signs
Your home will often give you warning signs before a serious electrical fault develops. Don’t ignore these:
- Flickering or dimming lights: can indicate a loose connection or overloaded circuit
- Burning smell or discolouration around power points: a serious warning sign of arcing or overheating
- Circuit breakers that trip repeatedly. Your system is telling you it’s being overloaded
- Sparking when you plug something in: could indicate a faulty outlet or wiring issue
- Warm or hot power points. Never normal,, always worth investigating
If you notice any of these, stop using the affected outlet or circuit and have it inspected. These aren’t things to put off.
3. Don’t Overload Your Power Points
With so many devices in modern homes, including TVs, gaming consoles, phone chargers and laptops, it’s tempting to plug a double adaptor into a double adaptor and call it done. But overloading a circuit generates heat, and heat causes fires.
A better solution is to have additional power points installed where you need them. It’s a relatively inexpensive job for a licensed electrician, and it’s far cheaper than dealing with the aftermath of an electrical fire.
4. Water and Electricity Don’t Mix
Bathrooms and kitchens require special electrical installations. In “wet areas,” all electrical work must comply with specific Australian Standards, including the correct placement of power points, appropriate exhaust fan installation, and waterproofing around fittings.
Never use standard power points or extension cords near sinks, showers, or pools. And if you’re renovating a bathroom or kitchen, make sure any electrical work is carried out by a licensed electrician, not a handyman.
5. Old Wiring Needs Attention
If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance it still has older wiring that may no longer meet current safety standards. Rubber-insulated cables degrade over time, and older switchboards may lack the protection that modern homes require.
An electrical safety inspection can identify these risks before they become problems. Think of it like a regular service for your car. It’s just good sense.
Always Use a Licensed Electrician
In Western Australia, all electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician. This isn’t just red tape. It’s there to protect you. Unlicensed electrical work can void your home insurance, create hidden hazards, and put your family at serious risk.
If you have any concerns about the electrical safety of your home, or if you’d like a safety inspection, get in touch with Tringham Electrical. We service Mandurah, Peel, and surrounding areas, and we’re always happy to help.