1. Fire brigades respond to more than 300 domestic electrical fires each year.
Many of these fires are caused by old wiring that has degraded or is unable to cope with the demands of modern electrical equipment. In addition to the risk of fire, contact with degraded wiring can be fatal. If your house was built more than 30 years ago, the wiring should be checked.
2. The insulated coating on household wiring degrades over time, and can leave bare wires exposed.
If bare wires touch this can result in a house fire. You could also be prone to an electric shock from switches and appliances in your home. Look out for the following tell-tale signs that your wiring may be faulty:
- Old switchboards, particularly those without a safety switch
- Old power switches or power points, particularly broken ones
- Flickering lights
- Sparks from switchboards, switches or power points.
3. Major home electrical malfunctions or loss of electrical utilities due to faulty wiring and connections can be disruptive, frustrating and stressful.
Home utilities that are at potential risk of failure from electrical faults include, but are not limited to:
- Electric hot water systems
- Air-conditioners
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Security systems
- Laptops and PCs
- Cooking utilities
- Home networks
- Dishwashers
- Washing machines, dryers and more
