Why Electrical Safety Should Be Your Top Priority

When did you last think about how safe your home's electrical system is? Many Kiwi homeowners take electricity for granted—until something goes wrong. Lights that flicker, a switch that trips, or a weird buzzing noise might not seem like a big deal, but they could warn you about bigger electrical issues to come.

Electrical safety goes beyond keeping your lights on. It has an impact on protecting your home, family, and peace of mind. Bad wiring and ignored systems rank among the top reasons for house fires in New Zealand. The good news? A few basic electrical safety checks can cut down your risk.

At Mako Electrical, we help homeowners in Nelson and other areas keep their homes safe, productive, and in line with New Zealand rules. Today, we'll talk about the six most crucial safety checks every homeowner should know—and why getting a skilled electrician makes a big difference.

The Six Must-Know Electrical Safety Checks

1. Residual Current Device (RCD) Testing

An RCD is a device that saves lives by cutting power right away when it spots a problem preventing electric shocks. Lots of homes in NZ already have RCDs, but did you know you need to check them often? A broken RCD might not protect you when you need it.

Push the ‘test’ button once every three months.
Get a licensed electrician to look at how well your RCD works during your regular electrical check-up.

2. Checking Outlets and Switches

Outlets that are loose, plates with cracks, or dark marks around switches are red flags. These problems might not seem like a big deal, but they could mean wires are getting too hot or connections are bad—both of these can start fires.

Get into the routine of looking at outlets and switches in your house. If you spot odd warmth, humming, or flashing, ring an electrician right away.

3. Surge Protection Systems

Power spikes can happen due to lightning, faulty gear, or even changes in your power supply. Without surge protectors delicate electronics like computers and TVs are in danger. Putting in a whole-house surge protector can help you avoid pricey replacements—and shield your home's wiring.

Want to feel safe? Ask Mako Electrical about adding surge protection to your switchboard.

4. Circuit Breaker and Fuse Box Checks

Your switchboard plays a central role in your electrical setup. An old overworked, or neglected switchboard might break down when you most need it. New circuit breakers offer more safety and work better than old fuses. Regular checks help make sure your system follows rules and works safely.

Learn how often you should check your home's wiring.

5. State of Visible Wiring

Bare, worn, or chewed wires create danger. They put your home at risk of fire and shock people. Look at places like the garage, attic, or outside areas where wires might be more open to view.

When you're fixing up or moving to an old house, you need a pro to check the wiring.

6. Keeping Appliances Safe and Managing Power Loads

Are you aware that plugging in too many devices to one socket can overload your electrical system? Kiwis often misuse extension cords and multi-plugs. Always look for wear on cords and never connect multiple extension leads in a chain.

For appliances that use a lot of power, like heat pumps or ovens, make sure an expert electrician installs dedicated circuits for them.

How These Checks Benefit You

Taking these six safety checks doesn't just stop accidents. It provides you:

Peace of mind, your family stays safe.
Cost savings by spotting problems before they turn into pricey fixes.
Compliance with New Zealand's electrical rules.
Reliability so your home's electricity works without sudden blackouts.

At Mako Electrical, we don't just solve problems—we help you avoid them. Whether you need RCD tests, surge protection setup, or a complete wiring check, our skilled team makes sure your home meets top safety standards.

Check out how Mako Electrical can boost home safety and upkeep.

Take the Next Step Today

Don't delay electrical safety. A quick check today could stop a disaster tomorrow.

Want to keep your home safe?

Set up a home electrical safety check with Mako Electrical.
Find out about RCD testing and surge protection to boost your safety.
Get tips from experts that fit your home's specific needs.

Get in touch with us now to book your electrical safety inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most homes need a check every 5–10 years, but older houses might need more frequent checks. Check out our full guide.
No. In New Zealand, doing your own electrical work is against the law unless you're a certified electrician. Check out what you can and can't do here.
Circuit breakers are modern, you can use them again, and they're safer. Fuses are old-fashioned and you should swap them out.
Yes. RCDs keep you safe from shocks, while surge protection looks after your appliances and wiring.
Push the ‘test’ button on the RCD. The power shutting off means it works. If it doesn't, get an electrician on the phone right away.

6 Electrical Safety Checks Every NZ Homeowner Should Know