10 Common Electrical Issues in NZ Homes (And How to Fix Them)
You're not the only one in New Zealand whose lights flicker, outlets don't work, or circuit breakers trip a lot. Many homeowners across the country have electrical problems that are common and can be dangerous. Some problems may seem small or just annoying, but they are often signs of bigger electrical problems that need to be fixed right away
At Mako Electrical, we've helped many New Zealand homeowners find and fix all kinds of electrical problems. In this guide, we talk about 10 of the most common electrical problems that happen in New Zealand homes, what causes them, how to fix them, and when to call in a professional electrician.
Why It's Important to Fix Electrical Problems
Even small problems like a buzzing outlet or a light that flickers can be dangerous, make your electrical system less efficient, and in some cases, raise your risk of electrical fires. The first step to making your home safe and energy-efficient is to learn about these problems.
1. Lights that flicker or get dimmer
This is one of the most common electrical problems people in New Zealand report. A loose bulb can cause lights to flicker, but they could also be a sign of bigger problems, such as:
Light fixtures that don't work right
Bad connections in the wiring
Too many circuits
Voltage fluctuations
If several lights flicker when you turn on an appliance, it could be because your home's electrical system is overloaded or not big enough.
Fix it by first tightening or replacing the bulb. If the problem keeps happening, it's best to call a licensed electrician to check your wiring and circuits.
2. Circuit breakers that trip a lot
When a circuit gets too much power, your circuit breaker cuts off power to protect your home. But if it trips a lot, that's a sign that something is wrong.
Some common reasons are:
Appliances that use a lot of power, like microwaves or heaters
There are too many devices on one circuit.
Wiring that isn't working right or outlets that are broken
To fix the problem, unplug the devices to lighten the load. If the problem keeps happening, call Mako Electrical for a professional diagnosis and maybe an upgrade to your circuit.
3. Outlets that don't work or are broken
Are there outlets in your home that don't work anymore? It's a common problem that can be very annoying.
Here are some things that can cause faulty outlets:
GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) tripped
Wires that are loose
Connections that have burned out
Try resetting any GFCI outlets that are close by. If the outlet still doesn't work, you might need to safely replace or rewire it.
4. Switches or outlets that make buzzing noises
Electricity should be silent. If your switches, outlets, or even the walls are buzzing or humming, it could mean:
Wiring that isn't tight
Bad switch mechanisms
Electrical currents that arc
These sounds can come before big electrical problems or fires.
To fix the problem, turn off the power to the area that is having problems and call a licensed electrician. Don't ignore this problem.
5. Light Bulbs That Burn Out a Lot
Are you changing light bulbs more often than usual? It might not be the bulb that's the problem. It might be because of
Too much voltage
Poor air circulation
Connections that are loose in the socket
Solution: You could try using a bulb or LED with less wattage. If the problem keeps happening, have someone check your electrical system to make sure it doesn't get too hot or have problems with voltage.
6. Power outlets that get hot or spark
A warm outlet is not normal. It could be a sign of a dangerous problem, like:
Too many circuits
Wiring that isn't tight
Short circuits inside
Sparking outlets, in particular, are a fire risk and must be dealt with immediately.
Solution: Turn off the power to the circuit that is having problems and call an electrician right away. Do not try to use the outlet again until it has been fixed.
7. Power boards and extension cords that are too full
A lot of homes, especially older ones, don't have enough power outlets. So, homeowners often use power boards or daisy-chained extension cords, which can:
Overheat
Make circuits too full
Raise the risk of fire
Solution: You might want to hire our residential electricians to install more outlets for you. Don't stack plugs or connect more than one board together.
8. Circuit Overload When Using Appliances
If your toaster makes your TV turn off or your kettle trips the breaker, your circuits might not be able to handle today's electrical loads. This happens a lot in older homes that weren't built to handle today's power-hungry appliances.
Solution: You can fix this by upgrading your switchboard or moving circuits around. One of the best ways to make your electrical system safer and more powerful is to upgrade your switchboard.
9. Light Switches Not Working Properly
Light switches that don’t turn on or feel loose can be both frustrating and dangerous. Over time, the internal mechanism of a switch can wear out, especially in high-use areas like kitchens or hallways.
The answer is to replace old switches as soon as they stop working. A qualified electrician can do this quickly, and it makes things safer and easier.
10. No RCD Protection
An RCD, or Residual Current Device, is a switch that can save your life by stopping electrocution. Sadly, a lot of homes in New Zealand, especially those built before 2000, may not have RCDs installed or may have old ones.
Solution: Get your home checked to make sure that the RCDs are installed correctly on your switchboard. They’re a small upgrade that can literally save lives.
When Should You Call a Professional Electrician?
Some DIY fixes—like replacing a light bulb or resetting a breaker—are simple. But when it comes to wiring, circuit loads, or persistent issues, it’s always best to call a licensed expert. Mako Electrical offers fast, reliable service for homes throughout Nelson and beyond. We specialise in diagnostics, repairs, upgrades, and full safety assessments.
👉 Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation or check out our range of residential services here.
Conclusion
Electrical issues in NZ homes are more than just annoying—they’re safety risks that deserve serious attention. By staying informed and knowing when to act, you can prevent small inconveniences from becoming dangerous hazards.
At Mako Electrical, we’re here to help you identify, repair, and prevent electrical issues in your home. Whether you need an emergency repair or a long-overdue upgrade, our experienced team is only a click or call away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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This may be due to loose wiring or overloaded circuits. If it happens frequently, it's a good idea to get an electrician to investigate.
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Common causes include appliance overloads, faulty wiring, or a short circuit. An inspection can pinpoint the exact cause.
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Yes. Buzzing often indicates a wiring issue or loose connection, both of which can lead to electrical fires if not addressed.
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While technically possible, electrical work should always be done by a licensed professional to meet NZ electrical codes and ensure safety.
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No. Warmth usually indicates the board is overloaded. Reduce usage or install more permanent outlets.
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Breakers protect circuits from overloads; RCDs protect people from electric shocks. Both are essential for electrical safety.
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Costs vary based on the cause. Mako Electrical offers upfront pricing and efficient service—get a quote here.
