Stay safe, prevent hazards, and know when to call a licensed electrician

When we think about making our homes safer, we often focus on alarms, locks, or first aid kits. But one of the biggest risks inside your home hides behind walls—electricity. While it powers our lives, it also poses real dangers if mishandled. That's why every homeowner in New Zealand should understand basic electrical safety tips around power board use, childproofing, and regular inspections.

As certified electricians at Mako Electrical, we've witnessed how avoidable problems can lead to severe harm—from house fires to shock hazards. This guide aims to explain the basics of electrical safety at home for households with kids or people living in older houses.

The Importance of Electrical Safety in NZ Homes

Many New Zealand houses—those built before the 1990s—have old wiring systems limited power capacity, and worn-out sockets. Add modern gadgets and growing tech needs to this mix, and you create a dangerous situation.

Electrical problems lead to hundreds of house fires in New Zealand every year, and people could prevent most of them. If you live in Nelson Tasman, or anywhere in between, you must know the basics of home electrical safety.

Power Board Overloads: What You Should Know

Let's begin with one of the most frequent causes of household electrical problems: the simple multi-plug power board.

Power boards help extend outlet use, but many homeowners don't realize they can handle a certain amount of current. Plugging in too many high-power devices—like heaters, microwaves, gaming consoles—can heat them up too much, start fires, or damage connected electronics.

Here's how you can stop power boards from overloading:

Use one high-power appliance on each board.
Don't connect multiple power boards in a chain.
Pick boards with surge protection for electronic devices.
Swap out old or broken boards right away.
Check that the board has a switch for overload protection.

Not sure if your setup is safe? Schedule an electrical safety inspection with us. We'll check your boards, circuits, and appliances to ensure they're operating within safe limits.

Childproofing Electrical Outlets and Cords

Kids are curious by nature, and , power outlets and cords often sit right at their eye level. This makes it crucial to childproof your electrical setup if you have little ones or young children at home.

Key areas to address include:

Socket covers: These basic plastic inserts stop small fingers or toys from going into outlets.
Cord management: Put cords out of reach those from heaters or kitchen gadgets.
Tamper-resistant outlets: When you renovate or build new, these come with spring-loaded shutters to block foreign objects.
Nightlight covers: Perfect for hallways and bedrooms, these take the place of outlet covers and give off a soft light while staying safe for kids.

Safety goes beyond just plug points. Extension leads and long cords can cause people to trip or get strangled. To make living spaces safer in bedrooms or play areas, our Mako Electrical team can put in custom solutions that cut down on exposed cords and make things easier to access.

Inspection Timelines: How Often Should You Check?

Many NZ homeowners don't know that checking their electrical systems is just as crucial as getting their car serviced or testing their smoke alarms.

So how often should you get your electrical system checked?

Every 5-10 years: For homes people live in. Homes built before the 1990s might need checks more often.
Before buying or selling property: Always get an electrician to check the wiring to avoid any shocks later.
After home improvements or new gadgets: Whether you've redone your kitchen or put in a hot tub, make sure it's up to code.
If things aren't working right: Lights that flicker, breakers that trip a lot, or switch plates that feel hot are all warning signs.

Getting an expert to look at your wiring isn't just about following rules—it's about keeping your family and home safe. At Mako Electrical, we do deep dives into your home's wiring to spot risks before they turn into big problems.

Signs You Might Have a Safety Issue

You can spot problems in your home without needing an inspection. Watch out for these warning signs:

Switches that make buzzing noises
Devices that spark when you plug them in
Outlets with burn marks or odd colors
Sockets that feel warm
Circuit breakers that trip often

If you see any of these, don't delay. Get in touch with us right away—we'll check out the problem and suggest the best way to fix it .

Why Hire a Licensed Electrician in NZ?

Fixing things yourself may seem smart, but with electricity, it can kill you. New Zealand laws say licensed electricians can do major electrical jobs. This covers wiring changing switchboards putting in power outlets, and more.

When you hire a certified expert like Mako Electrical, you get:

Work that follows NZ electrical rules and safety standards
Insurance and official paperwork (Certificate of Compliance)
Smart tips to upgrade and future-proof your system

We're a local business that people trust in Nelson and beyond—we help homes new builds, and renovations with skill and honesty.

Staying Safe Is Easier Than You'd Think

Electrical safety doesn't need to scare you. When you get the basics - don't overload power boards, make outlets safe for kids, and schedule regular checks - you're already taking care of what's most important.

The experts at Mako Electrical are ready to help you stay safe work well, and follow the rules. If you want a quick look, a plan to keep your kids safe, or new wiring for your whole house just give us a call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Watch for clues such as a power board that feels hot, devices that turn off by themselves, or circuit breakers that trip. Disconnect appliances that use a lot of power and get in touch with an electrician if you're not sure.
Put socket covers on or install outlets that resist tampering, and keep cords where kids can't reach them. Don't use extension cords in rooms where children spend time.
Most homes need one every 5-10 years, but you might need one sooner if you live in an older house or plan to renovate.
No. New Zealand law says licensed electricians can do electrical installations or repairs.
Watch out for buzzing, sparking burning smells, lights that flicker, or outlets that feel warm. These are red flags you shouldn't ignore.

Electrical Safety Tips Every NZ Homeowner Should Know