Electrical Checks to Do Before You Go on Holiday
Why Nelson Homeowners Need Professional Inspections & Maintenance
Before You Go on Holiday, Are Your Electrics Really Safe?
The bags are packed. The house is tidy. The flights are booked. But before you head off on your well-deserved break, there’s one thing that many Nelson and Tasman homeowners forget: electrical safety.
Every summer, countless Kiwis return home to tripped circuits, damaged appliances, or—worse—electrical faults that could have started a fire. It only takes one loose wire, one tired outlet, or one overloaded switchboard for things to go wrong while no one’s home.
That’s where Mako Electrical comes in. As trusted Nelson Tasman electricians, their team helps homeowners check, fix, and maintain their electrical systems so they can leave home feeling confident that everything is safe, secure, and up to standard.
If you want your home to stay safe while you’re away, this guide shows you the simple checks you can do—and why calling in a professional electrician can save you from stress, repairs, and danger.
Why Electrical Checks Matter More Than You Think
Holiday travel means your home sits empty for days or weeks. That makes it even more important to make sure your electrics are working as they should. Even a small issue can grow into a bigger problem when no one is around to see it.
Loose plugs, flickering lights, buzzing switches, warm outlets, and old wiring are often early warning signs. Many people ignore them, but they shouldn’t. These small things can lead to overloading, short circuits, and fire risks.
Mako Electrical has worked with families across the Nelson Tasman region who learned the hard way that electrical issues don’t take holidays. Their team specialises in all kinds of residential work—from simple repairs and replacements to full inspections and upgrades, including:
Electrical repairs and maintenance
Switchboard upgrades
Full house rewiring
Power point and outlet installation
Lighting upgrades and replacements
This means they can spot hidden risks that most homeowners never notice.
The Electrical Checks You Should Do Before Leaving Home
Before your holiday starts, take a little time to check your home. You don’t need special skills—just a few minutes and a bit of attention. Here are the most important things to look at:
1. Check Your Switchboard
Your switchboard is the heart of your electrical system. If it’s old, overloaded, or damaged, it could trip while you’re away.
If your switchboard has fuses, cracks, rust, or feels warm, it may need a switchboard upgrade. Newer switchboards include RCD protection, which is far safer and helps protect you from electrical fires.
2. Look for Damaged or Loose Outlets
Outlets that feel loose, look discoloured, or make buzzing sounds are unsafe. When no one is home to notice a smell or sound, they can cause a fire.
If you find one, Mako’s team can quickly fix or replace it to keep your home safe.
3. Unplug Unneeded Appliances
Before leaving, unplug things like:
toasters
heaters
computers
chargers
hair appliances
Even when off, many devices still draw power. Unplugging reduces fire risk and saves on power bills.
4. Inspect Indoor and Outdoor Lighting
Lights shouldn’t flicker or make noise. Outdoor lights should be properly sealed and weather-safe. Mako Electrical offers outdoor and garden electrical services if you discover problems:
5. Test Smoke Alarms
Make sure smoke alarms work. If a battery is low, replace it before leaving. If alarms are old, ask a professional to install new long-life units.
6. Check Extension Leads and Multi-Boards
Many fires start from overloaded multi-boards. Make sure they are:
not overloaded
not running under rugs
not hot to touch
If unsure, call a Mako electrician for advice.
7. Ensure Spa Pools & Outdoor Plugs Are Safe
If you have a spa pool or outdoor equipment, make sure wiring is safe and weatherproof. Mako’s team also specialises in spa pool outdoor plug installation.
8. Schedule a Professional Electrical Inspection
If you’re unsure about anything—or you simply want peace of mind—book a pre-holiday electrical inspection with Mako Electrical. Their certified team checks your:
wiring
outlets
switchboard
lighting
safety systems
outdoor electrics
appliances
This is especially important for older homes, rental properties, or homes with past electrical issues.
Protect Your Home Before Your Holiday – Contact Mako Electrical
You deserve to relax on holiday—not wonder if your home is safe.
With Mako Electrical, you get:
✔ certified and experienced Nelson electricians
✔ fast, friendly service
✔ expert electrical checks and repairs
✔ emergency electrician support if needed
✔ clear communication and no hidden surprises
Visit their residential services page here Or book your holiday electrical inspection today.
Your home is worth protecting—and a quick electrical check can make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Before going away, check your switchboard, outlets, appliances, smoke alarms, lights, and any extension leads. If you’re unsure, a licensed electrician can give your home a full safety inspection.
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Electrical inspections find hidden faults like loose wiring, overloaded circuits, and old components that could cause power cuts or fires while you’re away.
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If your switchboard has old fuses, gets warm, trips often, or hasn’t been checked in years, it may need an upgrade. An electrician can confirm this during an inspection.
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Yes. Mako Electrical offers full home electrical inspections, covering wiring, outlets, lighting, safety devices, outdoor areas, and more.
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Yes. It reduces fire risk, protects devices from surges, and saves power. Anything that doesn’t need to stay on should be unplugged.
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Mako Electrical are local, licensed, and trusted residential electricians offering inspections, repairs, maintenance, and emergency services.
