How Often Should You Check Your Home's Electrical System?

24 Oct

Have You Considered Your Electrical Wiring ?

It's out of sight, but it's always at work. Whenever you flick a light switch, plug in your phone, or start the heat pump, your home's electrical system keeps running . However just like everything else in your house, wiring has a limited lifespan.

In fact faulty or aging wiring ranks as one of the top causes of house fires in New Zealand. The alarming part? Most homeowners remain unaware of the issue until it's too late. That's why regular checks of your home's electrical system aren't just a good idea—they're crucial to keep your family safe.

If you've ever thought about how often someone should inspect your home's wiring, or what signs indicate a need for rewiring, you've come to the right place. At Mako Electrical, we help Kiwi households understand and handle their electrical safety offering reliable advice and skilled inspections.

Why Wiring Inspections Matter So Much

Electrical wiring functions as the circulatory system of your house distributing electricity to all necessary areas. However, it deteriorates with age. The insulation degrades, connections become loose, and older systems find it hard to meet the demands of modern appliances.

The majority of wiring in New Zealand homes lasts between 25 and 40 years, based on the materials used and the overall state of the property. If your house exceeds this age and hasn't undergone a recent inspection, it's likely time to have the wiring examined.

Routine checkups help catch problems before they become dangerous. A certified electrician can detect worn-out cables, overtaxed circuits, or old parts that might endanger your home. It's all about prevention—fixing minor issues early to avoid costly repairs or safety risks.

So how frequent should these inspections be? Experts suggest every 10 years for newer homes, and every 5 years for older ones. If you're buying, selling, or remodeling, a wiring check should top your priority list.

Recognizing the Warnings: When Your Wiring Might Need a Look

You shouldn't wait for a crisis to happen before you call an electrician. Your house often shows clear signs that something's off. Here are some common warning signs to look out for:

Lights that blink or get dim when you use appliances.
Circuit breakers that shut off .
Outlets or switches that are hot when you touch them.
A slight smell of burning near outlets or inside walls.
Dark marks or odd noises around switches and sockets.
Old fuse boxes instead of newer circuit breakers.

If you spot any of these, you need to take action fast. These aren't just signs of normal wear—they're warnings that your wiring might be dangerous.

At Mako Electrical, we take these worries . During our home inspections, we go beyond looking for obvious problems. We examine the state of the whole system, check how much load it can handle, and ensure everything meets New Zealand electrical safety rules.

The upside? You can relax knowing your wiring is secure, your loved ones are safe, and your home runs .

When You Should Schedule Your Wiring Check

There's no wrong time to have someone look at your wiring, but certain life events and house milestones make it extra important:

If your house is more than 30 years old and nobody has checked it .
Before you buy or sell a house so you know what to expect.
After big home improvements or additions, to check if the wiring meets standards.
If you've had electrical problems, like circuit breakers that trip often or lights that flicker.

Don't let issues get bigger. Call Mako Electrical to schedule a wiring check today and our skilled team will handle everything.

Want to know more? See our services to learn how we help, read our blogs for safety advice, or check out our story to understand why New Zealand homeowners rely on Mako Electrical.

When it comes to wiring, taking precautions beats fixing problems later. Don't put your family at risk—include checks in your regular home upkeep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newer homes need an inspection at least once every 10 years, while older homes might need checks every 5 years.
Wiring lasts 25–40 years, but things like the environment and how much power you use can make it wear out faster.
Lights that flicker, breakers that trip, smells of burning outlets that buzz, and old fuse boxes all point to potential wiring issues.
No. In New Zealand electricians with proper licenses can and check wiring.
Yes. It helps prevent dangerous faults, lowers the risk of fires, and makes sure your home meets safety standards.