Summer Electrical Safety: How to Keep Your Home Safe from Overloaded Circuits

Advice to prevent overheating and overloads as New Zealanders use more fans, fridges, and outdoor equipment

When Summer Comfort Becomes an Electrical Hazard

The golden Kiwi summer has arrived in Nelson — BBQs sizzle, coolers hum, and fans work hard to cool homes. While you enjoy the sunshine, your electrical system might struggle with the heat.

Every summer, Mako Electrical sees a quick increase in calls about overheated circuits, power trips, and broken appliances. These issues happen when homes use more power than their wiring can handle. This doesn't just cause hassles - it creates a serious fire danger that's easy to avoid with a few smart steps.

Your home might be trying to warn you if you've seen lights that flicker when the fan's on, power points that feel warm, or circuit breakers that trip often.

This summer, let's treat electrical safety as crucial as sunblock.

Why Overloaded Circuits Happen More Often Than You'd Guess

As temperatures rise, our energy consumption goes up too. Running several fans extra refrigerators for summer beverages outdoor lights, and pool pumps puts a lot of strain on electrical systems built for colder seasons.

Circuits become overloaded when they carry more electricity than they're built to handle. This makes wires heat up, damages insulation, and can cause short circuits or even start electrical fires.

You might not realize it, but your everyday summer routines can push your electrical system to its limits:

• Plugging several power-hungry appliances like air fryers, coolers, or fans into one power strip.

• Using outdoor extension cords not designed to withstand heat or moisture.

• Keeping fridges, freezers, and pool pumps on 24/7 without checking the circuit load.

Energy Safety New Zealand says circuit overloads and bad wiring are some of the main reasons for avoidable house fires — and many begin inside walls.

This highlights the need for expert checks and smart prevention.

Ways to Keep Your Home Cool and Safe This Summer

You don't need to sacrifice comfort for electrical safety. With proper setup and upkeep, your home can stay cool and protected throughout the season.

Here's what Mako Electrical suggests to keep your summer worry-free:

1. Balance Your Power Use

Don't plug all your energy-hungry devices into one circuit. If your kitchen living room, or outdoor space shares a breaker, spread appliances across different outlets.

2. Get a New Switchboard or Wiring (If You Need To)

Many old homes in Nelson have switchboards that can't handle today's power needs. If you've seen fuses trip or outlets get hot, putting in a new switchboard with circuit breakers and RCD safety can stop overloads before they start.

👉 Find out more: Electrical Services at Mako Electrical

3. Book a Summer Electrical Check

An electrician with a license can check your circuits, spot hidden dangers, and confirm your wiring can handle the extra load . This small action can prevent thousands in possible damage.

👉 Schedule your safety check: Get in Touch with Mako Electrical

4. Shield Outdoor Power Points

Fans, lights, and pool equipment outside need outlets that resist weather. Always use cords rated for outdoor use and keep them away from wet areas.

5. Look Out for Warning Signs

Pay attention to lights that flicker, sockets that buzz, smells of burning, or plugs that feel warm — these signal that circuits are getting too hot.

If you're unsure, turn it off and ring the experts at Mako Electrical.

Stay Safe This Summer — Team Up with Mako Electrical

Your home's electrical system keeps your family comfortable — but it shouldn't put them at risk.

At Mako Electrical, we help Nelson and Tasman homeowners stay safe all year. Our trained electricians offer:

• Full circuit and wiring checks

• Switchboard updates with new RCD safeguards

• Power usage reviews

• Outdoor electrical safety fixes

We don't just solve issues — we stop them before they start.

If you're thinking about redoing your backyard putting in a pool, or just want to feel secure before summer hits, Mako Electrical makes sure your home stays cool, efficient, and secure.

👉 Want to keep your house safe? Schedule your summer safety check now: https://makoelectrical.co.nz/get-in-touch

Easy Summer Safety Checks You Can Do Now

Before you call the pros, you can check a few things yourself:

• Touch power outlets — they shouldn't feel hot.

• Pull the plug on devices when you're not using them.

• Check your smoke alarms every month.

• Keep cords away from heat and water.

If something seems wrong go with your gut — don't take chances with electrical safety.

Why Nelson Homeowners Rely on Mako Electrical

Having worked in Nelson and Tasman for many years, the Mako team knows the area's special weather and house types inside out — from old villas to new builds.

We take pride in being owned, safety-focused, and community-minded. These principles shape every job we do:

• Experience: Capable workers with long histories in home and business projects.

• Expertise: Always learning about the latest NZ electrical rules and tech.

• Authority: Fully licensed pros delivering work that meets all standards.

• Trust: Clear pricing straight talk, and a name you can count on.

To find out more about us, click here: About Mako Electrical

Keep Cool, Keep Safe, Keep Powered

When the Nelson sun blazes, don't let electrical dangers ruin your summer enjoyment. A few precautions today — and a reliable electrician at your side — can make a big difference.

Mako Electrical is ready to keep your home protected, productive, and prepared for all that a Kiwi summer brings.

👉 Get in touch with us now to schedule your summer electrical safety check. https://makoelectrical.co.nz/get-in-touch

---

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do my lights flicker when I turn on the fan or fridge?

  This often points to an overloaded circuit or wiring that can't handle the demand. A pro can check if your load is balanced right.

• Can extension cords overheat in summer?

  They can — if they're not made for outdoor use or high temps. Always pick heavy-duty cords that are safe for outdoor use.

• Should I upgrade my switchboard before summer?

  If you've added more appliances in recent years then yes. Upgrading your switchboard makes things safer and more efficient.

• How often should I have my wiring checked?

  Every 3–5 years is a good rule. But if your house is over 20 years old, you might want to have it checked more often.

• Who can I call for an electrical inspection in Nelson?

  Get in touch with Mako Electrical — they're a reliable local team that handles all home safety needs.