⚠️ The Hidden Dangers of Outdated Wiring in Your Brisbane Home

And How To Know When It’s Time For An Upgrade?

When most people think about home renovations, they picture kitchens, bathrooms, maybe a fresh coat of paint. But behind your walls — often forgotten — is one of the most important (and potentially dangerous) parts of your house: the wiring.

Outdated or damaged wiring is more common than you might think in Brisbane homes — especially in older suburbs like Moorooka, Holland Park, Carina, and parts of Logan. And if left unchecked, it can lead to fires, electric shocks, and serious safety issues.

Let’s break it down in plain English so you know what to watch out for — and when to call in the pros.

🧯 Why Old Wiring is a Big Deal

Old electrical wiring isn't just "a bit dodgy." It can be a major safety hazard. Here’s why:

Fire Risk: Cracked insulation, loose connections, or overloaded circuits can overheat and spark.
Shock Hazard: Damaged wiring can expose live parts, putting you or your family at risk of electrocution.
Non-compliance: Older wiring often doesn’t meet current Australian Standards, which can void insurance or slow down a house sale.
Limited Capacity: Homes built in the 60s or 70s weren’t designed for today’s power-hungry appliances – think air conditioners, induction cooktops, EV chargers, and home theatres.

🕵️‍♂️ Signs Your Home’s Wiring Might Be Outdated

You don’t have to rip open your walls to spot trouble. Keep an eye (and ear) out for these warning signs:

🔌 Fuses instead of circuit breakers (especially ceramic ones)

💥 Power points that spark when you plug things in

🔥 Burning smells, buzzing sounds, or warm switches

💡 Flickering or dimming lights, especially when appliances are on

⚡ Regular tripping of the safety switch (RCD) or circuit breakers

🧱 Cloth or rubber insulation on visible wiring (common in homes pre-1970s)

🏠 You’re in a house over 25 years old and not sure when the wiring was last inspected

🔧 What Kind of Wiring is Dangerous?

In Brisbane, we still see these problem types in older homes:

VIR (Vulcanised Indian Rubber) wiring – Brittle and seriously unsafe
Cotton-insulated wiring – A fire waiting to happen
No earth wires – Older lighting circuits often lack an earth, increasing shock risk
Double-adapters and piggyback plugs everywhere – A sign your circuits are overloaded

👷‍♂️ What’s Involved in Rewiring a Home?

A full house rewire isn’t as scary (or expensive) as many people think. At Triforce Electrical and Air, we:

Do a thorough inspection and safety check
Plan your upgraded wiring layout to suit your modern needs
Replace old cabling, safety switches, and dodgy power points
Upgrade your switchboard if needed
Make sure it’s all compliant, certified, and future-proofed

We can even do it in stages, room by room, to spread out the cost.

💰 How Much Does It Cost?

It varies depending on your house size, access, and how bad things are, but here’s a ballpark for Brisbane homes:

Small home (1–2 bed): $3,500 – $6,000
Average home (3–4 bed): $6,000 – $10,000
Large or complex homes: $10,000+

Yes, it’s an investment — but compare that to the cost of fire damage, injury, or a rejected insurance claim, and it’s money well spent.

🛠️ Quick Checklist – Do You Need an Electrical Inspection?

Ask yourself:

✅ Is your home 25+ years old?

✅ Do you still have old-style fuses?

✅ Do power points spark or feel warm?

✅ Do your lights flicker or buzz?

✅ Have you ever had a shock or burning smell near a switch?

✅ Can’t remember your last electrical safety check?

If you ticked yes to even one — it’s worth giving us a call.

🏠 Local, Trusted, and Straight-Talking

At Triforce Electrical and Air, we’ve helped hundreds of Brisbane homeowners make their homes safer, smarter, and ready for the future. We’re not here to upsell — just to give honest advice and do solid work we’re proud of.

📍 Brisbane owned. Fully licensed. No nonsense.

Need an inspection? Give us a call on 1300 538 270 — your future self will thank you!