Electrical Maintenance Tips for Safe New Zealand Homes

Faulty electrical wiring causes hundreds of house fires across New Zealand every year. But here’s the good news: most of them are preventable with regular electrical check-ups. Small things, such as flickering lights, buzzing sounds, or warm power points, can be signs of bigger problems hiding in your walls. Regular electrical maintenance keeps your home:

• Safe for your family
• Free from surprise repair bills
• Running smoothly without wasting energy

Let’s go through some tips to help you keep your home safe and your electricity working properly.

6 Electrical Maintenance Tips for Safe New Zealand Homes

Are you unsure of what happens during electrical maintenance? Let’s break it down. Here’s what you (or your electrician) should check to keep your home safe:

1. Check your switchboard (breaker box)

Your switchboard is like the heart of your home’s electricity. It controls where power goes in your house.

Look for these signs:

• Rust or water marks – Water near electricity is hazardous.
• Burn marks or a strange smell – This could indicate that something is overheating.
• Loose switches or fuses – These can spark and cause fires.

If you notice anything unusual, contact a licensed electrician immediately. Don’t try fixing it yourself. It’s too risky.

2. Look at your sockets and switches

Do you have a PowerPoint that feels warm when you touch it? Or a switch that makes a buzzing sound? That’s not normal.

Here’s what to check:

• Gently touch your switches and power points. If they feel warm, loose, or make noise, they need attention.
• Check for burn marks or any smell like burning plastic.

These are signs of wiring problems inside the walls. Have them checked before they become bigger issues.

3. Inspect wires and cords

We all use a lot of extension cords and chargers these days. But damaged cords can be dangerous.

What to do:

• Look at your appliance cords and power boards. Are there cuts, cracks, or frayed wires?
• Don’t run cords under carpets or rugs. Heat can build up and start a fire.
• Replace any damaged cords instead of taping them up.

Remember, if a cord looks bad, don’t use it.

4. Test your appliances (Test and Tag)

In New Zealand, electricians often “Test and Tag” appliances. It’s like a health check for things like heaters, kettles, or power tools.

Why it matters:

• Old appliances can have hidden faults.
• Testing makes sure they don’t leak electricity or overheat.

You can’t do this yourself. Ask a licensed electrician to test your appliances during their visit.

5. Test your smoke alarms regularly

Your smoke alarms are your first line of defence against fires.

What to do:

• Press the “test” button on your smoke alarm once a month to make sure it’s working.
• Replace batteries every year (even if they still work).
• Check that alarms are installed in the right spots—like near bedrooms and in hallways.
  

Remember: NZ laws require smoke alarms in all homes. Don’t skip this simple step. It could save lives.

6. Book a yearly safety check with a licensed electrician

Even if everything looks acceptable to you, it’s smart to have an electrician do a complete check-up once a year.

Why?

• They can spot hidden dangers in places you can’t see.
• They make sure your home meets NZ safety rules.
• It gives you peace of mind knowing your family is safe.

Think of it like a regular doctor’s visit. But for your home.

Keep Your Home Safe with Expert Help

Looking after your home’s electricity isn’t just about saving money. It’s about keeping your family safe and your home running smoothly. Even minor problems, such as flickering lights or buzzing power points, can lead to bigger risks if left unaddressed. And while you can do a few checks, most electrical work needs a licensed professional. That’s the law in New Zealand. This is where we come in.

At Oncore, our trusted electricians can:

• Do complete safety checks on your home’s wiring and switchboard
• Fix faults before they turn into expensive repairs
• Make sure your home meets NZ’s electrical safety standards
• Help with upgrades if your system can’t handle modern appliances

We make it easy for you. No stress, no guesswork.

Don’t wait for a minor issue to become a big problem. Whether it’s a quick repair or a complete home inspection, Oncore’s team is here to help.

Book your free consultation today and keep your home safe, efficient, and worry-free.