Most Brisbane homes built before the early 2000s weren’t designed for the electrical demands we have now.
Back then, there were no:
✔ big air conditioners
✔ induction cooktops
✔ home offices
✔ multiple TVs
✔ dishwashers
✔ high-wattage appliances
✔ EV chargers
✔ solar systems

Today, the average home uses 3× more power, but many houses still have wiring from the 70s, 80s, or 90s.

Old wiring doesn’t just limit performance; it becomes a major fire and safety hazard.

Here’s how to know if your home’s wiring is too old for modern appliances.

1. Your Home Was Built Before 1995

If your home predates the mid-90s, there’s a high chance it still contains:

• VIR (rubber) wiring

• Cloth-insulated wiring

• Early PVC that becomes brittle

• Aluminium wiring

• Non-earthed circuits

These wiring types deteriorate over time, especially in Brisbane’s heat and humidity.

If your home is 30+ years old, you should assume your wiring needs inspection.

2. Lights Flicker or Dim When Appliances Turn On

When you turn on a:
✔ kettle
✔ heater
✔ aircon
✔ microwave

…and the lights flicker, it means the circuits are struggling.

This usually happens when:

• old wiring can’t carry modern loads

• connections are loose

• cables are overheating

It’s one of the clearest signs wiring is outdated.

3. Warm Power Points or Switches

If outlets or switches feel warm, buzz, or vibrate, it means:

• connections are loose

• wiring is overheating

• the circuit is overloaded

Heat is the first stage before burning, and wiring damage behind the wall.

4. You Still Have Ceramic Fuses or an Old Switchboard

Ceramic fuses = outdated wiring 100% of the time.

Your switchboard tells the story:
If it’s old, your wiring is old.
If it has fuses, your wiring is unsafe.
If there are no RCDs, your wiring is non-compliant.

Modern wiring requires modern protection. If you lack one, you likely lack both.

5. Burning Smells, “Hot” Odors or Discolouration

A burning smell coming from:

• outlets

• walls

• switchboard

• ceilings

…means wiring insulation is breaking down.

Discoloured outlets or scorch marks are also strong indicators.

This is considered a high-risk fire hazard.

6. Frequent Tripping or “Overload” Issues

If your safety switch trips regularly, the wiring may be:

✔ too small for the load
✔ damaged
✔ overheating
✔ compromised internally

Old wiring was never designed for:

• multiple ACs

• dryers

• double-storey setups

• large fridges

• gaming setups

• home theatre systems

Your wiring simply can’t keep up.

7. You See Old Cable Types in the Roof or Under the House

Look for:

• brittle black insulation

• flaky rubber sheathing

• cloth wrapping

• twisted aluminium conductors

These cable types are now considered unsafe and require replacement.

(If you’re unsure- DO NOT touch wiring. Just visually check.)

8. Shocks or Tingling When Touching Appliances

If you feel any shock, tingle, zap, or metallic vibration when touching:

• taps

• appliances

• metal surfaces

It’s a sign of:

• broken earth connections

• deteriorated wiring

• live leakage

This is extremely dangerous and must be inspected immediately.

9. You Rely on Extension Leads Everywhere

If you’re using:

• power boards

• double adapters

• long extension cords

• multi-plug extensions

It’s because your home wasn’t wired for modern power needs.

This creates heat and overload; especially during Brisbane summers.

10. Your Appliances Struggle to Run at the Same Time

Old wiring cannot handle simultaneous loads.

If using two appliances causes:
✔ lights dimming
✔ breakers tripping
✔ flickering
✔ buzzing noises

It’s wiring related, not appliance related.

When Should You Consider a Full or Partial Rewire?

A rewire is recommended when:
✔ wiring is 30+ years old
✔ your switchboard is outdated
✔ you’re adding big loads (AC, kitchen, EV charger)
✔ your home has rubber/cloth/aluminium wiring
✔ there are frequent trips or smells
✔ you’re renovating or extending
✔ you’re selling or buying a home

A rewire dramatically increases safety and property value.

Old Wiring Is a Hidden Danger, Until It Fails

Brisbane homes are often pushed to their electrical limits.
Old wiring can lead to:

• electrical fires

• shocks

• appliance damage

• failed insurance claims

• expensive emergency repairs

 An inspection today can prevent thousands in damage later.

👉 Need a wiring inspection or upgrade in Brisbane?
Call Exclusive Electrical & Air for fast, safe, licensed service.

Your home’s safety starts now.