10 Common Electrical Issues in Older Wellington Homes (and How to Fix Them)

Owning an older home in Wellington has its charm – character features, unique layouts, and a sense of history. But with that charm often comes electrical systems that are outdated, overloaded, or even unsafe. At Cableworks Electrical, we see these problems every week in homes across Wellington and the Kāpiti Coast. Here are 10 of the most common electrical issues in older properties, and what you can do to fix them. 

1. Flickering Lights 

Often caused by loose wiring, old fittings, or overloaded circuits. If your lights dim when you turn on an appliance, it’s time to have your wiring inspected. 

Fix: Have a licensed electrician test the circuit. It could be as simple as replacing old fittings, or as complex as rewiring a section of the house. 

2. Outdated Switchboards 

Many older Wellington homes still run on fuses rather than modern circuit breakers. These boards were never designed for today’s appliance-heavy households. 

Fix: Upgrade to a modern switchboard with safety switches (RCDs). Even better, consider a smart switchboard like the Basis Smart Panel for full visibility and control. 

3. Power Points in the Wrong Places 

Back in the day, one or two outlets per room was standard. Today, with chargers, TVs, and appliances, that’s not enough. 

Fix: Add more outlets where you need them. This is safer than relying on multiple power boards and extension cords.

4. Lack of Earthing 

Some older wiring systems don’t include proper earthing, which can be dangerous if a fault occurs. 

Fix: Have your wiring tested. If earthing is missing, rewiring may be required to bring your home up to standard. 

5. Aluminum Wiring 

In the 1970s, some homes were wired with aluminium instead of copper. Over time, aluminium expands and contracts, which can cause loose connections and overheating. 

Fix: Connections can sometimes be treated, but long term, replacing aluminium wiring with copper is the safest solution. 

6. Old Light Fittings 

Vintage fittings may look nice, but the wiring inside can deteriorate, creating a fire risk. 

Fix: Have fittings checked, re-wired, or replaced. A modern fitting can still match your home’s style while keeping it safe. 

7. Overloaded Circuits 

Plugging too many appliances into one circuit can cause breakers to trip or, worse, overheating in the wiring. 

Fix: An electrician can split loads across multiple circuits or upgrade your system to handle modern demand. 

8. DIY Wiring 

It’s not uncommon for us to find past DIY jobs in older homes – sometimes decades old. These are rarely safe or compliant. 

Fix: Always have wiring checked and replaced by a qualified electrician. DIY wiring should never be trusted. 

9. Lack of Smoke Alarms 

Older homes often don’t meet today’s safety requirements for smoke alarms. 

Fix: Install photoelectric smoke alarms in every bedroom, living space, and hallway. Hardwired alarms are the safest option. 

10. No Residual Current Devices (RCDs) 

RCDs cut power instantly in the event of a fault, protecting you from electric shock. Many older switchboards don’t have them.

Fix: Have your switchboard upgraded to include RCD protection. It’s one of the simplest ways to make your home safer. 

Final Thoughts 

Older Wellington homes deserve modern safety standards. If you’ve noticed any of these issues in your property, it’s worth getting them checked before they become a serious hazard. 

At Cableworks Electrical, we specialise in upgrading, rewiring, and future-proofing older homes while keeping their character intact. Whether it’s a quick safety inspection or a full switchboard upgrade, our team is here to help. 

Get in touch today on (04) 471 1411 to book a home safety check and keep your family protected.