5 Signs Your Perth Home Needs Rewiring (And Why It Can't Wait)
Updated: Oct 7
A lot of Perth's housing stock was built between the 1960s and 1980s, and many homes still have some or all of their original wiring. That wiring was fine for the appliances of its era, but it’s a different story now. Most households are running air conditioners, EV chargers, home theatres, and a dozen devices on charge at once.
The tricky part is that old wiring rarely announces itself with one dramatic failure. Instead, it shows up as a handful of small, easy-to-dismiss quirks. I have put together this list of five signs your Perth home needs rewiring so you know what to look out for.
1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
If your lights flicker when the air conditioner kicks in or dim every time a larger appliance switches on, your circuits are likely struggling to handle the load. Occasionally, this could be due to a loose globe or a faulty switch. However, if it's happening across multiple rooms, it usually points to wiring or switchboard capacity that hasn't kept pace with how the home is actually used.
2. Warm Power Points or Light Switches
Power points and switches should feel neutral to the touch. Warmth, or worse, a slightly scorched smell around an outlet, is a sign of resistance building up in the wiring behind it. This often happens due to old, brittle insulation or a loose connection. This issue shouldn't wait for a scheduled check-up; it's worth getting looked at promptly.
3. Circuit Breakers That Trip Often
Breakers are supposed to trip occasionally. That’s them doing their job during a genuine overload. But if the same breaker trips regularly, especially without an obvious cause, it indicates that the circuit is being asked to carry more than it's rated for. Repeated tripping is one of the clearest early-warning signs of wiring that needs attention.
4. Reliance on Extension Cords and Power Boards
If double-adapters and extension leads have become a permanent fixture instead of an occasional convenience, it’s usually because there aren't enough power points where you actually need them. This is a common issue in older homes that were never designed for today's number of devices. It's a workaround, not a fix, and it adds its own fire risk on top of the underlying wiring issue.
5. Buzzing, Crackling, or Burning Smells
Any sound coming from a switchboard, outlet, or light fitting, or any burning smell with no obvious source, is a signal to stop what you’re doing. This is the one sign on this list that always warrants an urgent call to a licensed electrician rather than a "keep an eye on it" approach.
Why This Matters More in Older Perth Homes
Homes built before the 1990s often used wiring types, like VIR or early PVC-insulated cable, that were never designed for a 40+ year service life. Combine that with switchboards that predate safety switches and RCDs, and you’ve got a setup that’s not just inconvenient — it’s a genuine safety and insurance risk. Rewiring isn’t just about convenience; it’s what brings an older property up to current safety standards.
What a Rewire Actually Involves
A full rewire doesn’t necessarily mean ripping open every wall. Depending on the property, our team can often run new cabling through existing roof and wall cavities with minimal disruption. A partial rewire, prioritising the switchboard and highest-risk circuits first, is a realistic option if a full rewire isn't in the budget right now. We’ll always walk you through what’s actually needed for your property before recommending anything.
Get a Second Opinion When It Comes to Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring
If any of the above sounds familiar, it’s worth getting a qualified electrician out to take a look before it becomes a bigger (and more expensive) problem. Switched On WA offers electrical safety assessments across Perth, and we’ll give you a straightforward, no-pressure rundown of what your home actually needs.
Request a Quote or call us on 0491 604 384 to book an assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If My Home Has Old or Unsafe Wiring?
The clearest signs are flickering lights, warm switches or power points, breakers that trip often, and any buzzing or burning smell. If your home was built before the 1990s and hasn't had an electrical upgrade since, it’s worth having it checked even if nothing seems obviously wrong.
How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House in Perth?
Cost depends on the size of the property, wall/ceiling access, and whether it’s a full or partial rewire. The only way to get an accurate figure is through a site assessment. We’re happy to provide a clear, itemised quote before any work begins.
Can I Stay in My Home While It’s Being Rewired?
In many cases, yes — particularly for partial rewires or homes with good roof access. We’ll talk you through the likely disruption for your specific property upfront so there are no surprises.
Contact us via:
Email: info@switchedonwa.com.au
Phone: 0491 604 384
Website: switchedonwa.com.au
We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you in making informed decisions that help create a safer, more efficient environment.
This is general safety information. If you’re noticing any of the warning signs above, get a licensed electrician to assess your property rather than relying on this guide alone.
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