AMAC ELECTRICAL BLOG

electrical wires hanging out of wall

7 Signs Your Ipswich Home Needs an Electrical Upgrade

Is your home’s electrical system keeping up with your lifestyle? As experienced electrical contractors in Ipswich, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners ensure their systems are safe, compliant, and capable of meeting today’s power demands.

If you’re experiencing frequent electrical issues or your home is more than a few decades old, it might be time to consider an upgrade.

Here are seven key signs that your home could benefit from professional electrical work:

1. Frequent Tripping of Circuit Breakers

It’s normal for circuit breakers to trip occasionally, especially during storms or power surges. But if it’s happening regularly, particularly when using multiple appliances, it could indicate that your electrical system is overloaded.

This is often a sign that your switchboard isn’t keeping up with your home’s power usage. Older switchboards weren’t designed for modern loads like air conditioners, home offices, and high-powered kitchen appliances.

Solution: An upgraded switchboard with safety switches (RCDs) and circuit breakers ensures your system can handle today’s demands safely.

Old switchboard on fire

2. Flickering, Dimming, or Buzzing Lights

Lights that flicker or dim, especially when using appliances like kettles, microwaves, or hairdryers, are more than just a nuisance. They’re often early indicators of wiring issues or voltage fluctuations.

Buzzing sounds coming from light switches or outlets also point to potentially dangerous loose wiring or faulty components.

Solution: An inspection from our team at AMAC Electrical, your licensed electrical contractors in Ipswich, can uncover the root cause and determine whether rewiring or upgrading is necessary.

3. You Still Have a Fuse Box

Fuse boxes are outdated and no longer meet Australian safety standards. They lack the advanced protective features found in modern switchboards and can be extremely dangerous in the event of an electrical fault.

Many homes with fuse boxes also lack RCDs (residual current devices), which are life-saving devices that cut power immediately if an electrical fault is detected.

Solution: Upgrading to a modern switchboard with RCDs not only brings your home up to code, it dramatically improves safety for your family.

4. Overuse of Power Boards and Extension Cords

If your home doesn’t have enough power outlets, you might find yourself relying on extension cords or multi-plug boards just to power everyday devices. While this may seem convenient, it’s a clear sign your electrical system is inadequate for your current needs.

Overloading power points can cause overheating and increase the risk of fire.

Solution: An upgrade can include installing additional outlets and ensuring each circuit is properly balanced and protected and helps to prevent electrical fires.

Overloaded power board on fire

5. Your Home is 30+ Years Old

Older Ipswich homes often still run on original electrical wiring, which may have degraded over time or simply wasn’t designed for today’s power usage.

Materials such as cotton or rubber-insulated wiring become brittle, increasing the risk of shorts, shocks, or fires. Older homes may also be missing essential safety features like earth wiring.

Solution: A comprehensive electrical inspection can determine the state of your wiring and help you plan a safe, efficient upgrade. Check out the safety laws for electrical work in Brisbane here.

6. Powerpoints That Are Warm or Discoloured

Have you ever noticed that a powerpoint or switch is warm to the touch? Or perhaps you’ve seen brown or black marks around the outlet?

These are serious warning signs. Overheating powerpoints may be caused by faulty wiring, poor connections, or overloaded circuits, all of which can lead to electrical fires.

Solution: Have these outlets assessed immediately. Often, the issue can be fixed by rewiring a section or upgrading the circuit to handle the load.

7. You’re Renovating or Adding High-Powered Appliances

Thinking of installing a new oven, hot water system, or air conditioning unit? Any significant upgrade to your appliances will increase the electrical load on your system.

It’s essential to ensure your electrical infrastructure can handle the additional demand, both for performance and safety.

Before starting any renovation or new build, our licensed electricians will conduct a comprehensive inspection of your existing system. They will then recommend any necessary upgrades or new circuits to ensure your home can handle the additional demand.

renovation new home showing electrical wiring and pipework

Why Choose AMAC Electrical?

At AMAC Electrical, we’re proud to be one of the most trusted electrical contractors in Ipswich, offering friendly, reliable service and honest advice. With our extensive experience and expertise, we’re ready to handle any electrical job, from a switchboard upgrade to a full rewiring or safety inspection.

Our mission is to ensure the safety and efficiency of your electrical system. We believe in doing the job right the first time, no shortcuts, just safe and efficient electrical solutions that keep your home and family protected.

Book Your Electrical Safety Inspection Today

Don’t wait until there’s a problem. If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, it’s time to get a professional opinion. Contact AMAC Electrical today for an expert inspection and upgrade recommendations tailored to your home.

Call us at AMAC Electrical now or book online to ensure your home is running safely, smoothly, and up to modern electrical standards.

Ph: 0431 747 855