Electricity is something we rely on every single day, but how often do you think about the condition of your home’s wiring, sockets, and fuse board? If your electrics are outdated, they could be costing you money, reducing energy efficiency, and even posing a serious safety risk.
Not sure if your home needs an upgrade? Here are five signs that it’s time to call in a professional electrician.
1. Your Fuse Board is Old and Has Fuses Instead of Circuit Breakers
If your fuse board still has old-fashioned ceramic fuses, it’s time for an upgrade! Modern consumer units (also known as fuse boards) come with:
- ⚡ RCDs (Residual Current Devices) – These cut power instantly if they detect a fault, reducing fire and shock risks.
- ⚡ MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) – Instead of replacing fuses, these simply reset when tripped.
- ⚡ Surge protection – Protects your home from power surges that can damage appliances.
🔎 How to check: If your fuse board looks old, cluttered, or has exposed wiring, it’s worth getting a professional inspection.
2. Your Lights Flicker or Dim Unexpectedly
Lights should stay steady and bright, but if you notice flickering or dimming, it could be a sign of:
- 💡 Overloaded circuits – Too many appliances drawing power at once.
- 💡 Loose or faulty wiring – A potential fire hazard if left unchecked.
- 💡 Voltage fluctuations – Your home’s electrical system may need balancing.
⚠️ Warning: If you also notice a burning smell near sockets or light switches, turn off the power and call an electrician immediately!
3. You Have Limited Plug Sockets & Rely on Extension Leads
Older homes were built with fewer sockets because people didn’t use as many electrical devices as we do today. If you’re constantly using extension leads to power your devices, your home’s wiring might not be equipped to handle the load.
🔌 The risks of overloaded extension leads:
- ❌ Overheating, which can lead to electrical fires
- ❌ Power surges that can damage appliances
- ❌ Tripping hazards from messy cables running across the floor
💡 The solution: Consider having additional wall sockets installed to safely handle modern electrical demands.
4. Your Wiring is Over 30 Years Old
Electrical wiring doesn’t last forever. If your home is over 30 years old and has never had a full rewire, the wiring might be outdated and potentially unsafe.
🚨 Signs your wiring may be too old:
- ⚡ Brittle or frayed wires – A major fire risk.
- ⚡ Discoloured sockets or switches – Could indicate overheating behind the walls.
- ⚡ Frequent blown fuses or tripping breakers – Your system may be struggling to handle modern energy use.
🔎 How to check: If you’re unsure, a qualified electrician can inspect your wiring and let you know if an upgrade is needed.
5. Your Home is Missing Modern Safety Features
Technology has advanced, and so have electrical safety standards. If your home doesn’t have the following features, it might not be as safe as it could be:
- ✅ RCD protection – Prevents electric shocks by cutting off power instantly if a fault is detected.
- ✅ Smoke and heat alarms wired into the mains – Battery-powered alarms can fail, but hardwired ones are much more reliable.
- ✅ Smart home energy monitoring – Helps you track electricity usage and identify waste.
💡 The solution: Upgrading your electrics isn’t just about safety—it can also save you money on energy bills by improving efficiency.
Final Thoughts: When to Call an Electrician
If your home’s electrics are showing any of these signs, don’t ignore them! Electrical problems can escalate quickly, leading to safety hazards and costly repairs.
At LBA Electrical Services, we offer:
- ✅ Fuse board upgrades for modern safety compliance
- ✅ Rewiring services for older homes
- ✅ Additional socket installations to handle modern power demands
