Old wiring is a risk for electrical fires and can pose a threat to your safety
Australia’s aging homes
Today’s homes are filled with electrical gadgets and appliances that demand more power than ever before. Modern appliances such as air conditioners, home entertainment systems, kitchen gadgets, and electric vehicle charging place a significant demand on electrical systems.
Electrical systems installed in the past may not be able to handle today's electrical loads. With the average age of Australian homes increasing, the risk associated with outdated electrical systems also rises. According to the NSW Government, homes built before 1980s are particularly vulnerable.
Wiring can wear down and become more unsafe over time. This makes it more likely to be a hidden fire risk. You should organise an inspection, and potentially replace, electrical systems to make your home safer.
Signs you may have old wiring
Even if you don't experience any obvious issues, old wiring can still be a risk. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Burnt and discoloured switches: Burnt or discoloured switches could indicate overheating or electrical arcing. Discolouration around your switches or outlets serves as a visible warning sign that you shouldn't ignore.
- Frequent blown fuses: Regularly blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers can signal overloaded circuits. This often means your electrical system is struggling to keep up with the demand.
- Presence of rodents: Rodents, such as rats and mice, can chew through wiring.
- Safety switches tripping without reason: this can indicate underlying electrical issues. Safety switches are designed to protect you from electrical shocks. Frequent tripping can be caused by overloading circuits, faulty appliances or aging wiring that can’t handle the current electric load. It's a sign of potential problems.
- Flickering and dimming lights: can be a sign of unstable electrical connections or overloaded circuits. If your lights flicker or dim when you use certain appliances, it's a sign that your electrical system may need attention.
Does home insurance cover electrical fires?
Most standard home insurance policies cover damage caused by electrical fires. This covers the cost to fix or rebuild your home and replace personal items damaged or destroyed by the fire. However, coverage can vary depending on the specifics of your policy.
It's important to review your policy documents or contact us. Our team can explain what is covered by your home insurance policy and any exclusions or limits that apply.
What home insurance typically covers
Buildings coverage: This covers the physical structures that make up your home, if they’re damaged in an electrical fire. This includes the house itself, garage, sheds, swimming pools, decks and built-in appliances. This cover is available under a Buildings, or Buildings and Contents policy.
General Contents coverage: This cover is available under a Contents, or Buildings and Contents policy. It covers things you own, or are legally responsible for, if they’re damaged or destroyed in an electrical fire. This includes furniture, white goods, and electrical appliances. However, there are policy limits on some contents items, so always check the PDS for full policy details.
Alternative accommodation: An electrical fire can damage your home so badly that you can't live there. This coverage, included in Buildings or Content policies, means we'll pay for you and your pets to stay somewhere for the time necessary. This can be up to a maximum of 12 months. More details can be found in your PDS.
Liability coverage: If an old wiring issue in your home leads to an electrical fire causing property damage or injury, and you’re found liable, your Buildings cover can help pay for the associated legal liabilities and compensation.
The importance of managing the risk
Get your wires checked regularly
Hire a qualified electrician
It's important to have your wiring checked by a qualified electrician and avoid DIY electrical projects. Such work can be very dangerous, so a certified professional should perform it. They’ll assess the condition of your electrical systems, identify potential hazards, and recommend necessary upgrades or repairs.
- Schedule an inspection: Contact a qualified electrician to perform a thorough inspection of your home's electrical system.
- Review the report: Carefully review the electrician's report and recommendations. If they advise replacing or upgrading your wiring, take their advice seriously.
- Plan for upgrades: Plan for necessary upgrades if your wiring needs to be upgraded. This may involve rewiring parts of your home or replacing outdated circuit breakers.
- Maintain regular inspections: Make regular electrical inspections a part of your home maintenance routine. This will help catch potential issues early and ensure your home remains safe.
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Disclaimer
This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 ("Allianz"). In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.
Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.
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