How to Protect Your Home from Electrical Fires

Electrical fires are one of the leading causes of house fires in Australia — and many of them are preventable. With proper maintenance, modern safety devices, and the help of a licensed professional, you can significantly reduce the risk to your home and family. Here’s how to stay safe and what signs to watch out for.

1. Upgrade Old Wiring

Homes built decades ago weren’t designed to handle the power demands of modern life. Outdated wiring can overheat or become damaged, increasing fire risk. If your home still has ceramic fuses or hasn’t been rewired in 30+ years, it’s time for a full safety inspection. A same day electrician can assess your setup and recommend safe, compliant upgrades.

2. Don’t Overload Power Points

Plugging too many devices into one outlet — especially with cheap double adaptors — is a common fire hazard. Use power boards with overload protection and avoid daisy-chaining extension cords. If you find yourself short on outlets, get a licensed electrician to install more instead of relying on temporary fixes.

3. Install Safety Switches

Safety switches, also known as residual current devices (RCDs), shut off electricity in milliseconds if they detect a fault. Every circuit in your home should be protected by one. If you’re unsure, an after hours electrician can inspect your switchboard even outside regular business hours.

4. Know the Warning Signs

Keep an eye (and nose) out for:

• Burning smells near outlets

• Discoloured or warm power points

• Frequent circuit breaker trips

• Buzzing sounds from switches or lights

These are all signs something isn’t right — and should be checked by a 247 electrician immediately, day or night.

5. Don’t DIY Electrical Work

DIY repairs or hiring unlicensed trades can be dangerous and illegal. Always use a qualified professional for electrical jobs, big or small. It’s the safest way to protect your home and meet Australian electrical standards.

Stay Safe Year-Round

Preventing electrical fires starts with awareness and action. With the right upgrades and expert advice, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected.

For inspections, upgrades, and emergency support, trust Quik Electrical — your reliable same day, after hours, and 24/7 electrician.