Common Electrical Problems in Melbourne Homes (And How to Fix Them)

Unfortunately, electrical problems are an all too common issue for residential and commercial properties across Melbourne. While these can range from inconvenient to hazardous, it’s important to be aware of what they are, why they occur, and how to respond.

Throughout this article, we’ll cover 10 of the most common electrical problems in Melbourne, then detail the steps you can take to stay safe and get them resolved. Let’s get started.

Power Outages

Few things are more frustrating than an unexpected power outage, particularly when you’re in the middle of something important. While these outages are often caused when storms or damaging winds lash our city, internal electrical faults could also be to blame. 

Unless you’ve witnessed a cause and effect in action that has led to the outage, here’s one quick way to assess the underlying cause–if your neighbours still have power while yours is out, the issue is likely within your home’s electrical system. Some common causes here are likely to include faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or a tripped safety switch. Another factor is that older switchboards may struggle to handle the electrical load of modern households.

How to fix it: Start by checking your switchboard to see if any circuit breakers have tripped. If so, reset them and monitor the situation. However, in the vast majority of cases, it’s best to call a qualified electrician to inspect your wiring and identify the underlying cause. 

Overloaded Circuits

From chargers to smart home technology, most modern households use more electronic devices than ever before, and this places an excessive strain on your electrical circuits. Overloaded circuits tend to occur when too many appliances are plugged into the same circuit, which then leads to frequent power trips and potential fire hazards. 

Some of the warning signs to look out for include flickering lights, buzzing sounds from outlets, and warm power points. Older homes, particularly those built before the 1990s, may have outdated wiring that wasn’t designed to handle today’s energy demands.

How to fix it: Avoid overuse of double adapters and power boards. If you frequently experience overload issues, an electrician can install additional circuits or upgrade your switchboard to handle the increased demand. It’s also a good idea to spread out your power usage by not running multiple high-energy appliances simultaneously.

Outdated Smoke Alarms

In Victoria, landlords are legally required under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 to ensure that smoke alarms undergo annual testing. However, even homeowners should conduct regular checks, as faulty alarms may fail to detect smoke during an emergency. How to fix it: Test your smoke alarms every month by pressing the test button and replacing batteries annually. If your alarms are over 10 years old, upgrade to interconnected smoke detectors that comply with current safety standards. For rental properties, landlords must arrange professional testing annually to remain compliant. Hardwired smoke alarms are recommended for increased reliability, as they don’t rely on battery power alone.

Want to arrange a safety inspection for your smoke alarms? Reach out to YMT today! Whether you need a licensed electrician in Albert Park, Richmond, or Preston, we’re available across the city of Melbourne.

Faulty Outlets

Electrical outlets also wear out over time, especially in older homes. Signs of faulty outlets include loose-fitting plugs, scorch marks, sparking, or a burning smell. These issues indicate internal wiring problems that could pose a serious fire risk. As noted by Energy Safe Victoria, faulty electrical installations are one of the leading causes of house fires.

How to fix it: Stop using any damaged outlets immediately and contact a licensed electrician to inspect and replace them. Never attempt DIY electrical work. Incorrect repairs can lead to serious safety hazards. It’s also worth considering upgrading to modern power points with built-in USB ports for added convenience.

Flickering Lights and Lightbulb Burnouts

If your lights frequently flicker or burn out too quickly, it’s easy to assume it’s just a faulty bulb. However, persistent issues could be an indication of deeper electrical faults, such as loose wiring, an overloaded circuit, or voltage fluctuations. Another factor is Melbourne’s constant fluctuation in weather, which sometimes contributes to power supply instability.

How to fix it: Try switching to LED bulbs, which are longer-lasting and more energy-efficient. If the problem continues, consult an electrician to assess your wiring and verify that your home’s voltage is stable. They may recommend installing a voltage stabiliser to protect your electrical system from fluctuations.

Electric Shocks

Experiencing a mild electric shock when plugging in an appliance is alarming and should never be ignored. Even if the shock is minor, it can indicate faulty wiring, poor grounding, or a malfunctioning appliance. In severe cases, electric shocks can cause injury and indicate a serious underlying electrical issue.

How to fix it: Stop using the affected outlet or appliance immediately. Have a professional electrician inspect your wiring and ensure your home has proper earthing to prevent future incidents. Installing residual current devices (RCDs) can also provide extra protection against electric shocks.

Hefty Power Bills

According to figures from Canstar Blue, the average yearly spend for a Victorian home is somewhere within the range of $1000-1500, and this can be even higher for larger households. 

If your electricity bills have risen without an obvious reason or rationale, inefficient appliances or hidden electrical faults could be to blame. Devices left on standby, outdated wiring, and inefficient appliances are all common issues that translate to higher energy bills. 

How to fix it: Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, switch off devices when not in use, and consider installing a smart meter to monitor usage patterns. An electrician can also perform an energy audit to identify areas for improvement, such as sealing gaps in insulation or replacing outdated wiring. Finally, be sure to compare your current energy provider with the competition, as there may be more affordable options available!

Strange Noises

Notice buzzing or humming sounds from your electrical panel, outlets, or light fixtures? These noises could be the result of loose wiring or an overloaded circuit. Regardless of the root cause, it’s important to act as ignoring these noises leaves you vulnerable to overheating and electrical fires. 

How to fix it: Never ignore persistent buzzing noises, as they could be a sign of serious underlying electrical faults. Turn off power to the affected area and contact an electrician immediately. Loose connections should always be addressed by a professional to prevent potential hazards. 

Power Surges

Power surges occur when there’s a sudden spike in electrical voltage, which then has the potential to damage appliances and shorten their lifespan. A surge may be caused by lightning strikes, faulty wiring, or high-power appliances that are cycling on and off. 

How to fix it: Install surge protectors to safeguard your electronics, and consider having an electrician inspect your home’s wiring to verify that it can handle voltage fluctuations safely. Whole-house surge protectors offer the best protection against unexpected electrical spikes.

Warm Outlets or Switches

If your power points or light switches feel warm to the touch, this could indicate excessive electrical resistance, faulty wiring, or an overloaded circuit. This is generally a serious warning sign of potential fire hazards, as overheating can cause wiring insulation to degrade over time.

How to fix it: Stop using the affected outlet or switch and contact an electrician immediately. Never attempt to repair electrical wiring yourself, as improper fixes can lead to dangerous outcomes. An electrician can replace old wiring and install modern, heat-resistant outlets for added safety.

Contact YMT for Reliable Emergency Electrical Services in Melbourne

As you can see, there’s an endless list of electrical issues that could affect your property when you least suspect. The good news? We’re available 24/7 and take pride in offering the most reliable emergency electrical services in Melbourne. From power outages to switchboards, smoke alarms, power points, surge protection, and more, our licensed electricians can handle every issue in the book. 

We’re not your average sparkies–we’re an experienced team driven by a passion for quality and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Contact us now for assistance!

Our 4 Step Process

1. Your Call Is Our Command
As soon as you call us, you will be greeted by our friendly, professional team. We will listen carefully to your needs, concerns, or issues to develop a clear picture of the situation at hand.

2. Scheduling The Service
Depending on the urgency of your needs, we will schedule a convenient time for our certified electrician to visit your property. In case of emergencies, we’re also ready to offer immediate assistance.

3. Assessment and Execution
Our experienced electricians will assess your electrical system, identify the problem, and propose the best solution. Once you approve, our electricians will carry out the work in an efficient and safe manner, adhering to the highest Australian standards.

4. Job Completion and Follow-up

After completing the job, we’ll double-check to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Our electricians will also clean up and leave your property just as neat as we found it.