Electrical systems don’t always fail dramatically. In many cases, they degrade slowly and silently until a serious fault, fire, or injury occurs. In this article, we’ll explain why time does not equal safety when it comes to electricity, the risks hiding behind long-term electrical issues, and how a licensed electrician can protect your home properly.
Why Electrical Problems Don’t Always Get Worse Straight Away
Unlike plumbing leaks or structural damage, electrical issues often:
Develop gradually
Remain hidden behind walls or ceilings
Only show subtle warning signs
Appear to “work fine” for long periods
This is exactly why long-term electrical faults are so dangerous — they create a false sense of security.
Common “It’s Been Like That for Years” Scenarios
1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Lights that flicker when appliances turn on are often dismissed as normal. In reality, they can indicate:
Overloaded circuits
Voltage drop issues
Loose or deteriorating connections
Loose connections generate heat over time, significantly increasing fire risk.
2. Circuit Breakers That Trip Occasionally
If a circuit breaker trips regularly — even if it resets easily — it’s doing its job. Frequent tripping suggests:
Circuit overloading
Faulty appliances
Incorrect breaker sizing
Wiring issues
Ignoring this can lead to overheating and insulation failure.
3. Warm Power Points or Switches
Power points should never feel warm. Heat is a clear warning sign of:
Loose terminals
Overloaded circuits
Aging components
Many electrical fires start behind power points long before visible damage occurs.
4. Old Wiring That “Still Works”
Older wiring may still supply power, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe or compliant. In Ipswich homes, we sometimes find:
Cloth or rubber insulated wiring
Deteriorated insulation
Wiring damaged by pests or moisture
Electrical wiring can degrade internally while appearing fine externally.
5. Missing or Faulty Safety Switches
Some homeowners assume that because nothing has gone wrong yet, safety switches aren’t necessary. In Queensland, safety switches are now a critical part of electrical safety and are required in many circumstances.
A missing or faulty safety switch dramatically increases the risk of electric shock.
Why Time Makes Electrical Problems More Dangerous
Electrical faults rarely improve on their own. Over time:
Connections loosen further
Heat damage increases
Insulation breaks down
Fire risk rises
Failure becomes more severe
The longer an issue is left unaddressed, the more dangerous — and expensive — it often becomes.
Electrical Safety Laws in Queensland
In Queensland, electrical safety is governed by the:
Electrical Safety Act 2002
Electrical Safety Regulation 2013
AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules)
These laws require electrical installations to be safe and properly maintained. Allowing known electrical issues to persist may also affect:
Home insurance claims
Legal liability
Property compliance during sale
All electrical work must be carried out by a licensed Queensland electrician. DIY electrical work is illegal and unsafe.
Why Insurance Companies Don’t Accept “It’s Always Been Like That”
Following electrical fires or incidents, insurers often investigate:
Known electrical issues
Maintenance history
Compliance with current standards
If a long-standing issue was ignored, insurers may classify the damage as preventable, which can affect payouts or void claims altogether.
What Homeowners Should Never Do
If you’ve noticed an ongoing electrical issue, you should never:
Ignore it because it hasn’t caused problems yet
Assume age equals safety
Attempt DIY electrical fixes
Reset breakers repeatedly without investigation
These actions can turn minor faults into major hazards.
How a Licensed Electrician Investigates Long-Standing Issues
A professional electrical inspection may include:
Switchboard assessment
Circuit load testing
Inspection of wiring and connections
Safety switch testing
Identification of compliance issues
The goal isn’t to scare homeowners — it’s to identify risks early, when they’re easier and safer to fix.
Why Ipswich Homeowners Trust Uncommon Electricians
At Uncommon Electricians, we take a preventative approach to electrical safety. Homeowners trust us because we:
Are fully licensed and insured in Queensland
Explain issues clearly and honestly
Prioritise safety over shortcuts
Provide long-term, compliant solutions
We believe peace of mind starts with understanding — not assumptions.
Don’t Wait for an Electrical Emergency
If something in your home has “been like that for years”, now is the time to have it checked.
We’ll help ensure your home is safe, compliant, and protected — the uncommon way.
Give us a call at 07 3074 9486 or book a service on our website.
