20 Electrical Hazards You Should Know

Electrical hazards hide behind every wall and beneath every appliance. Unfortunately, these often go unnoticed until it’s too late. When did you last check or update your power points, fittings, wiring, electronics, and switchboards?

Electrical risks are fairly common in ageing infrastructure, especially if it powers modern, large equipment with outdated, frayed wiring setups. In fact, electrical faults cause 40% of house fires in NSW each year. Even if you own or rent a modern unit, you should exercise caution in any tell-tale signs of electrical threats.

Understanding these electrical perils is the first actionable step to prevention. In this guide, we’ll cover the common electrical hazards commonly found in Sydney homes and establishments so you can sidestep any potential harm to your loved ones, properties, and neighbourhood.

The Top 20 Electrical Hazards Found in Homes and Businesses

Electrical hazards are a major cause of fires, injuries, and property loss throughout Australia. Knowing and reducing these risks, from overloaded power boards to exposed wiring, is necessary to ensure electrical safety. 

What follows is a list of the most common household electrical risks, with practical advice and straightforward guidance for prevention.

1. Overloaded Power Board 

Overloaded power boards are one of the leading causes of electrical fires, especially when multiple high-wattage appliances are in use at the same time. If left unresolved, it results in overheating, circuit breaker malfunctions, and bare wiring.

What to do: Just keep a single heavy-duty appliance on each board and choose boards equipped with surge protection and built-in overload cut-offs.

2. Frayed Extension Cords 

When extension cords get damaged, it exposes the internal wiring, which may cause severe electrical hazards. This is one of the top causes of home fires and electric shock hazard accidents.

What to do: Replace broken cords immediately—don’t try to fix them! — and do not run them through high-traffic or hidden zones.

3. Outdated Switchboards 

Old switchboards don’t have modern safety switches (e.g., residual current devices), which exposes them to circuit overloads and fire hazards. They are also susceptible to power surge dangers and cannot handle contemporary electrical loads.

What to do: Call a professional electrician to check and evaluate your old system, and consider upgrading to one that meets safety standards.

4. Faulty Light Switches 

If a light switch buzzes and becomes warm to the touch, there may be an internal fault, which could lead to a fire or electric shock. Flickering lights often accompany these issues and should be addressed quickly to prevent them from escalating into mishaps.

What to do: Have a qualified electrician replace it—don’t attempt to fix it yourself.

5. Loose Power Sockets 

Loose sockets can cause plugs to arc, generate heat, and expose wiring behind the wall. These effects, in turn, may cause electrical fires and child safety concerns.

What to do: Stop using loose sockets and have them repaired or replaced immediately.

6. DIY Electrical Work

Faulty wiring, lack of grounding, and improper load handling are DIY electrical dangers that can lead to accidents and shock hazards. These are generally prohibited and may void your insurance coverage.

What to do: It’s a good practice to hire a trained electrician for electrical fixes, installations, or upgrades.

7. Power Points Near Water Sources 

Outlets installed near water areas create a deadly electric shock hazard. Kitchens, bathrooms, and backyards are particularly high-risk areas requiring absolute safety compliance.

What to do: Ensure you have GFCI-protected power points installed and never touch electrical appliances with wet hands or in water.

8. Lack of Safety Switches (RCDs)

Without RCDs, you have no protection against leakage currents that may result in a fatal electric shock. It’s a critical electrical step to prevent fire in both new and old homes.

What to do: Always retrofit all circuits with RCDs and check them quarterly using the neatly fitted test button.

9. Flickering Lights

Flickering lights indicate overloaded power boards, loose terminals, or other circuit faults—symptoms of potential fires.

What to do: Monitor when and where they flicker and arrange for an inspection to fix the underlying faults.

10. Buzzing Noises from Outlets 

Buzzing outlets are an early indicator of possible electrical fires. This results from arcing that sparks due to loose wires or backstabbed terminals. 

What to do: Switch off all the appliances and call a qualified electrician to check and fix the outlet as soon as possible.

11. Excessive Use of Adaptors 

Stacking adaptors can cause overloaded circuits, potential circuit breaker faults, and overheating. If overlooked for some time, it makes emergency shutdowns more difficult.

What to do: Use only one adapter per socket and replace it with a good-quality power board when needed.

12. Cords Under Carpets or Rugs

Placing cords behind carpets can result in overheating, wear and tear, and hidden frayed extension cords. As commonly practised, it’s also one of the most underreported fire risks.

What to do: Have cords visible on a baseboard along walls or exchange temporary installations for fixed outlets.

13. Appliances Left Plugged In 

Appliances left plugged in can still consume power, often called the “phantom power.” This not only consumes power but also poses a risk of fire at homes or in establishments.

What to do: Unplug appliances when not in use and refrain from charging your phones, laptops, and other gadgets overnight.

14. Exposed Wiring in Walls or Ceilings

Rodent chewing or sloppy renovations cause exposed wiring in walls, potentially causing electrical hazards.

What to do: Shut off the power when you notice an exposed wire and call a professional electrician to inspect it right away.

15. Outdated Electrical Wiring

Older homes and infrastructures with knob-and-tube or aluminium wiring are vulnerable to faulty wiring hazards and cannot handle the current electrical capacity.

What to do: Plan for a full rewiring job, most especially in homes constructed in the 1980s.

16. Rodent-Damaged Wires

Rodents gnaw through insulation, exposing wiring behind them. So, it’s critical to set up electric shock hazard areas in places like the attics, basements, or crawl spaces.

What to do: Combine pest control with routine electrical servicing to detect and repair any damage.

17. Electric Shocks When Touching Appliances

A sudden, tingling sensation from a piece of appliance when touched means a current leak or grounding failure. This could inflict an instant electric shock hazard if unnoticed.

What to do: Do not use the appliance, unplug it, and arrange for a professional to inspect it.

18. Inadequate Outdoor Weatherproofing

Outdoor electrical outlets and fixtures without adequate sealing let water in. As moisture seeps onto the hot wires, it can lead to shorts and an increased electrocution risk.

What to do: Install IP-rated, weatherproof devices and covers, and check them annually for any cracks or corrosion.

19. Lack of Smoke Alarms

A smoke alarm malfunction or a missing unit could delay fire detection, causing loss of life and property. Many electrical fire faults can burn for hours, sometimes only noticeable by the faintest smoke from short-circuited or overheated equipment.

What to do: Install interconnected or dual-sensor alarms in all rooms of your house, and perform monthly inspections to ensure optimal operating conditions.

20. Poor Ventilation for Electrical Appliances

Blocked ventilation can trap dust, leading to appliance overheating. Frequent overheating can cause damage to internal wiring and pose potential power surge dangers.

What to do: Provide ample and free airflow spaces around appliances such as refrigerators and entertainment centres, and refrain from piling electronics on top of each other.

Why It’s Important to Address Electrical Hazards Promptly

No one knows when electrical accidents could strike; it may even start from the subtle hum of your toaster, dusty dryer, or flickering downlights, not to mention the electrical storm that could short-circuit and fry your expensive equipment’s components or trip your circuit breaker.

Even if these are uncommon, they are subtle signs you should carefully spot to avoid. Let’s highlight a few risks why it’s crucial to address these electrical hazards promptly:

• Fire: Faulty wiring and appliances have led to over 1,800 house fires annually across NSW. If your property is near grassland or forested zones, it can spread and trigger a bushfire. 
• Electrocution: Unchecked hazards can result in severe risks like electrocution. It is even the second leading cause of fatalities in the construction workplace in NSW.
• Property Damage: A sudden, split-second short circuit can burn expensive appliances or gadgets’ circuitry and structural components. This can render them irreparable, turning your valuable electronics into costly losses.
• Insurance Implications: Australian regulations require that your electrical system is safe and up to code. Neglecting preventable faults could void your coverage.

How Local Electricians Sydney Can Help

Neglecting electrical hazards could hurt someone. Ensuring an electrically hazard-proof, safe home or workplace requires a licensed electrician. At Local Electrician Sydney, we’re big on safety, as we understand that any electrical risks could be fatal.

We specialise in thorough safety inspections and full-scale rewiring projects, ensuring your property remains safe and compliant with NSW regulations. Our experienced electricians provide switchboard upgrades to retrofit your electrical systems with modern, hazard-proof units. 

Even during unforeseen issues, our 24/7 emergency callouts can reach you wherever you’re in Greater Western Sydney and Central Sydney. Call us at 02 9119 1344 and get a FREE electrical inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common cause of electrical fires in homes?

The NSW Safety Regulation identifies electrical faults and malfunctioning appliances as the common cause of house fires. While spotting these is tough, having safety switches installed and wiring checked by licensed electricians could help avoid electrical fires. 

Are old homes more likely to have electrical issues?

Yes. Older homes are likely to have outdated switchboards and electrical wiring that cannot support heavy-duty, modern appliances. As such, older units are prone to overloaded circuits and electrical faults, shock, or fire, in the worst cases.

How often should I get an electrical safety inspection?

If you have observed the frequent hazards mentioned, it’s best to seek an electrical inspection promptly. Immediate inspection is also crucial if you have just moved into a new property or plan major renovations. For most homes, it’s wise to schedule it every 3-5 years, potentially more frequently for older units.

Is it safe to do minor electrical work myself?

No. Electrical work is risky even for minor tasks, so only licensed electricians can safely handle all your electrical issues. Besides its danger, DIY electrical work is illegal and non-compliant with safety codes.

What should I do if I suspect a hidden wiring issue?

If you notice burning smells, warm outlets, or flickering lights, it’s best to switch off the power on that circuit. Contact qualified electricians, as they have the tools and expertise to spot and fix any hidden problems.