Old Wiring: The Hidden Danger in Sydney’s Older Homes

Sydney’s North Shore is home to some of the city’s most beautiful older properties — Federation homes in Killara, post-war bungalows in Turramurra, brick veneer homes in Hornsby. These houses have character in abundance, but they also carry a risk that many owners overlook: aging electrical wiring.

How Old Is Too Old?

Electrical wiring doesn’t have a fixed lifespan, but certain generations of wiring are known to deteriorate in ways that create genuine safety risks. Homes built before the 1980s may have any of the following:

• Rubber-insulated wiring — used widely until the 1970s. Rubber insulation becomes brittle and can crack and crumble over time, exposing bare conductors.
• Aluminium wiring — used in some homes during a period in the 1960s–70s as a cheaper alternative to copper. Aluminium connections loosen over time due to thermal expansion, creating hot spots and fire risks at termination points.
• Cloth-insulated or lead-sheathed cable — found in very old properties, this wiring has almost certainly exceeded its serviceable life.

Warning Signs of Failing Wiring

Watch for flickering lights (especially when appliances cycle on), circuit breakers that trip frequently without an obvious cause, outlets or switches that feel warm to the touch, a burning or fishy smell near powerpoints or the switchboard, or visible cracking or discolouration of cable insulation in the roof or subfloor.

What Can Be Done?

In many cases, partial rewiring of the most affected circuits — combined with a switchboard upgrade to add modern RCD protection — addresses the most critical risks without a full house rewire. A licensed electrician can inspect accessible wiring (roof space, subfloor, meter board) and provide a prioritised report on what needs attention.

A full rewire, while more disruptive, is sometimes the most practical option for homes with widespread deterioration. Your electrician can advise on what’s involved and help you plan the work in stages if budget is a consideration.

Don’t Ignore It

Electrical fires are one of the leading causes of house fires in Australia, and many are attributable to aging wiring. The good news is that a proper inspection gives you a clear picture of where you stand — and most issues can be fixed.

Leenderts Electrical specialises in inspecting and upgrading older electrical systems across Sydney’s North Shore. Call 0407 743 963 to book an assessment.