Most electrical problems hide where you can't see them.
In Melbourne's older homes — built before the 1990s — the electrical installation often hasn't kept pace with modern safety standards. A building inspector can find structural and waterproofing issues, but electrical faults are a specialist area.
Ceramic fuse boards with no safety switches
Very common in pre-1990s homes. Without RCD protection, a fault can be fatal — and these boards can't simply be upgraded, they need to be replaced.
Old rubber-insulated wiring (VIR & cotton-wrapped cable)
Insulation that deteriorates with age, becoming brittle and cracked. A fire and electrocution risk invisible to the naked eye without opening the switchboard.
Single-wire earth systems
Some older homes have no earth at all. Without a proper earth, there's no protection if a fault occurs on appliances or fixed wiring.
Unlicensed or DIY wiring
Ad-hoc work done over the years — unprotected joins in roof spaces, reversed switches, non-compliant wet area installations. Often found when renovations have been carried out without permits.
