How to Check for Faulty Wiring

Faulty wiring can be a silent danger lurking behind your walls. It’s not always easy to spot, but when electrical problems start cropping up – like flickering lights, buzzing sounds or warm powerpoints – it’s a sign something’s not quite right.

Left unchecked, bad wiring can lead to serious issues like electric shocks, house fires or damage to your appliances. The good news is there are a few simple checks you can do at home to spot the warning signs early.

Whether you’re dealing with an older property or just want to stay safe, knowing what to look for is key. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to check for faulty wiring step-by-step – and when it’s time to call in a licensed electrician. Let’s get started.

Common Signs of Faulty Wiring

Not sure if your home has faulty wiring? Here are some common warning signs to watch out for. If you notice any of these, it’s time to investigate further – or better yet, call in a licensed electrician:

• Flickering or dimming lights – Especially if it happens when using appliances, this can point to overloaded circuits or loose wiring.
• Buzzing sounds – Electricity should be silent. Buzzing from outlets or switches could mean wiring issues.
• Burning smells – A persistent burning odour, especially near powerpoints, may signal overheating wires.
• Scorched or discoloured outlets – Heat damage around switches or sockets is a red flag.
• Frequent tripping of circuit breakers – This usually means a circuit is drawing too much power or there’s a fault.
• Sparking when plugging in devices – Small sparks can be normal, but regular or large sparks are not.

Spotting these early can help prevent bigger (and more dangerous) problems later on.

Visual Inspections You Can Do Safely

You don’t need to be an electrician to spot potential wiring issues – there are a few visual checks you can do safely from around your home. Just remember: never touch exposed wires or open switchboards.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Discoloured or scorched outlets and switches – These may indicate overheating or arcing inside the wall.
• Loose-fitting powerpoints or switches – Movement can loosen wiring behind the wall, creating a fire hazard.
• Frayed or damaged cords – Extension leads and appliances with visible wire damage should be unplugged and replaced.
• Unusual smells – A burnt plastic smell near switches or outlets can be a warning sign.
• Old or brittle wires (if visible) – In roof spaces or under the house, look for crumbling insulation on exposed wiring.

If anything looks suspicious, don’t try to fix it yourself – call a licensed electrician for a proper inspection.

Using a Circuit Tester or Multimeter

If you’re comfortable with basic DIY tasks and want to test your wiring more accurately, a circuit tester or multimeter can be a handy tool.

These devices help you check whether an outlet is live and if it’s wired correctly. First, always make sure the power is turned off at the circuit breaker before touching anything.

For a circuit tester, plug it into the outlet – it will light up to indicate if power is present and show wiring faults like reversed polarity or no ground.

A multimeter offers more detailed readings, such as voltage levels. Simply set it to the correct setting (usually AC voltage), then place the probes into the slots of the outlet. You should get a reading around 230V in Australia.

If it’s significantly higher, lower, or doesn’t register at all, there could be an issue. If you’re unsure, it’s always safest to call a licensed electrician.

Testing Circuit Breakers and Fuses

Your switchboard is the heart of your home’s electrical system, and circuit breakers or fuses are its safety guards. If something goes wrong, they trip or blow to prevent damage.

Here’s how you can check them safely:

1. Look for tripped breakers – A switch that’s sitting in the middle (not fully on or off) may have tripped. Flip it fully off, then back on.
2. Check for blown fuses – In older homes, ceramic fuses can blow. If the wire inside is broken or blackened, it needs replacing.
3. Note repeated trips – If a breaker trips repeatedly, there may be a deeper wiring fault or overloaded circuit.
4. Don’t force anything – If a breaker won’t reset or a fuse keeps blowing, stop and call an electrician.

Always use caution. Your safety switch and breakers are there to protect you – if they keep triggering, it’s time to get professional help.

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

While there are some basic checks you can do yourself, there are clear signs it’s time to bring in a professional electrician.

If you notice burning smells, scorched outlets, or hear buzzing sounds coming from your walls, don’t wait – these could point to serious wiring problems that pose a fire risk.

Another red flag is if your circuit breakers keep tripping for no clear reason, or your lights flicker even after replacing bulbs. Older homes with outdated wiring (like old rubber or cloth insulation) also need a professional eye. And if you’re ever unsure or feel unsafe, that’s your cue to call a licensed electrician.

They have the tools, experience, and knowledge to inspect wiring safely and legally. Attempting DIY fixes with wiring can be dangerous and even illegal in some Australian states. When in doubt, leave it to the experts – it’s not worth risking your safety.

Stay Aware and Act Early

Faulty wiring can be a hidden hazard, but knowing the warning signs and how to check safely can make a big difference.

From flickering lights and buzzing outlets to tripped breakers and strange smells, your home often gives subtle clues when something’s not right.

A quick visual inspection or a simple test with a circuit tester can help you spot early problems – but when in doubt, always call a licensed electrician. Electrical work is dangerous and best left to the pros.

Staying aware and acting early can prevent major issues like fires, electric shocks, or appliance damage. So, if you’ve noticed anything unusual, don’t ignore it.

Use this guide to stay informed and safe – because when it comes to electricity, it’s always better to be cautious than sorry.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.