Most of us don’t think twice about the wiring hidden behind our walls — until something goes wrong. Whether you’ve just moved into a new place, you’re living in an older South African home, or you’re simply wondering if everything is still in good shape, it’s a smart move to keep an eye out for the warning signs of unsafe or faulty electrical wiring in your home.
Faulty or outdated wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires. While it’s not something you see every day, there are usually some early clues. Below are nine key signs that your home’s electrical wiring might not be safe — and that it’s time to call in a professional for a full safety inspection.
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Burning Smells That Won’t Go Away
If you ever notice a burning smell in your home — especially one that’s sharp, bitter, or reminds you of overheating plastic — don’t ignore it. This is one of the most obvious warning signs of faulty electrical wiring. It could mean a wire behind the wall is overheating or a plug socket is on the verge of shorting out. The moment you smell something unusual and can’t figure out where it’s coming from, turn off the main power at your DB board and call a qualified electrician. It’s one of those things where it’s better to be safe than sorry.
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Buzzing or Sizzling Sounds Near Switches or Plugs
If you’re wondering how to check if your outlets and switches are safe to use, one easy sign is sound. A buzzing, sizzling, or crackling noise coming from a switch, plug, or fitting usually means there’s a loose connection or frayed wire causing electrical arcing. A healthy, properly wired electrical system should be silent — so if you hear anything odd, it’s time to call a pro. And if you’re thinking about opening it up yourself, don’t. Not only is it dangerous, but in South Africa, it’s also illegal to perform unlicensed electrical work.
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Lights That Flicker or Dim for No Obvious Reason
Lights that flicker or dim regularly might not seem like a big deal, but they’re actually one of the more common signs that your electrical wiring needs attention. This can be a result of overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, or worn-out breakers. If you notice your lights dim when using appliances like the microwave or kettle, or they flicker even when nothing else is running, your wiring may not be coping with the demand. This is especially important to monitor in older South African homes or after installing high-draw appliances, inverters, or solar power systems.
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Circuit Breakers or Fuses That Trip Repeatedly
Wondering how to tell if your circuit breakers or fuses are functioning correctly? One clear sign they’re doing their job — but also that something’s wrong — is when they trip repeatedly. A single trip can happen for many reasons, but if the same circuit keeps shutting off and you’re not overloading it, it usually means there’s a deeper issue with your wiring. This could be a short circuit, a damaged breaker, or even faulty appliances. Frequent tripping is a sign of a potentially unsafe system that needs a closer look from a qualified electrician.
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Your Home Has Old or Outdated Wiring
There are specific risks that come with older homes and their electrical wiring. Many homes in South Africa built before the 1990s still have wiring systems that are no longer considered safe — including wiring made from materials like VIR (Vulcanised Indian Rubber). Even if everything appears to work, the insulation on old wiring breaks down over time, increasing the risk of fire or electrical shock. If your home is over 30 years old and hasn’t had a full rewire, it’s well worth getting a professional to inspect it. Don’t wait for a problem to force your hand.
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The Earth Leakage Unit Trips Frequently
If your earth leakage device — also called an RCD (residual current device) — trips often, it might be trying to tell you something. This unit is designed to cut off the power if it detects a leak in the current, which could be caused by water, faulty appliances, or damaged wiring. While an occasional trip isn’t unusual, frequent tripping can mean there’s a serious safety fault. This is a good example of when to call a qualified electrician to inspect your wiring, especially if you can’t pinpoint the cause.
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Exposed or Makeshift Wiring
One way to visually inspect your electrical wiring for safety issues is to look for exposed or poorly installed wires. If you see taped-up joints, wires running loosely across ceilings, or DIY plug points in extensions or garages, you might be looking at non-compliant and dangerous work. These are often the result of unqualified modifications, and while they might “work,” they can easily fail under load. If something looks makeshift or out of place, it probably doesn’t meet code — and you should get it checked.
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Warm or Discoloured Outlets and Switches
If you’re checking your outlets and switches for signs of trouble, pay attention to temperature and colour. Outlets and switches that feel warm to the touch or show signs of discolouration or burn marks are often overheating. This can be due to loose connections, overloaded circuits, or internal arcing. Even if the outlet is still working, these are serious signs that the wiring behind it may be faulty or damaged.
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No Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
In South Africa, the Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is required by law when selling a property, but it’s also a strong indicator that your electrical system has been tested and found safe. If you don’t have a current CoC — or you’re not sure if the one you received is valid — that’s a good reason to get a full electrical safety inspection performed. A qualified electrician can issue an updated CoC after making sure your wiring and overall installation meet all national standards.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be an expert to recognise when something might be wrong with your home’s wiring — you just need to know what to look and listen for. From buzzing plugs to flickering lights and tripping breakers, the warning signs of unsafe or faulty electrical wiring are often right in front of you. A visual inspection can give you a starting point, but if anything feels off — or if your home is older — it’s best to bring in someone who’s licensed and qualified.
While tools like voltage testers or multimeters are used by professionals to test electrical safety, it’s not recommended that homeowners try these methods on their own unless they’re trained. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution.
So if you’ve spotted one or more of these signs — or if you haven’t had your wiring checked in years — now’s a great time to book a full electrical safety inspection with a South African-certified electrician. It’s a simple step that could protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind. Or if you’re looking for advice on any saving tips, we have you covered for that as well.
FAQ
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What are the most common signs of unsafe electrical wiring in a home?
Common signs include burning smells, flickering lights, buzzing outlets, frequent circuit breaker trips, and warm or discoloured switches. These are often early indicators of damaged or overloaded wiring.
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How can I tell if a burning smell in my house is electrical?
An electrical burning smell is usually sharp or acrid, like melting plastic or overheated wires. If the smell is coming from a plug, switch, or fuse board — especially without a visible source — turn off the power and call an electrician immediately.
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Why are my lights flickering or dimming, and what does it mean for my wiring?
Flickering or dimming lights often point to loose wiring connections, overloaded circuits, or failing components. It’s a sign your system might not be coping with demand and should be checked by a professional.
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My circuit breaker keeps tripping. Is this a sign of dangerous wiring?
Yes, frequent tripping — especially without overloading the circuit — often means there’s a short circuit, ground fault, or damaged wiring. It’s a sign your system needs a closer inspection.
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How often should I have my home’s electrical wiring inspected, especially in an older house?
Electrical systems should be professionally inspected every 5 to 10 years — or immediately if your home is over 30 years old and hasn’t been rewired. Older homes in South Africa are especially prone to outdated or unsafe wiring.
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What should I do if my outlets or switches are warm to the touch or discolored?
This usually means there’s overheating caused by loose connections or excessive current. Turn off power to the affected area and call an electrician right away — it’s a serious fire risk.
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What are the risks associated with old electrical wiring, and how can I identify it?
Old wiring can have degraded insulation, be undersized for modern loads, or use obsolete materials like VIR. Signs include flickering lights, exposed wires, ceramic fuses, or no recent Certificate of Compliance (CoC).
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What does a buzzing or sizzling sound from an outlet or switch indicate?
Buzzing or sizzling means there’s a loose connection or damaged wiring causing electrical arcing. It’s a serious issue that should be dealt with immediately by a qualified electrician.
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What is an earth leakage unit (or RCD), and why does it trip frequently?
An earth leakage unit (RCD) protects you from electric shocks by cutting power when it detects current leakage. If it trips frequently, it could mean there’s a wiring fault, moisture in the system, or a faulty appliance.
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Can I inspect my own electrical wiring, or do I need a professional?
You can look for visual signs like exposed wires, discoloured outlets, or flickering lights, but any internal inspection should be left to a qualified electrician. DIY inspection of wiring is risky and not legally allowed in South Africa without proper certification.
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What is an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC), and why is it important for home safety?
A CoC is a legal document confirming your home’s electrical installation meets South African safety standards. It’s required when selling property and is key to ensuring your wiring is safe and up to code.
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Are DIY electrical repairs safe?
DIY electrical work is dangerous, often illegal, and can lead to fires, injury, or failed insurance claims. Only a licensed electrician should perform electrical repairs or installations in your home.