We often take the electrical systems in our homes for granted, especially when everything appears to be working. But beneath the surface, worn-out or improperly installed wiring can pose serious hazards—especially in older homes or properties that have had unregulated modifications over time. In South Africa, with its mix of aging infrastructure, backup power systems, and increased load from modern appliances, it’s more important than ever to stay alert to the warning signs of electrical trouble.
Faulty wiring is a leading cause of residential fires, and it rarely announces itself with dramatic flair. Instead, subtle hints like dimming lights or a strange smell might be the only sign before something goes dangerously wrong. Below are nine important clues that your electrical system might not be as safe as it seems—and that it’s time to call a licensed electrician for a professional inspection.
Frequent Tripping of Circuit Breakers or Fuses
One of the first signs homeowners notice is repeated tripping of circuit breakers. If a specific breaker cuts power often—especially when appliances aren’t overloaded—it could signal a deeper issue like faulty wiring, a compromised breaker unit, or even a short circuit. Occasional trips can be normal, but frequent disconnections are your system’s way of telling you that something isn’t right.
Dimming or Flickering Lights
When your lights dim or flicker unexpectedly, it may be more than just a bulb issue. This behaviour can suggest problems such as overloaded circuits, loose wiring, or an electrical system struggling to cope with the demand. It’s particularly concerning if lights flicker when high-wattage appliances—like microwaves or heaters—are in use.
No Valid Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
In South Africa, every home is required to have an up-to-date Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC), especially when the property is sold or rented. A valid CoC confirms that the wiring and installations have been tested and meet national safety standards. If you’re unsure when your last certificate was issued—or if you even have one—it’s advisable to schedule a full safety inspection without delay.
Exposed or Improper Wiring Installations
Sometimes, electrical hazards are in plain sight. Makeshift wiring jobs—like loosely suspended cables, taped joints, or DIY extensions—are not only unsightly but also potentially dangerous. These ad-hoc setups are often installed by unqualified individuals and can fail under electrical load, posing shock and fire risks. If your home contains visible wiring that looks unprofessional, it’s worth having it evaluated.
Burning Smells Without an Obvious Source
A strong, acrid smell—similar to burning plastic—often indicates that something electrical is overheating. This could be a melting wire behind a wall, a failing socket, or an overloaded connection. If you detect this kind of odour and can’t find the source, shut off power at the main DB board and contact a qualified electrician immediately.
Old or Obsolete Wiring Systems
Homes built before the 1990s may still contain outdated electrical materials such as VIR (Vulcanised Indian Rubber) wiring or ungrounded circuits. Even if everything appears to function, aged insulation becomes brittle and prone to cracking, which could expose live wires. If your property is over 30 years old and hasn’t been rewired, you could be at risk even without obvious symptoms.
Warm or Discoloured Switches and Plug Points
Touching a plug or switch and finding it warm may seem like a small issue, but it’s often a warning sign. Heat buildup behind outlets can indicate loose terminals or circuits operating beyond their safe limits. Likewise, yellowing, browning, or black marks around fittings are signs of charring and require urgent attention.
Earth Leakage Device Trips Repeatedly
Also known as a residual current device (RCD), this unit is designed to prevent electrocution by cutting off the supply when it detects current leakage. While occasional tripping is expected, frequent interruptions suggest more serious problems, such as water ingress, failing appliances, or deteriorating insulation. Regular tripping means the system is under strain—and requires expert attention.
Audible Buzzing or Sizzling Noises
If you hear buzzing, hissing, or crackling sounds coming from a switch or socket, this is typically caused by arcing—when electricity jumps across a gap due to a loose or damaged wire. This kind of fault can easily escalate into fire if left unresolved. Any sounds coming from outlets or switches should be taken seriously.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be an electrician to know when something’s not quite right with your home’s wiring. Often, the signs are there—flickering lights, strange smells, warm sockets, or frequently tripping breakers. Ignoring these red flags can lead to costly repairs, legal liability, or worse—serious injury or fire.
While basic visual checks can alert you to problems, any deeper inspection or testing should always be done by a licensed and qualified electrician in South Africa. Electrical systems are complex and dangerous if tampered with incorrectly. If any of these signs sound familiar, or if your home’s wiring hasn’t been checked in several years, now is the right time to book a professional safety inspection. It’s a simple, proactive measure that could protect your home, your family, and your future.
FAQs About Electrical Wiring Safety
How often should I get my home’s electrical wiring inspected, especially if it’s an older property?
It’s recommended to have a professional inspection every 5 to 10 years, or sooner if your home is over 30 years old and hasn’t been rewired. Older South African homes are more likely to have outdated wiring that needs attention.
My circuit breaker keeps tripping without apparent reason—is this dangerous?
Frequent breaker trips usually signal issues like short circuits, ground faults, or damaged wiring, even if you’re not overloading the circuit. This indicates a potentially unsafe electrical system that requires professional assessment.
How can I tell if a burning smell in my home is related to electrical issues?
An electrical burning smell tends to be sharp, acrid, and similar to melting plastic or overheated wires. If this odor comes from plugs, switches, or your fuse board with no clear source, turn off your power supply and call an electrician immediately.
What common signs indicate unsafe electrical wiring in a house?
Look out for burning smells, flickering or dimming lights, buzzing sounds from outlets, frequent circuit breaker trips, and warm or discoloured switches—these are warning signs of wiring problems or overloads.
What does it mean if my lights flicker or dim randomly?
Flickering or dimming lights often suggest loose wiring connections, overloaded circuits, or faulty components struggling to handle electrical demand. It’s wise to have an electrician check your system if this happens regularly.
What should I do if outlets or switches feel warm or look discoloured?
Warm or discoloured switches and outlets usually indicate overheating caused by loose connections or excessive current flow. This is a serious fire risk—power down the area and contact an electrician right away.
Are DIY electrical repairs advisable?
DIY electrical repairs pose serious risks including fire, injury, and voided insurance. Only qualified and registered electricians should undertake any electrical repairs or installations in your home.
What is an earth leakage unit (RCD), and why might it trip often?
An RCD is designed to protect against electric shocks by cutting power if it detects current leakage. Frequent tripping may indicate wiring faults, moisture intrusion, or malfunctioning appliances needing inspection.
What does a buzzing or sizzling noise coming from a plug or switch mean?
Buzzing or sizzling sounds often point to loose wiring or damaged components causing electrical arcing. This is a hazardous fault that requires urgent repair by a qualified electrician.
What risks are linked to old or outdated wiring, and how can I spot it?
Old wiring can have brittle insulation, be insufficient for modern electrical loads, or consist of obsolete materials like VIR cables. Signs include flickering lights, exposed wiring, ceramic fuses, and lacking a current Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC).
Can I safely inspect my electrical wiring myself?
You can observe external signs like flickering lights, exposed wires, or discoloured outlets, but internal wiring inspection should always be done by a licensed electrician. Performing electrical work yourself is unsafe and illegal in South Africa without proper certification.
What is an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC), and why does it matter?
A CoC is an official document certifying that your home’s electrical installations comply with South African safety standards. It’s legally required for property sales and essential for confirming your wiring is safe and up to code.