When upgrading the electrical system in an older home, there are several key considerations to ensure safety, compliance, cost-efficiency, and future-proofing. Below is a structured guide covering why the upgrade is necessary, planning tips, common upgrades, and advice on materials and finding the right electrician.

Why Do You Need an Electrical Upgrade?

Safety

• Most older homes in New Zealand have outdated wiring (such as VIR or aluminum wiring) that can degrade over time and pose a fire hazard.
• Older systems often lack modern safety features like RCDs (Residual Current Devices) or grounded outlets, increasing the risk of electrical shock or fires.

Compliance with Current Regulations

• New Zealand’s Healthy Homes Standards mandate certain upgrades in rental properties, including:
  • Range hoods in kitchens.
  • Extractor fans in bathrooms.
  • Smoke alarms in all rental properties.
• Keeping your property compliant ensures legal peace of mind and avoids fines.

Handling Increased Electrical Load

• Older wiring may not support modern electrical appliances like heat pumps, EV chargers, or smart home systems.
• Upgrading ensures that your home’s electrical infrastructure can handle greater power demand.

Insurance Requirements

• Many insurance companies refuse to cover homes with outdated electrical systems due to the associated risks.
• Upgrading the wiring and installing safety devices, such as RCDs, may be necessary to secure or maintain insurance coverage.

What is Required in the Planning Phase?

Assessment by a Licensed Electrician

• Have the home thoroughly inspected by an Electrician registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).
• They will identify safety concerns, wiring issues, and areas for improvement.

Budgeting and Quoting

• Get quotes from at least three electricians to compare costs and timelines.
• Plan for contingencies, as older homes may have hidden issues like damaged wiring or asbestos in switchboards.

Sourcing Materials

• Decide whether you want to purchase electrical accessories and materials yourself (e.g., switchboards, lighting, and wiring) or let the electrician supply them.
• Prioritize reliability and safety certificates (e.g., SDOCs – Supplier Declaration of Conformity).

Prioritize Safety Upgrades

• Focus first on rewiring, switchboard upgrades, and RCD installations. These upgrades improve safety and future-proof the home.

Common Electrical Upgrades

Rewiring the Home

• Replace old or degraded wiring (such as VIR or aluminum) with modern copper wiring for improved safety and efficiency.
• This is essential to reduce the risk of electrical faults and fire hazards.
  Cost: $6,000–$15,000, depending on the size of the home.

Switchboard Upgrades

• Replace outdated switchboards with modern units that include circuit breakers and RCDs for enhanced protection.
  Cost: $1,500–$2,500 depending on complexity.

Adding Power Points and USB Outlets

• Older homes often lack sufficient sockets. Installing extra power points with USB outlets ensures you avoid overloading circuits.
  Cost: $50–$200 per outlet.

Lighting Upgrades

• Swap out incandescent or halogen lights for LEDs to improve energy efficiency and reduce power bills.
• Consider installing downlights or feature lighting to modernize the space.

Smart Home Integration

• Install smart switches, thermostats, sensors, and other connected systems to control lighting and appliances remotely and optimize energy use.

Outdoor Wiring and Lighting

• Install IP65-rated outdoor lighting and weatherproof outlets for durability in New Zealand’s changing weather conditions.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Installation

• Prepare your home for the future by installing a dedicated home EV charger. This requires specialized wiring and a compatible switchboard.

Surge Protection Devices

• Protect appliances and electronics from voltage spikes by installing surge protection in the switchboard.

Choosing the Right Electrician

Licensing and Experience

• Ensure the electrician is licensed with the EWRB.
• Select an electrician with experience in older homes, as they will be more familiar with the unique challenges involved.

References and Reviews

• Ask for previous project references and check online reviews to confirm the quality of their work.

Getting Multiple Quotes

• Obtain at least three quotes to find the best balance between quality and price.
• Some electricians offer package deals that can reduce costs.

Sourcing Materials: Buy Yourself or Let the Electrician Handle It?

Purchasing Materials Yourself

• Pros:
  • You can find better deals on products if you have time to shop around.
  • You have greater control over the quality and brands used in the upgrade.
• Cons:
  • Some electricians may charge higher labor-only fees.
  • If the materials are incorrect or incompatible, it may delay the project.

Letting the Electrician Supply Materials

• Pros:
  • Electricians have access to trade discounts and know which products are compatible.
  • They take full responsibility for the quality of materials and installation.
• Cons:
  • You may have less control over the choice of products and brands.
  • It may be slightly more expensive than sourcing items yourself.

Which Option is Cheaper?

• Labor-only electricians can be more affordable if you are confident in sourcing the right materials.
• However, if you want a hassle-free experience, it may be worth paying a bit more to have the electrician handle everything.

Where to Find the Best Products and Verify Quality

• Specialized Electrical Suppliers: Check out dedicated stores like Sparky Shop for quality electrical accessories.
• DIY Retailers: Larger retailers like Bunnings and Mitre 10 offer a range of products, though they may not have specialized items.
• SDOCs (Supplier Declaration of Conformity):
• Ensure that all electrical products comply with New Zealand standards.
• SDOCs confirm that the products meet regulatory requirements and are safe for use.

Conclusion

Upgrading the electrical system in an old home in New Zealand is a smart investment that improves safety, compliance, and energy efficiency. Whether it’s replacing outdated wiring, upgrading the switchboard, or adding modern appliances, careful planning is key to a successful upgrade. Working with a licensed electrician, budgeting properly, and deciding whether to source your own materials can make the process smoother and more cost-effective. Prioritize safety, compliance, and future needs, and you’ll enjoy a more comfortable and secure home.