Common Electrical Hazards in Older Tamworth Commercial Properties

In the heart of Tamworth, many commercial properties—whether they’re office buildings, industrial sites, warehouses or retail outlets—have stood for decades. While their foundations may remain solid, the same can’t always be said for the electrical infrastructure behind the walls. As business demands evolve, older electrical systems may no longer be up to the task, posing significant safety and operational risks.

Electrical hazards in older commercial properties can go unnoticed for years until they result in breakdowns, fires or serious code violations. This blog explores the most common risks and why engaging reliable electrical contractors in Tamworth is essential for ensuring business continuity, staff safety, and compliance with today’s standards.

Outdated Wiring: A Silent Threat to Business Continuity

Old or degraded wiring is one of the most widespread issues in ageing commercial buildings. Often installed decades ago, these wires may now be frayed, cracked or dangerously exposed beneath walls and ceilings. The insulation may have deteriorated, and the capacity may fall short of modern power needs.

The consequences of such neglect range from electrical fires to complete outages. When the wiring can’t keep up with today’s equipment—servers, printers, machinery or HVAC units—it can overheat and fail.

Common signs that you may have outdated wiring include:

• Lights that flicker or dim when equipment is turned on
• Circuit breakers that frequently trip without a clear cause
• A burning smell near electrical outlets or switchboards
• Discoloured power points or scorch marks on walls

Upgrading wiring isn’t just about performance—it’s a matter of safety and compliance. Hiring specialists in electrical repairs in Tamworth ensures that your infrastructure meets current Australian Standards.

Overloaded Switchboards & Circuits in Legacy Installations

Another significant hazard is outdated switchboards that were never designed to manage the electrical loads of modern business equipment. Older switchboards and fuses can become dangerously overloaded as power requirements grow, increasing the risk of fires and system failure. This is especially true in warehouses and older office spaces where machinery or tech has been added over time without reassessing load capacity.

Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

• Buzzing or humming sounds from the switchboard
• Circuit breakers that trip during peak usage
• Heat emanating from the board or surrounding walls
• A lack of safety switches (RCDs) installed

An upgraded switchboard isn’t just about load capacity—it also allows for better fault isolation and future expansion.

Non-Compliant Emergency Lighting & Exit Signs

Emergency lighting and exit signage are crucial in commercial premises for staff safety and legal compliance. Yet in older buildings, these systems are often outdated, damaged, or disconnected altogether.

Failing to provide clear, illuminated paths to exits during a power outage or emergency evacuation can be life-threatening. Non-compliance with safety codes may also lead to insurance disputes or fines during inspections.

When conducting electrical audits, contractors often find:

• Exit signs that no longer illuminate or have missing bulbs
• Emergency lights with expired or faulty battery backup
• Inconsistent testing records or none at all

All commercial sites should undergo regular testing of these systems to meet Australian Standards and WorkSafe obligations.

Deteriorated Insulation on Electrical Cabling

Over time, the plastic or rubber sheathing on older cabling begins to perish. This exposes live wires that could arc, short-circuit or start a fire. The issue is prevalent in ceiling cavities, underground conduits and older switchboards.

Here are areas where damaged insulation is often found:

• Roof spaces where heat accelerates degradation
• Wall cavities exposed to pests or moisture
• Cable trays that have been overloaded or misused
• Extensions and sub-circuits added post-construction without full rewiring

Routine checks from electrical contractors in Tamworth can detect insulation issues before they cause catastrophic failures.

Legacy Switches & Sockets Failing Under Modern Loads

Power points, light switches and fittings may appear harmless—but older ones often conceal dangerous faults. As they age, internal components wear out, casings crack, and poor connections lead to arcing or sparks.

Here are common signs of switch and socket deterioration:

• Power points that feel loose or wobbly
• Visible cracks in the faceplate or housing
• Sparks when plugging in equipment
• Heat or vibration when the socket is in use

Failing to upgrade these fittings can lead to electrocution or fire, mainly where high-current devices are regularly used.

Inadequate Surge Protection for Expensive Equipment

Older buildings often lack surge protection systems, leaving them vulnerable to voltage spikes caused by grid faults, lightning strikes, or equipment failures. These surges can silently damage electronics over time or instantly destroy costly gear.

The types of equipment commonly affected include:

• Computer servers and data storage units
• Point-of-sale (POS) terminals in retail settings
• Industrial PLCs and control panels
• Security and CCTV infrastructure

Installing proper surge diverters and RCDs across distribution boards offers a simple and effective safeguard for your assets.

Poor Maintenance Records & Hidden Faults

One overlooked hazard in older commercial buildings isn’t a physical one—it’s a paper one. Many properties lack consistent electrical service records, meaning issues go unnoticed or unresolved for years. You may also fall foul of insurance conditions or building compliance audits without proper documentation.

A routine inspection often uncovers:

• Evidence of DIY or non-compliant modifications
• Outdated distribution layouts no longer match the switchboard
• Multiple repairs were performed without resolving the root issue
• Safety switches that have not been tested in years

Regular testing and tagging, thermal imaging, and fault finding should be scheduled into your annual maintenance plan—especially in older properties.

Fire Risk from Forgotten Outbuildings & Storage Areas

Older commercial properties often have storage sheds, external office pods, or utility buildings wired decades ago and long forgotten. These zones are hazardous if they’ve never had their electrics upgraded, or if rodents and weather have compromised the integrity of their systems.

Some red flags to investigate include:

• Corrugated sheeting or wood structures with visible conduit damage
• Sheds with fluorescent lights that flicker or buzz
• Buildings still operating on old porcelain fuses
• Areas without circuit protection or safety switches

Since these locations may be used less frequently, faults can remain unnoticed for long periods—making them a potential ignition point for electrical fires.

Stay Safe & Compliant with Expert Electrical Repairs

At Bes-Elect Electrical, we understand the complexities and risks of ageing commercial infrastructure. Our qualified team of electrical contractors in Tamworth provides tailored services to assess, repair and upgrade electrical systems with a focus on safety, functionality and compliance. Whether you’re dealing with flickering lights, overloaded switchboards or outdated cabling, we deliver dependable solutions that meet modern electrical standards without disrupting your operations.

Contact us via our contact page to book a consultation or request a site assessment. Let’s ensure your commercial property is operating safely and efficiently—without hidden dangers.