Millions at risk of fire in older homes, warns Master Electrician Australia
With around 6 million Australian homes now aged over 20 years. Master Electricians CEO Malcolm Richards said there was a serious risk of fires or electrocution caused by electrical short circuits.
He called on the owners of older homes to have their wiring checked urgently, in order to ensure their safety.
"In homes more than two decades old, there is a heightened risk of fire or electric shock due to insulation perishing , being chewed by rats and mice, or being damaged by tradespeople working in the roof space."
"The findings of the Federal home insulation audits last year showed that more than 20 per cent of homes had a pre-existing electrical fault not related to the insulation program. This reflects the anecdotal evidence reported back to us by our members."
"In some cases this is due to dodgy or DIY electrical work, but in many other cases it’s because of ageing electrical fittings, attacks by animals or interference by tradespeople."
"If your home is more than 20 years old, you are at risk. You should have your wiring checked by a Master Electrician or licensed electrical contractor."
"We don’t hesitate to have our car serviced regularly, in order to ensure our safety and that of our family and friends. Why not do it with our homes?"
Mr Richards also called on home owners with pre-1997 homes to install hard-wired smoke detectors to protect them during fires.
"Since 1997, all new homes have been built with hard-wired smoke alarms," he said.
"Many older homes have only battery-powered smoke alarms – if indeed they have any."
"In order to ensure you are able to get out of the home during a fire, you need to make sure your smoke alarm will work when you need it to."
"A smoke alarm connected to the mains electricity supply, with a battery back up, is the best way to ensure you can get out during a fire."
"I urge all owners of older homes to call a local Master Electrician or licensed electrical contractor to arrange an inspection and a quote to ensure their homes are safe and their families are protected."
