March 14, 2025

Electrical Re-Wiring of Homes in New Zealand

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Electrical Re-Wiring of Homes in New Zealand: A Full Breakdown

Rewiring a home is one of the most important upgrades a homeowner can make, especially in homes built prior to 1970. With the rise in electrical usage from modern appliances, older homes in New Zealand need electrical rewiring to meet the current electrical standards. If your older home still contains original wiring, the system can degrade, putting your home at risk of electrical fires and electric shocks.

In New Zealand, rewiring is often necessary to bring older homes up to modern standards, ensuring your home is safe and secure.

Types of Old Cabling in New Zealand Homes

Outdated wiring in your home can be a serious safety hazard. Here's a list of the most common types of old wiring in New Zealand homes:

1. Vulcanised India Rubber (VIR) Cloth-covered Wiring

This was the original cabling system used when electricity was first introduced in New Zealand homes. It was widely used in the early 1900s until around the 1940s and is commonly found in older bungalows and villas in are as like Mt. Eden, Mt. Albert, and other older neighborhoods. Although this type of wiring is surprisingly safer than some other forms of older wiring, it is still not safe to use. Over time, the internal insulation becomes brittle and can easily crack when disturbed.

If you have this wiring, it’s essential to replace it as soon as possible.

2. Tough Rubber Sheathed (TRS) Wiring

This type of wiring was also popular during the mid-20th century (1940 – 1960)

  • The insulation on TRS cabling was found to quickly degrade over time
        (when removing we’ll often find that it just breaks apart in our hands)
  • Unfortunately the method of installation for this product was to install it bare against timber, (not run inside any protective covering), making it a particularly high shock and fire risk.
3. Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Wiring

This was used for a brief period in the late 1950’s / early  1960’s.

  • This cabling looks similar to modern cabling, however it contains a bare earth (no green internal sheathing).
  • It is much safer than TRS or VIR cabling, however it’s still prone to degradation We’ll often see a viscous sticky green fluid emitting from the ends of this cabling (which is super hard to get off your hands!)
4. Modern TPS (Tough Plastic Sheath) Wiring

Introduced in the 1960s, TPS is the modern standard and much safer than older types of wiring. However, homes built from the 1960s to the 1990s may have lighting circuits that lack an earth core. This makes it difficult to install modern lighting, especially metallic lights that require an earth.

If you have a home with TPS wiring, you may need to rewire lighting circuits to meet modern standards.

Do You Need to Rewire Your Home?

If your home was built before 1970 and hasn’t been significantly upgraded, it's likely that re-wiring services are needed. Even if you're unsure of your home's wiring, having a qualified electrician inspect it is a good idea.

When to Rewire Your Home:
  • Frequent tripping of circuit breakers or blown fuses
  • Flickering lights or crackling light switches
  • Warm or discolored outlets and switches
  • Burning smells near electrical outlets or equipment

If you notice any of these issues, immediately turn off the power and get in touch with a certified electrician.

How Long Does It Take to Rewire a House?

The duration of a rewiring project depends on the size and complexity of your home. For a standard residential rewiring, it can take anywhere from 2 to 5 days. In some cases, such as a small 3-bedroom home, it can be completed in a single day.

"Worried about outdated wiring? Our expert electricians in Auckland provide safe, up-to-code rewiring solutions for both homes and commercial buildings, ensuring modern safety standards and efficiency."

How much does it cost to Rewire a house?

The big question!

There’s a significant amount of work involved in rewiring a home, so it’s no cheap exercise.

The total cost depends on the age, size, construction style and existing wiring type of the home.

The lowest cost rewire which we have completed was just under $10,000 (small home, easy access in ceiling void and underfloor, not many circuits)

The typical cost for a standard home is between $15,000-20,000

Many clients will often re-wire at the same time as completing other renovations, as one big renovation. This can lower the total renovation cost a little overall, as it’s easier to run cabling when walls are off, and wall /ceiling repair is lower cost if you’ve already commissioned a painter/plasterer for larger work.

Can I Rewire My House While Living In It?

Yes, you can! However, keep in mind that certain circuits will likely be unavailable during the process, such as kitchen appliances and some lights. We ensure your essential appliances, like Internet routers, fridges, and freezers, stay powered, and we clean up any mess made during the process.

What’s Involved in Rewiring a Home?

Aside from replacing the old wiring, a wiring project may also include:

  • Replacing old sockets, light switches, and electrical fittings with modern versions.
  • Upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting.
  • Updating the fuse board and adding RCD protection.
  • Adding a new earthing system to improve electrical safety.
  • Upgrading mains cabling if needed.
Types of Wiring Used Today

Modern rewiring jobs in New Zealand homes use Thermoplastic Sheathed (TPS) cable, which is much safer and more durable than older wiring types. TPS wiring comes in various sizes and is designed to handle the electrical load of modern appliances, ensuring both safety and efficiency.

Benefits of Rewiring Your Home
  1. Increased Safety: Modern wiring reduces the risk of electrical fires and electrocution.
  2. Improved Energy Efficiency: Upgrading to LED light fittings will reduce power consumption.
  3. Compliance with Regulations: Rewiring ensures your home meets the latest electrical codes and safety standards.
  4. Increased Resale Value: A fully rewired home is more attractive to buyers.
  5. Enhanced Electrical Capacity: Rewiring allows you to add power outlets, install an EV charger, or add solar systems more safely and cost-effectively.
Can I Rewire a House Myself?

While it may seem tempting, rewiring a house yourself is not recommended. Electrical work is highly technical and requires extensive training. Incorrect installations can lead to dangerous situations and costly corrections.

We’ve had jobs which we’ve been asked to inspect for certification in the past, we’ve ended up finding a litany of problems during inspection, which cost thousands to rectify.

The re-wiring costs in these cases have meant the total project cost blows out to more than double what the clients would have paid to get it completed professionally from the start.

Our advice:

You wouldn’t try to save money by doing your own dental work, would you?

The same applies here.

There’s a reason why it takes electrical workers a long time to get qualified,
To do the job safely requires a lot of knowledge and experience.

Leave the dentistry and the electrical work to the professionals.

Conclusion: Prioritising electrical safety

Rewiring your home is an investment in electrical safety and comfort. Whether you're dealing with outdated wiring or preparing for future renovations, consulting with a qualified electrician ensures the job is done safely and efficiently. If you think your home needs a rewire, don’t wait for an electrical accident.

Our team of certified electricians in Auckland can conduct a comprehensive electrical assessment and offer cost-effective rewiring solutions to ensure your home meets modern safety standards

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