Helpful Info
October 13, 2025

Electrical Re-Wiring of Homes in New Zealand

Blog Categories
Helpful Info
Stories from Electricians
Trade & Electrical Guides
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.

Many homeowners wonder how to rewire a house safely and why consulting professional electricians is important.

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Outdated wiring in your home can be a serious safety hazard.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!)

This cabling is safer than earlier types but still poses some risks. If you're unsure what kind of wiring your home has, it’s best to contact certified electricians for wiring inspections in Auckland.

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
  • Burning smells near electrical outlets or equipment
  • Flickering lights or crackling light switches
  • Warm or discolored outlets and switches

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?

Many homeowners ask, “how much does it cost to rewire a house in NZ.” The cost to rewire a house in NZ depends on several factors: age, size, wiring type,and accessibility.

  • Small home with easy access: just under $10,000
  • Typical standard  home: $15,000–20,000

Many clients combine rewiring with other renovations to reduce the overall rewiring house cost in NZ, as walls are already open and finishing repairs are easier.

Attempting a DIY rewire is not recommended. Mistakes can dramatically increase costs and create serious safety hazards. Always hire a qualified electrician.

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. During the process, we prioritise powering essentials like fridges and routers. Our residential electricians in Auckland are experienced in keeping homes functional even mid-project.

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 safety and comfort. If you’re asking how much does it cost to get a house rewired or how long it will take, consulting a qualified electrician in Auckland is the best way to get an accurate assessment.Professional rewiring ensures your home meets modern standards, operates efficiently, and keeps your family safe.

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

Related Posts

Check out some blog posts under the same category

October 2, 2025
How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV at Home in NZ?
July 20, 2025
How to Choose the Right Tradesperson: What to Look For Before You Hire