Common Summer Electrical Hazards (and How to Avoid Them)
As the sun blazes across Western Australia and temperatures soar during summer, our reliance on electricity increases; fans and air conditioners run non-stop, outdoor entertaining areas light up more often, and pool equipment works harder to keep things cool. But with this seasonal increase in usage comes heightened risk. Electrical hazards can emerge quickly, especially in older homes or properties not regularly serviced by a licensed electrician.
At Handcock Electrical, we’ve seen it all and more importantly, we know how to help WA homeowners stay safe during summer. In this article, we unpack the most common electrical hazards unique to the warmer months and what you can do to protect your home and family.
1. Overloaded Power Boards and Extension Cords
The Hazard:
It’s not uncommon for households to use power boards and extension cords more frequently in summer to plug in fans, portable air coolers, or outdoor appliances. However, plugging in too many high-wattage devices into a single outlet can quickly overload your circuit.
The Risk:
• Tripped circuit breakers
• Melted cords
• Electrical fires
How to Avoid It:
• Invest in high-quality, surge-protected power boards.
• Avoid piggybacking multiple boards together.
• Check for signs of overheating like a warm plug or buzzing noise.
• Have a licensed electrician install additional power points where needed.
Handcock Electrical can assist with installing additional power points to safely accommodate increased demand.
2. Air Conditioner Malfunctions
The Hazard:
Your air conditioning system becomes the hero of the home during summer. But when not properly maintained, it can quickly become a source of electrical strain or failure.
The Risk:
• Tripping safety switches
• Electrical fires due to dust build-up
• Complete system failure in peak heat
How to Avoid It:
• Schedule regular servicing before the heat kicks in.
• Ensure outdoor condenser units are free of leaves and debris.
• Install dedicated circuits for split systems to avoid overloading.
• Ask your electrician to assess wiring age and compatibility.
Handcock Electrical’s aircon wiring and upgrades are designed to help homeowners beat the heat safely.
3. Outdoor Power Risks
The Hazard:
Outdoor living is part of the WA lifestyle. But barbecues, festoon lighting, pool pumps, and water features often require power; making outdoor areas a hotspot for risk if outlets or equipment are exposed to the elements.
The Risk:
• Water ingress into outlets or appliances
• Electrical shock from damaged cords
• Overheating of devices in direct sun
How to Avoid It:
• Use outdoor-rated power points and enclosures.
• Never use indoor extension leads outside.
• Have outdoor outlets inspected for weatherproofing.
• Avoid running cords across hot pavers where they can degrade.
Handcock Electrical can help with safe outdoor power setups and lighting that are compliant and long-lasting.
4. Pool and Spa Equipment Faults
The Hazard:
Pools and spas are refreshing summer luxuries but their electrical systems (pumps, chlorinators, lighting) require regular safety checks to function reliably.
The Risk:
• Shock risks from faulty or ungrounded wiring
• Fire hazards from overworked motors
• Electrocution from wet or damp equipment
How to Avoid It:
• Use only a licensed electrician for pool/spa installations.
• Schedule annual checks of all electrical pool components.
• Avoid DIY electrical work near wet zones.
• Keep children and pets away from equipment boxes.
Our team regularly handles electrical maintenance for pools and outdoor areas, ensuring compliance with WA safety standards.
5. Ceiling Fan Faults or Poor Installation
The Hazard:
Ceiling fans are a cost-effective cooling method, but loose fittings, worn wiring, or DIY installations can be dangerous.
The Risk:
• Wobbling fans leading to mechanical failure
• Short circuits from faulty wiring
• Fire hazards from overheating motors
How to Avoid It:
• Book a fan safety check if your unit is older or noisy.
• Ensure fans are installed by a licensed electrician.
• Choose models rated for the correct room size.
• Upgrade older fans with modern, energy-efficient models.
Handcock Electrical provides safe ceiling fan installations and upgrades with proper balancing and secure wiring.
6. Failing or Old Smoke Alarms
The Hazard:
With increased indoor occupancy during summer (especially during school holidays), the need for functional smoke alarms is more critical than ever. And yet, many WA homes still have outdated or non-compliant alarms.
The Risk:
• Delayed fire detection in electrical fires
• No alarm in case of circuit fires at night
• Non-compliance with WA legislation
How to Avoid It:
• Check that all smoke alarms are hardwired and interconnected.
• Replace units over 10 years old.
• Test alarms monthly and replace batteries annually.
• Comply with WA rental and property laws.
Handcock Electrical specialises in smoke alarm compliance and upgrades, especially for homes built before 1997.
7. Switchboard Strain or Safety Switch Failures
The Hazard:
Your switchboard is the heart of your home’s electrical system. Summer places added strain on it due to the increased load of cooling systems, fridges, washers, and outdoor gear.
The Risk:
• Overloaded circuits
• Flickering lights or appliance failure
• Safety switch tripping or failure to trip
How to Avoid It:
• Upgrade older ceramic fuse switchboards to RCD-protected models.
• Ensure you have safety switches on all lighting and power circuits.
• Have a professional inspection every few years.
• Never ignore flickering lights or tingling taps.
Our switchboard upgrades help WA homeowners’ future-proof their power supply and comply with the latest safety requirements.
8. Improper Use of Portable Fans
The Hazard:
Portable fans are a go-to cooling tool, especially in rental homes. But cheap or aging fans are often not up to modern safety standards.
The Risk:
• Short circuits
• Unattended operation leading to fires
• Tripping hazards from exposed cords
How to Avoid It:
• Buy fans with auto shut-off features.
• Never leave fans running when unattended or asleep.
• Place fans on level, ventilated surfaces.
• Replace units with frayed cords or strange smells.
When in doubt, Handcock Electrical can help assess power usage and recommend safer, fixed alternatives like ceiling fans.
9. Solar Panel Overheating or Malfunction
The Hazard:
Solar systems are exposed to the full force of WA’s summer sun. Without proper ventilation, maintenance or inspection, panels and inverters can overheat and reduce efficiency or fail altogether.
The Risk:
• Loss of energy savings
• Inverter damage
• Electrical fire due to poor insulation
How to Avoid It:
• Book regular solar inspections, especially before peak summer.
• Ensure your inverter is installed in a shaded or well-ventilated area.
• Ask your electrician to test performance and safety switches.
Handcock Electrical’s team is trained in solar system maintenance and safety, offering inspections to keep your setup running optimally.
10. Kids, Pets and Electrical Curiosity
The Hazard:
With school holidays in full swing, curious kids (and pets) can inadvertently tamper with power boards, outlets, or cords, especially around the home or in garages.
The Risk:
• Electric shock from exposed plugs or cords
• Fire hazards from hidden damage
• Pets chewing cables or sleeping near hot appliances
How to Avoid It:
• Use safety outlet covers.
• Tuck cords out of reach or use cable organisers.
• Regularly inspect all cords for wear or pet damage.
• Educate children on basic electrical safety.
Handcock Electrical can help childproof your home’s electrical setup with protective upgrades.
Final Safety Checklist for WA Households
Here’s a quick summer electrical safety checklist you can tick off:
• Test all smoke alarms
• Check ceiling fans and aircon functionality
• Avoid overloading power boards
• Inspect cords for wear or heat
• Schedule a switchboard check-up
• Waterproof outdoor outlets
• Arrange a pre-summer safety inspection
If you’re unsure about the condition of any part of your electrical system, Handcock Electrical offers full home safety inspections, switchboard upgrades, and tailored solutions for WA homeowners.
Why Handcock Electrical?
We’re a locally owned and operated team servicing Perth and surrounding suburbs. Our electricians are fully licensed and experienced in handling the unique demands of West Australian summers. Whether you’re upgrading your cooling systems, installing smoke alarms, or making your home safer for outdoor entertaining; we’re here to help.
Visit handcockelectrical.com.au to explore our residential services and request a quote today.