The Bowhill project stands as a testament to the power of renovation and modern design. A completely gutted property, this ambitious undertaking has transformed an outdated structure into a welcoming, contemporary home that seamlessly blends functionality with style. In this blog post, we will explore the key elements of this renovation, including the installation of […]

Electricity powers everything in your home — from your lights and appliances to your heating and cooling. But when something goes wrong, it can be more than an inconvenience — it can be dangerous. At Mastin Electrical, we want to help you stay safe and informed. Here are some of the most common residential electrical problems and emergencies to watch out for, and when it's time to call a licensed electrician.
1. Tripping Circuit Breakers
If your circuit breakers are constantly tripping, it could indicate:
- An overloaded circuit
- A short circuit
- A ground fault
While resetting a breaker is easy, repeated tripping is a warning sign. Don’t ignore it — it’s best to have your switchboard inspected before a small issue becomes a big hazard.
2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
This could be caused by:
- Loose wiring
- Voltage fluctuations
- Overloaded circuits
- Faulty fittings
Flickering lights might seem minor, but they can be a sign of underlying electrical issues. Especially if multiple lights are affected, it’s worth getting it checked.
3. Power Outages (Localised)
If the rest of your street has power and your home doesn't, it’s often:
- A blown fuse or faulty breaker
- Wiring damage
- Faulty appliances or connections
We can help isolate the issue quickly and get you back online.
4. Burning Smells or Scorch Marks
This is an emergency. Burning plastic or electrical smells usually point to:
- Overheating wires
- Melting insulation
- Failing power points or switches
Turn off power to the affected area immediately and call an electrician. These are often precursors to electrical fires.
5. Buzzing Noises
Electricity should be silent. If you hear buzzing from outlets, switches, or your switchboard, it may be due to:
- Loose wiring
- Faulty components
- Unsafe electrical loads
This needs to be addressed ASAP to prevent shock or fire hazards.
6. Dead Power Points or Switches
If a power point suddenly stops working, it could be:
- A tripped safety switch
- Faulty wiring
- A damaged device shorting the circuit
Don't attempt DIY repairs — safety first. We can test and safely repair or replace damaged points.
7. Electric Shocks
Even a minor tingle from a tap, switch, or appliance is serious. Shocks may be due to:
- Faulty earthing
- Damaged wiring
- Water ingress
This is a clear danger and should be looked at by a qualified electrician immediately.
8. Old or Outdated Wiring
Homes over 30 years old may still have:
- Ceramic fuses
- No safety switches (RCDs/RCBOs)
- Cloth or rubber-insulated wiring
If your home hasn’t had an electrical inspection in decades, it’s time for a professional check-up.
Trust the Experts at Mastin Electrical
We’re here to help you identify and resolve electrical problems before they become dangerous emergencies. Our qualified team services all of Adelaide and specialises in prompt, professional, and safe residential electrical work.
Need help now?
Call us on 📞 0403 895 327 or email 📩 info@mastinelectrical.com.au for fast, reliable service.
When building, renovating, or upgrading your home, choosing the right electrical fixtures is key to both comfort and energy efficiency. From ceiling fans to air conditioners, lightbulbs to kitchen appliances, your choices affect everything from your power bill to your lifestyle. At Mastin Electrical, we’re here to help homeowners across Adelaide make smarter electrical decisions. […]
Electricity powers everything in your home — from your lights and appliances to your heating and cooling. But when something goes wrong, it can be more than an inconvenience — it can be dangerous. At Mastin Electrical, we want to help you stay safe and informed. Here are some of the most common residential electrical […]
With electricity prices on the rise across South Australia, it's no surprise that many households are looking for ways to cut costs. But between the online advice, energy-saving gadgets, and mixed opinions, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. At Mastin Electrical, we’ve worked in homes and businesses across Adelaide, and we’ve seen […]
Keeping your home’s electrical system in top condition isn’t just about safety—it’s also key to energy efficiency and avoiding costly repairs. At Mastin Electrical, we often get asked what kind of electrical maintenance homeowners can do themselves, and how often it should be done. Here’s a quick guide to help you stay on top of […]
Keeping your home safe starts with understanding electrical safety. At Mastin Electrical, we believe prevention is key. From avoiding common hazards to childproofing your space, here’s what every homeowner should know to reduce the risk of electrical accidents. Common Electrical Hazards Around the Home Many electrical risks go unnoticed until it’s too late. Here are […]
Upgrading your light fixtures is one of the simplest and most effective ways to transform your home's atmosphere. Whether you’re after a modern look, energy savings, or better visibility, updated lighting can make a huge difference. At Mastin Electrical, we help homeowners across Adelaide get the most out of their lighting with stylish, energy-efficient solutions. […]
Mastin Electrical – Local Electricians You Can Trust Electricity is something we rely on every day—but when something goes wrong, it can quickly become dangerous or stressful. At Mastin Electrical, we believe in keeping our customers informed and safe. Here’s a handy guide on what to do in some common electrical situations around the home […]
Is your home hiding a dangerous secret behind the walls? Old or damaged wiring can quietly put your family and property at risk. At Mastin Electrical, we help South Australians stay safe and up to date with modern electrical standards. Here's what you need to know about electrical rewiring, why it's important, and how to […]
When was the last time you checked your switchboard? If it’s been a while—or if your home still relies on traditional circuit breakers and fuses—it might be time to consider an upgrade. At Mastin Electrical, we recommend replacing older breakers with RCBOs to improve safety, reliability, and compliance in your home. What Is an RCBO? […]
No household can function properly without electricity. Switchboards are the backbone of any electrical system. They handle the power distribution to every appliance and light switch in your home. Old switchboards can cause much more damage than power supply interruptions. That is why you should ensure you have modern switchboards. Even if old switchboards seem […]
Electrical systems age like milk, not wine. If your switchboard was installed back when landlines were the height of technology, there’s a good chance it’s struggling to keep up with today’s power demands. And by struggling, that means tripping circuits, flickering lights, and the occasional burning smell that absolutely shouldn’t be ignored. Older switchboards weren’t […]
Switchboards don’t get the credit they deserve. They sit in the background, quietly distributing power throughout your home, keeping everything running, and—if they’re doing their job right—staying completely unnoticed. That is, until something goes wrong. Then, suddenly, it’s the main character of your household drama. Outdated switchboards are a ticking time bomb. They weren’t designed […]
