Renovating a Queenslander: electrical traps to watch for
Queenslanders are loved for their character – high ceilings, timber floors, wide verandahs. But many were built well before modern electrical standards existed, and what’s hiding behind the walls and under the floor can catch renovators off guard. Before you start knocking down walls or adding a new ensuite, it pays to know what you might find.
Old wiring that’s reached the end of its life
Homes built before the 1960s were commonly wired with VIR (vulcanised Indian rubber) cable, and homes renovated through the 60s to 80s often have early TPS (tough plastic sheathed) cable. Both have a rated service life of around 30 years. VIR cable in particular becomes brittle with age – the rubber insulation can crack, crumble or perish, exposing bare conductor underneath. It’s not something you can judge from a quick look either; wiring that looks fine on the surface can be unsafe once it’s disturbed.
Possible asbestos in old cabling and switchboards
Some older VIR cable used asbestos-containing materials in its insulation wrapping, and older switchboard backing sheets were often made from asbestos cement. Disturbing these during a renovation – drilling, cutting, or even removing an old switchboard – can release fibres into the air. If your home was built or wired before the early 1990s, treat any electrical work as a job for a licensed professional who knows what to look for, rather than a DIY task.
Switchboards that can’t keep up with modern life
Many Queenslanders still have their original switchboard, often fitted with ceramic (“wire”) fuses instead of modern circuit breakers and safety switches. These older boards were never designed for the loads we put on homes today – air conditioning, induction cooktops, EV chargers and multiple entertainment systems all draw more power than a board from decades ago was built to handle. A renovation is the ideal time to bring your switchboard up to current standards.
Wiring exposed under the house
Because Queenslanders are elevated on stumps or posts, a lot of the original wiring runs through the subfloor, where it’s exposed to weather, moisture and pests. Rodents chewing through cable insulation is a common – and often hidden – fire risk in these homes. If you’re renovating underneath (adding a rumpus room, laundry or storage), it’s worth having this wiring inspected as part of the job.
Before you start, get an electrical check
The best time to find out what you’re dealing with is before the tools come out, not halfway through the job. A pre-renovation electrical inspection can flag outdated wiring, asbestos risk and switchboard issues early, so they’re accounted for in your budget and timeline rather than turning into a costly surprise. If you’re planning a renovation in Ipswich or across South East Queensland, our team specialises in rewiring character homes and can walk you through what your home will need before you start.