For many Cantabrians, summer means weekends away, long stays at the bach, or locking up a holiday home for weeks at a time. While you’re ticking off the obvious things – windows, doors, water – your electrical system is often forgotten.
A few simple electrical checks before you leave can help prevent damage, reduce fire risk, and save you money while the place sits empty.
Here’s what we recommend checking before you lock the door.
1. Turn Off What You Don’t Need (Safely)
Anything that doesn’t need to stay on should be switched off at the wall – or unplugged entirely. This includes:
TVs and entertainment systems
Small appliances
Heaters and fans
Phone chargers and power boards
Not only does this reduce power consumption, it also lowers the risk of electrical faults while you’re away.
What should stay on?
Fridges and freezers (if stocked)
Alarm systems
Wi-Fi (if required for monitoring or cameras)
If you’re unsure what’s safe to switch off, an electrician can label circuits or help you set things up properly.
2. Check Your Switchboard
Your switchboard is the control centre of your home’s electrical system – and it’s especially important when a property is unoccupied.
Before leaving:
Make sure circuit breakers aren’t warm or tripping
Check that RCDs (safety switches) are present and working
Look for any signs of scorching, buzzing, or loose wiring
Older holiday homes and baches often have outdated switchboards, which can be a higher fire risk when left unattended for long periods.
3. Test Smoke Alarms (and Replace Old Ones)
Smoke alarms are your first line of defence – even when no one’s home.
Before you leave:
Test all alarms
Replace batteries if needed
Check expiry dates (most alarms last 8–10 years)
If your holiday home has older battery alarms, it may be worth upgrading to interlinked or long-life alarms, especially if the property is remote or hard to access quickly.
4. Be Careful With Timers and Smart Devices
Timers and smart plugs are great for making a home look lived-in, but they need to be set up correctly.
Double-check:
Outdoor lights are weather-rated
Timers aren’t overloaded
Smart devices are connected reliably (especially in rural areas)
A faulty timer or overloaded circuit can cause more harm than good if left running unsupervised.
5. Watch Out for Moisture & Coastal Conditions
Many Kiwi baches are near the coast, lakes, or rivers — which means moisture and corrosion are common issues.
Pay attention to:
Outdoor power points
Sheds and garages
Older fittings near windows or doors
If you’ve noticed rust, cracking, or condensation around electrical fittings, it’s worth getting them checked before leaving the property empty for weeks.
6. Consider a Pre-Holiday Electrical Check
If your holiday home is older, rented out, or regularly left unoccupied, a quick electrical inspection can give real peace of mind.
An electrician can:
Identify potential fire risks
Check switchboards and safety devices
Make sure everything is compliant and safe while you’re away
It’s a small job that can prevent big problems.
Enjoy Your Time Away - Worry-Free
A little preparation goes a long way. Making sure your electrical system is safe before you head off can save you stress, damage, and unexpected call-outs later.
If you’d like help checking over your holiday home or bach before you lock up, the team at Cassidy-Davies Electrical are happy to help – whether it’s a quick inspection or advice on upgrades that make life easier long-term.
