Melbourne's Trusted Electrical Contractor

At Approved Electrix, our Master Electricians specialise in Full House Rewire in Bentleigh and helping Melbourne homeowners bring older homes up to today’s safety standards. One of our recent projects took place in Bentleigh, where we completed a full house rewire on a charming 1950s weatherboard home that had been suffering from flickering lights, overloaded circuits, and unreliable power points.

Like many homes from that era, this property still had vulcanised indian rubber cabling behind the walls—a serious fire and safety hazard. Our goal was not only to replace the outdated wiring but to modernise the entire electrical system to meet current AS/NZS 3000 standards and support the demands of modern living.

Why Vulcanised Indian Rubber Cable Is a Risk

During our inspection, we confirmed that the home was still wired with old vulcanised Indian rubber insulated cable, which is prone to cracking, brittleness, and exposure of live wires as it ages. This type of cabling is not only outdated but dangerous, as it increases the risk of both fire and electric shock. For any Melbourne homeowners in properties built before the 1970s, this is something to take seriously.

 

Old switchboard with old VIR cables

A Modern Electrical Overhaul

The scope of this Bentleigh project involved a complete electrical transformation. We began by removing all of the old Indian rubber cabling throughout the home and installed brand-new PVC-insulated copper cables, which offer better durability, insulation, and compliance with modern standards.

 

Example of complaint PVC cable

We rewired every lighting and power circuit, bringing them up to current code, and replaced all existing light switches and power points with new, compliant fittings. To enhance home safety, we also installed two hardwired interconnected smoke alarms, ensuring the property met current fire safety legislation.

On the supply side, we significantly boosted the home’s electrical capacity. We upgraded the original 32A mains cable to a 63A 16mm cable, providing a safe foundation for future high-load appliances. We also installed a new 63A main switch, ran a new 6mm earth cable, and upgraded the earth electrode for proper grounding.

The meter box was repositioned for better access and compliance, while a new mains fuse box and riser bracket were added for safety and structural integrity. The heart of the upgrade was the installation of a new switchboard, fitted with RCBO safety switches for each circuit. This ensures that any fault or overload is isolated individually, protecting the home and its occupants.

 

Smarter Connections for the Modern Home

Connectivity was another key focus of this project. We installed data points throughout the property to support a home office setup, smart TVs in the living spaces, and access in the kids’ bedrooms. With more devices requiring stable internet connections, this upgrade ensures that every room is wired for performance.

Updated Lighting & Power Where It Counts

To complement the electrical overhaul, we made several enhancements to the home’s lighting and power points. The kitchen now features four new energy-efficient LED downlights and a 4-metre LED strip light under the cabinetry—great for both task lighting and ambience.

We added a new power point near the TV area and installed a general-purpose outlet at the study desk to improve convenience. In the bathroom, we replaced the old heat lamp with a safe and compliant modern alternative.

Finishing Touches & Cleanup

No job is complete without attention to the small details. We tidied and re-secured messy Telstra / NBN cabling that was cluttering the side of the house, and we removed old, unused cabling that once ran to a backyard shed. A final compliance inspection was carried out, and a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) was issued to the homeowner for peace of mind.

Built for the Future

As part of our forward-thinking approach, we also installed a dedicated high-load circuit in the kitchen, ready for a future induction cooktop. This proactive addition allows the homeowner to upgrade their appliances later without needing further electrical work or costly retrofitting.

What Does a Full House Rewire Bentleigh and Melbourne Suburbs Cost?

This full rewire project in Bentleigh was completed for $8,000 + GST, which is typical for a 3-bedroom home with reasonable access to underfloor and ceiling spaces.

Generally, the cost of rewiring a home can range from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on factors like:

    • The size and layout of the home

    • The type of cabling and number of circuits required

    • Access to roof and floor cavities

    • The number of outlets, lights, and appliances to be installed

We always offer upfront, fixed pricing, so there are no surprises.

Serving Bentleigh & Surrounding Suburbs

If you live in Bentleigh, McKinnon, Ormond, or East Bentleigh, and your home was built before the 1970s, there’s a chance it may still contain hazardous wiring. We specialise in electrical safety upgrades and rewires to bring homes up to standard.

In addition to rewires, we also offer:

Book with a Trusted Local Team

With over 25 years of experience, Approved Electrix is proud to be your trusted local Melbourne electrician. All our work is completed by fully licensed professionals and backed by a lifetime workmanship warranty. We’re also certified by Master Electricians Australia, so you know you’re getting the highest standards of quality and safety.

Call us today on (03) 8370 5737

Visit approvedelectrix.com.au

Approved Electrix – Local Bentleigh Electricians | Rewires | Switchboards | Renovations

Also Read the Articles:

Article By

Dean Barton

Dean Barton is the Director and founder of Approved Electrix, a Melbourne-based electrical contracting company with over 15 years of hands-on industry experience. Dean is a fully qualified and licensed A-Grade electrician in Victoria and a registered electrical contractor, delivering residential, commercial, and industrial electrical projects across Melbourne in strict compliance with AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules and Victorian electrical regulations.

Approved Electrix is a proud Master Electricians Australia member, and Dean is directly involved in quoting, system design, compliance checks, and final quality assurance on every job. He works closely with homeowners, builders, architects, and property managers to provide safe, reliable, and future-proof electrical solutions.