The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) sought on Thursday more stringent electrical safety measures in Australia, particularly for older homes.

"Throughout Australia there are existing regulations that require the installation of safety switches and hard-wired smoke alarms in new homes or homes that have been renovated. However, many older homes are not covered by these regulations," NECA Chief Executive Officer James Tinslay said in a statement.

He explained that older homes in the country that were built in the early 1900s or after World War II still have their original wiring that could be dangerous and many lack safety switches or hard-wired smoke alarms.

He added those original electrical installations are powering modern appliances and he warned that the old wiring could pose danger to the homeowner if the wiring deteriorates.

Australia's wiring regulations mandated since 1991 the installation of safety switches on all new installation and when homes undergo significant renovations. Unfortunately, many older homes throughout the country are excluded from the new rules.

Given this situation, NECA called on home owners and landlords to ensure safety switches and hard-wired smoke alarms are installed as Australia's housing stock ages to help provide added protection to residents.

Mr Tinslay also suggest that government make it mandatory for periodic electrical safety inspections of premises when events take place or over fixed time intervals to ensure dangers would be identified. One way is for an inspection to be made when the house is sold, leased or changed tenants.

"Bank or mortgage providers require a pest and building inspection, but not a report on the electrical installation which can have more fatal implications or cause damage to the property from fire," Mr Tinslay pointed out.

Western Australia and Queensland require the installation of safety switches at the time of sale or lease. He suggested that other Australian states follow the example of the two states.