Electrical Safety Inspections
Northern Beaches

There are several situations where an electrical safety inspection is strongly recommended or required. If you're buying or selling a property, a pre-purchase inspection can identify hidden faults or non-compliant wiring before settlement. If your home is more than 25 years old and has never been inspected, there's a good chance the wiring, switchboard, or safety switches no longer meet current Australian standards. Landlords should arrange regular inspections to ensure rental properties remain safe and compliant — particularly before a new tenancy begins. You should also consider an inspection after storm damage, if you notice flickering lights or warm power points, or if your insurance provider requests a compliance certificate.

A full electrical safety inspection covers every critical part of your property's electrical system. We start at the switchboard, checking for correct labelling, adequate circuit protection, and the presence and function of safety switches (RCDs). We test all RCDs to ensure they trip within the required timeframe. From there, we inspect power points, light switches, and light fittings for signs of damage, wear, or non-compliant installation. We check smoke alarms to confirm they're working and compliant with current NSW legislation. We also assess visible wiring for deterioration and look for any DIY work that may pose a safety risk. At the end, you receive a detailed written report with our findings and recommendations.

While NSW does not currently mandate a specific inspection interval for rental properties, industry best practice recommends a full electrical safety inspection at least every five years — or more frequently for older properties. Smoke alarms in rental properties must be tested and maintained to comply with NSW legislation, which requires working smoke alarms on every level of the home. Landlords have a legal duty of care to ensure the property is safe for tenants, and regular electrical inspections are one of the most effective ways to meet that obligation. We recommend scheduling an inspection before each new tenancy, after any major renovations, and whenever a tenant reports an electrical issue.