Electrical safety is essential for every household, especially with aging electrical installations and everyday use of appliances. To ensure electrical safety, regularly check for signs of damage, overload, and proper functionality of devices and wiring. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a residential tenancy, staying compliant with residential tenancies regulations matters.
A licensed or registered electrician can help identify electrical faults, assess switchboards, and inspect electrical installations and fittings for safety risks. Regular checks not only prevent hazards but also offer peace of mind. Energy Safe Victoria recommends using a licensed electrician for all inspections and repairs to keep your property safe.
1. Visual Inspection
A visual inspection is the first step in any comprehensive electrical safety check. It involves assessing all visible parts of your home’s electrical systems, including switchboards, power points, light fittings, and electrical wiring. The goal is to identify any signs of damage, wear, or deterioration that could lead to electrical faults or safety risks.
In Sydney rental properties, regular safety checks are mandatory under the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021. These checks should include a check of all electrical installations and fittings within the premises to ensure they are safe and compliant.
Visual inspections should only be carried out by a licensed or registered electrician. This helps ensure you’re meeting the safety obligations outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act in Victoria, which also influences how safety is approached in other Australian states. A certificate of electrical safety must be issued after the inspection, noting the required and actions taken to address any identified issues.
2. Testing Safety Switches (RCDs)
Residual current devices (RCDs)—also called safety switches—are designed to prevent electric shock and electrical accidents by cutting power in the event of a fault. A safety switch should be tested every three months to confirm it trips correctly.
For a professional electrical safety inspection, testing RCDs is a non-negotiable step. Many electrical contractors in Sydney offer electrical safety inspections that include RCD testing to detect potential electrical hazards and ensure safety and compliance.
Key steps in testing include:
- Pressing the “test” button on each RCD to ensure it trips immediately.
- Confirming each device protects the correct circuit or type of electrical equipment.
- Ensuring no supplied electrical appliance causes the RCD to trip unexpectedly.
- Verifying the RCD is not damaged or showing signs of wear.
Failure to conduct regular RCD testing can lead to electrical incidents, especially in households with children at home, where electrical safety is even more critical.
3. Testing Circuit Breakers
Like RCDs, circuit breakers are safety devices designed to prevent overload and fire risks in your home’s electrical system. During an electrical inspection, a licensed electrician checks for correct operation of all breakers on your switchboard.
A comprehensive electrical safety check includes:
- Ensuring circuit breakers trip correctly under fault conditions.
- Confirming compatibility between the breaker and the connected electrical equipment.
- Checking for signs of heat damage or wear.
- Verifying all breakers are correctly labelled.
Testing circuit breakers forms part of a safety check of all electrical installations. This is especially important for rental properties, where gas and electrical safety checks must be done regularly to remain safe and compliant under tenancy laws.
4. Earthing and Bonding
Proper earthing and bonding are critical for preventing the danger associated with electrical faults. Without it, there’s a risk of electric shock from appliances or fittings that become live.
During the inspection and testing of electrical systems, electricians check for:
- Continuity of earthing conductors.
- Secure connections between the earthing system and all electrical installations and fittings.
- Bonding of metal pipework, especially in older homes.
A fault in the earthing system can lead to electrical hazards that might not be immediately obvious. If a recent electrical safety check has not been conducted on your property in Sydney, book one with a licensed electrical contractor to ensure the home is safe from the danger associated with faulty earthing.
5. Other Safety Checks
Ensuring electrical safety involves more than just inspecting wiring. This section covers additional vital safety checks to prevent electrical incidents and maintain a safe living environment.
Smoke Alarms and Gas Safety Checks
A professional electrical safety service includes gas and electrical safety checks to comply with safety obligations and the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. Smoke alarms and gas safety checks identify potential gas leaks or faulty appliances, which when combined with electrical inspections, reduce hazards in your home or workplace.
Avoid Overloading Power Points
Many electrical issues arise from overloaded power points. It’s essential to use power points within their rated capacity to prevent overheating and potential fires. Regular electrical safety checks across your property can help detect this risk early.
Use Battery-Powered Tools Where Possible
Battery-powered tools reduce reliance on mains power, limiting the risk of electrical faults and providing added safety, especially in damp or outdoor environments. This practice aligns with recommendations during testing of electrical equipment.
Use RCDs Where Required
Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are a key safety device installed during electrical work to protect against electric shocks. A safety check includes a comprehensive test of RCDs to ensure they function correctly and provide ongoing protection.
6. Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to preventing electrical issues and ensuring your property remains safe and compliant. A comprehensive electrical safety check includes inspection and testing of electrical equipment to identify any faults before they become serious hazards. Portable electrical equipment, in particular, needs to be regularly tested to avoid electrical incidents.
The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 requires compliance checks for gas and electrical safety in rental properties. Registered electrical contractors carry out these checks and provide a licence or registration number as proof. If a recent electrical safety check has not been conducted, it’s essential to arrange one promptly. This helps meet safety obligations and maintain a safe living environment.
When faults are found, timely repairs taken to address the repair of electrical issues are crucial. Only a registered electrician who conducted the check should perform any electrical work to ensure compliance and safety. Regular maintenance through professional electrical safety services prevents electrical incidents and keeps your system working efficiently.
Stay Safe with Regular Electrical Checks
Stay safe by prioritising health and safety with regular electrical services. An electrical safety check today can prevent costly electrical issues and reduce the risk of incidents in your home or workplace. Don’t wait until a problem arises—regular checks ensure your electrical systems are compliant and working efficiently.
For reliable, professional electrical safety services in Sydney, trust Calibre Connect. Contact us now to schedule your electrical safety check today and keep your property safe and compliant.