Does my home need an electrical safety inspection?

There are several crucial reasons why your family home or investment property requires a qualified electrical safety inspection.
Commercial and industrial properties in Australia must adhere to electrical safety regulations enforced by Work Health and Safety Government inspectors. If an electrical accident occurs on business premises, the business owner or worker will be held accountable.
Homeowners Need Electrical Safety Inspections
However, these standards also apply to homeowners, who may be reluctant to conduct electrical safety inspections on residential properties in Mildura or elsewhere in Australia.
Typically, domestic homeowners contact an electrician only when an electrical issue arises, often due to problems like power failures caused by faulty socket outlets or switches, which can lead to blackouts. Many of these issues stem from older or faulty wiring.
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to electrical safety.
Faulty Wiring Is Hazardous
Faulty wiring is a major cause of house fires, often exacerbated by overloaded circuits. These circuits can carry electrical currents strong enough to excessively heat the wires, particularly if the wiring is frayed, torn, or non-compliant. Such conditions are ripe for an electrical fire.
If your property is over 20 years old, it is highly recommended to seek a qualified electrical expert to conduct a professional electrical safety inspection. This is essential as the electrical demands of households have significantly increased over the past two decades due to modern appliances like smart TVs, high-speed internet, air conditioning, and gaming consoles.
Circuit breakers are crucial for preventing electrical overloads and fires.
Older homes in Mildura may also have unsafe or faulty earthing, which can be a highly volatile situation, akin to a ticking bomb.
The damage from electrical fires can be devastating, starting quietly and spreading rapidly, with intense heat.
These risks can be mitigated by scheduling a qualified electrical safety inspection.
What to Expect When Having an Electrical Safety Inspection on Your Property
Here is what you can expect from an electrical safety inspection in Mildura, Victoria:
- Licensing Requirements: The person conducting the inspection must be licensed. It is illegal for unlicensed individuals to perform safety inspections.
- Certification: In Victoria, the qualified professional conducting the electrical inspection must issue a certificate within 28 days after the inspection. This certificate confirms that the work meets the correct standards and has been conducted by a licensed electrical safety inspector. This certificate should be retained for future reference.
- Inspection Process: The electrical inspector will likely turn off the power to thoroughly check for electrical issues. You should receive detailed information on what needs to be rectified, including any electrical weaknesses on the property.
- Detailed Report: After the inspection, you should receive a detailed report on any necessary repairs or issues. This is also a good opportunity to discuss any concerns you might have, such as unusual smells or sounds from the electrical system.
- Aging or Damaged Wires and Overloaded Circuits: The contractor will check for these issues to ensure nothing hazardous threatens your home or property.
Having your property inspected not only brings peace of mind but also can increase the value of your home. Demonstrating with a certificate that your home is electrically modern and up-to-date is beneficial.
For more informative details on electrical issues and solutions, please visit the blog section of our website.
If you need a qualified electrical safety inspection in Mildura, please don’t hesitate to contact Grayling Electrical today.