Balaclava’s mix of older walk-up flats and renovated period homes can hide polarity faults, ageing wiring and outdated switchboards behind fresh finishes. A targeted electrical safety check helps spot risks before they trip circuits, damage appliances or create shock hazards.
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We test selected power points for correct active/neutral polarity. Reversed polarity can make appliances and switched outlets behave unpredictably and may leave parts of equipment energised when you think it’s off, increasing shock risk.
We assess the switchboard for signs of heat damage, deteriorated components, improvised modifications and legacy hardware that can struggle with modern loads. We also check for clear labelling and safe access so faults can be isolated correctly.
We identify whether RCD protection is installed and test operation where possible. In many older Balaclava flats, some circuits may be protected and others not, which matters in wet areas and for portable appliances.
Without invasive opening-up, we inspect accessible wiring and terminations for warning signs such as brittle insulation, DIY joins, unsupported cabling and overheating marks. These clues often point to hidden issues that warrant electrician investigation.
We check smoke alarm presence and positioning and identify whether the setup appears appropriate for the home (including interconnected requirements where relevant). We note missing alarms, unsuitable locations and units that look past service life.
We pay special attention to circuits commonly upgraded in Balaclava renovations—kitchens, laundries and heating/cooling points—looking for signs that high-demand appliances may be sharing circuits not designed for current usage.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Yes. Many Balaclava flats were built before modern RCD requirements and have had piecemeal upgrades, which can leave some circuits unprotected or incorrectly wired. Polarity faults and ageing connections may not be obvious until there’s a shock incident, appliance damage or repeated tripping. An assessment highlights safety-critical issues at the switchboard, accessible outlets and alarms so you know what to prioritise with an electrician.
Polarity testing checks whether active and neutral conductors are correctly connected at a power point. If polarity is reversed, parts of an appliance can remain energised even when switched off, depending on the device and outlet design. This increases the risk of electric shock and can contribute to abnormal appliance behaviour. The result helps you pinpoint which outlets need urgent electrician attention rather than guessing.
No. The assessment is non-invasive and focuses on what can be safely accessed, including the switchboard, visible wiring indicators and selected outlets for testing. We won’t remove fixed wiring covers, dismantle appliances or open walls and ceilings. If we see warning signs—like heat damage at the board or evidence of brittle insulation—we’ll recommend the next step for an electrician to investigate further.
Often yes, but access matters. In some Balaclava blocks, the main meter room is locked or managed by an owners corporation, and individual unit boards may be inside the unit or in a common corridor. If access is available, we’ll assess the relevant board(s) and note any limitations. If access isn’t available on the day, we’ll document what couldn’t be checked and what to arrange next.
We check for the presence, basic suitability and visible condition of smoke alarms, and we note obvious issues such as missing alarms, poor placement or units that appear outdated. Full compliance can depend on property type, any recent building work and state requirements, so we present findings clearly and recommend actions for rectification or further verification where needed.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the practical safety risks seen in Balaclava homes—polarity faults, switchboard hazards, RCD coverage and smoke alarm gaps. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection.