Camberwell’s older weatherboards, renovated period homes and upgraded apartments often mix new circuits with legacy wiring. A polarity and switchboard safety check helps uncover dangerous reversed connections, overloaded circuits and missing safety protection before they become a shock or fire risk.
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We test polarity at accessible power points to identify reversed active/neutral connections or wiring faults. Incorrect polarity can leave parts of appliances energised when switched “off”, increasing shock risk and creating unsafe conditions for day-to-day use.
We visually assess the switchboard for safety concerns such as ageing components, poor labelling, missing covers or signs of heat stress. The switchboard is the control centre of the home’s electrical system, so defects here can indicate elevated fire risk or a need for urgent electrician review.
We check whether RCDs appear to be installed and which circuits they protect (where identifiable), including power and lighting. In many older Camberwell homes, only some circuits were upgraded, leaving parts of the house without modern protection.
We note visible wiring issues in accessible areas such as under-house spaces, garages and storage areas, including unsupported cabling, damage, DIY connections or inappropriate joins. These observations help target where an electrician should investigate further.
We confirm the presence of smoke alarms and note obvious placement gaps where alarms may be missing from key areas. While full compliance requirements vary by property and occupancy, missing or poorly located alarms can be a straightforward safety fix.
We summarise items that may affect safety and practical compliance, such as outdated switchboard arrangements, lack of RCD coverage, and polarity faults. The report prioritises issues so you can plan repairs, negotiate, or schedule an electrician before moving in.
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Many Camberwell homes have been renovated more than once, which can leave a mix of old and new wiring, altered circuits and partially upgraded switchboards. That’s when polarity faults, missing RCD coverage and unsafe joins are more likely to occur. An Electrical Safety Assessment targets these risks by testing polarity where accessible and reviewing the switchboard and visible wiring for safety concerns.
No. This assessment is a safety-focused inspection and polarity test that identifies hazards and likely issues, but it is not a substitute for electrical certification or rectification work. If we find concerns, a licensed electrician should investigate, test further as required, and complete any repairs and compliance documentation. The value is knowing what to escalate before you move in or renovate.
We focus on practical safety: polarity testing at accessible outlets, a visual check of the switchboard for condition and obvious hazards, checks for the presence and apparent coverage of safety switches (RCDs), observations of visible wiring in accessible areas, and smoke alarm presence. If access is restricted or areas are not safely reachable, we note limitations clearly in the findings.
They can occur, particularly where electrical work has been added in stages—kitchen upgrades, rear extensions, outdoor power or garage conversions. Different contractors over time, DIY modifications, or re-terminated wiring can introduce reversed connections at outlets or circuits. Polarity testing helps detect these issues early, so you can have an electrician rectify them before appliances and occupants are exposed to unnecessary risk.
We can confirm smoke alarm presence and note obvious gaps, and we check for safety switches (RCDs) and their apparent coverage where identifiable. However, formal compliance depends on the property type, rental status and current regulations. If you’re buying an investment property in Camberwell or planning to lease soon, we recommend using our findings to arrange an electrician to verify compliance and upgrade alarms or RCD protection if needed.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on polarity, switchboard safety, RCD protection and smoke alarm basics—key risk areas for renovated and established Camberwell homes. Call 0413 163 187 to organise an inspection.