Chinatown apartments and mixed-use buildings often have older switchboards, layered renovations and tight meter cupboards—our visual checks focus on the common visible risks that show up in CBD conversions and shop-top living.
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We visually assess the switchboard for signs of overheating, scorching, corrosion, water entry, missing blanks, poor cable entry and unclear circuit labelling. In higher-density Chinatown buildings, accurate labelling matters for isolating circuits quickly and avoiding accidental shutdowns or unsafe DIY work.
We check whether safety switches are present and how they appear to be configured for key circuits. While this is a visual-only inspection (not a push-button test), it helps identify older boards that may lack RCD protection or appear to have incomplete coverage after renovations.
We examine accessible wiring and fittings where visible (near the board, accessible power points, light fittings where safe to view) for damaged insulation, exposed conductors, loose fittings and signs of poor workmanship. These cues can indicate hidden issues that need electrician testing.
We look for visual signs that circuits may have been extended or added without adequate capacity—such as multiple new appliance connections, unusual cabling arrangements, or crowded board layouts. In smaller CBD apartments, high kitchen and HVAC loads can push older systems harder.
We confirm smoke alarms are present where visible and note obvious placement or installation concerns that can affect performance. In apartments and corridors, compliance responsibilities can be shared between owners and strata, so we document what is seen within the lot.
Where the property setup suggests strata-managed services (meter rooms, common risers, shared corridors), we note limitations and highlight any visible items that may need strata/electrician follow-up. This helps you ask the right questions before settlement.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
It covers a visual-only assessment of accessible electrical components, including the switchboard condition, visible wiring and fittings, visible safety switch presence, and smoke alarms where accessible. It does not include electrical testing, dismantling fittings, or issuing electrical compliance certificates. If we see warning signs, we’ll recommend follow-up by a licensed electrician for testing and rectification.
Often, yes—if the meter cupboard/switchboard for your lot is accessible during the inspection and we have permission to access it. In some Chinatown buildings, access is controlled by building management or requires a concierge, key or prior booking. If access isn’t available, we’ll document the limitation and advise what to request from strata or the vendor.
We visually check whether safety switches and smoke alarms appear to be present and suitably installed where visible, and we flag obvious concerns. Because this is a visual inspection, we don’t perform electrical testing or certify compliance. If you need confirmation of operation or compliance for tenancy or settlement conditions, we’ll recommend engaging a licensed electrician for functional tests and certification where applicable.
Some properties in and around Chinatown include older structures that have been refurbished or converted over time. That can leave a mix of old and new electrical elements—an older board with newer circuits added, or limited space in the switchboard after upgrades. Our visual inspection focuses on visible indicators like overcrowding, heat damage, corrosion, missing covers and unclear circuit identification.
We’ll describe what we observed, why it matters, and the likely level of urgency. For anything beyond a straightforward visual concern, we’ll recommend a licensed electrician to test circuits, assess load capacity and complete repairs or upgrades. If the property is strata, we’ll also suggest the right questions to ask building management about common property services and responsibility.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the visible risks that commonly show up in CBD apartments and mixed-use buildings—call 0413 163 187 to arrange an Electrical Visual Inspection in Chinatown (3000).