East Melbourne’s mix of heritage terraces, older apartments and renovated homes often hides legacy wiring and switchboard upgrades; a polarity and safety-switch check helps confirm circuits are wired correctly and protected.
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We test for correct active/neutral orientation on selected power points and applicable circuits. Reversed polarity can leave parts of an appliance or fitting energised even when switched off, increasing shock risk and reducing the effectiveness of protective devices.
We assess the switchboard for safety switch (RCD) coverage, circuit labelling and obvious defects such as heat damage, poor clearances or exposed openings. In older East Melbourne homes, partial upgrades are common, so we note what appears protected and what may not be.
We identify whether RCDs are installed and test the trip function where safe and accessible. This helps confirm that the devices intended to reduce shock risk are present and responding as expected, particularly on general power circuits.
We check accessible wiring and fittings for signs of deterioration, temporary joins, loose plates, cracked accessories or non-compliant modifications. Older insulation and heat-affected cabling can present a higher risk in properties with high electrical demand.
We look for visible signs that suggest earthing may be inadequate or inconsistent, such as older style outlets, mixed cabling types and irregular upgrades. Proper earthing supports protective devices and reduces the likelihood of metal fixtures becoming live.
We note the presence, type and general placement of smoke alarms as part of an electrical safety overview. Where alarms appear outdated or poorly positioned, we flag it so you can confirm compliance and upgrade plans with the relevant installer.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Many East Melbourne terraces and older homes have had multiple electrical updates over decades—new kitchens, added power points, split systems and extensions—without a full rewire. That can leave mixed cabling, partial RCD coverage or polarity issues on older circuits. A targeted assessment checks key safety fundamentals so you know what’s safe now and what needs an electrician’s attention before you rely on it.
A polarity test helps confirm that the active and neutral are correctly connected at outlets and relevant points. If polarity is reversed, parts of a circuit or appliance can remain live when you assume it’s isolated by a switch. This can increase shock risk during everyday use and during maintenance. If we detect issues, we’ll describe where they appear and what to request from your electrician.
Yes. We review the switchboard’s visible condition and note the presence of safety switches (RCDs) and how circuits appear arranged and labelled. Where safe and accessible, we also test RCD operation. In East Melbourne properties, it’s common to see older boards with later add-ons, so we focus on identifying protection gaps and any obvious hazards that warrant prompt electrical work.
It does. Apartments can have limitations such as smaller switchboards, older common wiring arrangements, or metering setups that affect how circuits are protected. We can still test polarity and review the unit’s switchboard and accessible points to identify safety issues within your lot. If a concern appears linked to common property, we’ll note it so you can raise it with the owners corporation or building manager.
It’s a safety-focused assessment, not a full electrical compliance certification. We identify practical hazards and red flags around polarity, switchboard protection and visible wiring condition, and we provide clear recommendations for follow-up. Any rectification or formal compliance sign-off must be completed by a licensed electrician, and specific requirements can vary depending on the work performed and the property’s use.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on polarity, switchboard protection and real-world hazards commonly found in East Melbourne’s older and renovated homes. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange your assessment.