Essendon West has plenty of renovated weatherboards and older brick homes where original circuits, DIY alterations and mixed-era switchboards can leave outlets wired incorrectly. A polarity-focused check helps uncover dangerous reversed active/neutral faults before they cause shocks or appliance damage.
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We test power points to confirm active/neutral polarity and earth presence where applicable. Incorrect polarity can create shock risk and can make some faults harder for protective devices to detect, especially with older appliances or metal-bodied equipment.
We visually assess the switchboard for signs of ageing, heat stress, water entry, missing blanks, and unsafe wiring presentation. We also note the type of protection fitted (fuses, circuit breakers, RCDs) so you understand whether your home’s protection level matches typical modern expectations.
We check whether RCDs are installed and conduct push-button testing where accessible. Working RCDs reduce the severity of electric shock incidents; missing or non-functional RCDs are a common safety gap in older Essendon West homes and older unit blocks.
We inspect accessible cabling and electrical accessories for deterioration indicators such as brittleness, damaged insulation, makeshift joints, and heat-affected fittings. These issues can signal higher fire risk or ongoing nuisance tripping once higher-load appliances are used.
We look for signs that a circuit may be overloaded (multiple high-load appliances on one circuit, frequent use of power boards, heat marks near outlets). This helps homebuyers understand whether the property may need circuit upgrades to support modern living safely.
We check for smoke alarms and note obvious placement or condition issues. While full compliance requirements can depend on the property’s situation, missing or ageing alarms are a straightforward safety risk to address immediately after purchase.
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Many Essendon West homes have been renovated in stages, which can mean older wiring and newer circuits are joined or altered over time. Polarity mistakes can occur when outlets or lighting points are added or replaced, particularly where workmanship varies. Polarity testing helps confirm outlets are wired correctly and reduces shock risk, especially around kitchens, laundries and outdoor areas where appliances and moisture are common.
Yes. We review the switchboard for visible safety issues and identify what protective devices are fitted, including whether safety switches (RCDs) are present. Where accessible, we perform basic functional testing using the test button. If we see signs of heat stress, unsafe cabling presentation or outdated protection, we document it clearly so you can engage a licensed electrician for further testing and rectification.
The assessment focuses on representative testing and the areas most likely to reveal safety risks, rather than exhaustive testing of every single point. We target a sensible spread of outlets and circuits, then interpret results alongside what we observe at the switchboard and accessible wiring. If results suggest broader issues, we’ll recommend the next steps for a licensed electrician to perform detailed circuit-by-circuit testing.
We often find a mix of older fittings with newer upgrades, which can lead to inconsistent protection and wiring quality. Common concerns include missing RCD coverage, older switchboards that don’t match modern demand, heat-marked outlets, and questionable additions such as extra power points installed to support home offices or split systems. Polarity and earthing faults are also worth checking, because they aren’t obvious until tested.
ACE Building and Pest Inspections identifies and documents safety risks, but electrical repairs and compliance certification must be handled by a licensed electrician. If we find an urgent concern, we’ll explain why it matters, where it appears to be, and what to ask an electrician to check or replace. This keeps the process clear and helps you prioritise safety-critical work first.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchCall ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for polarity-focused testing, switchboard safety checks and clear, practical findings tailored to Essendon West homes.