Forest Hill has a mix of original homes and renovated townhouses, where older circuits and DIY upgrades can leave polarity faults and missing safety switches unnoticed until they trip—or worse.
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We test for correct active/neutral/earth orientation at accessible outlets and points. Incorrect polarity can make appliance casings live, reduce the effectiveness of protective devices, and increase shock risk—especially in kitchens, laundries, and garages.
We check the switchboard for the presence and type of RCDs (safety switches), MCBs, and any older fuse components. We also note signs of heat stress, poor segregation, missing blanks, and unsafe access that can indicate higher risk.
We identify whether key areas such as general power, lighting, and high-risk wet areas appear to be protected by RCDs. Where coverage is limited or unclear, we flag it so you can confirm scope and upgrade options with an electrician.
We look for visible cable damage, aged or brittle insulation where accessible, non-compliant joins, and signs of DIY modifications. Poor workmanship can lead to arcing, nuisance tripping, or overheating within walls and ceilings.
We note whether smoke alarms are installed and whether placement appears sensible for sleeping and living zones. While detailed certification sits with specialists, missing or poorly located alarms are a common safety gap we can highlight.
You receive a straightforward summary of hazards identified through testing and observation, including polarity faults, switchboard concerns, and safety switch gaps. We outline what to prioritise and what to request in an electrician’s rectification quote.
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They can, particularly where a home has had multiple renovation stages or DIY work over the years. A kitchen or laundry update may add new outlets while older circuits remain, increasing the chance of wiring inconsistencies. Our assessment includes polarity testing at selected points to identify reversed or incorrect connections, then we document what needs an electrician’s attention before you rely on those outlets daily.
A general building inspection may note obvious electrical concerns, but it usually doesn’t include targeted polarity testing. This assessment focuses on electrical safety checks such as polarity at selected outlets, switchboard protection (RCDs/MCBs/fuses), and practical hazards like heat stress indicators or unsafe access. The goal is to identify shock and fire risk drivers, not just visible defects.
Yes—based on what we can observe safely. We look at the type of protection devices fitted, whether safety switches appear to cover key circuits, and whether there are warning signs like poor labelling, exposed openings, or heat-related deterioration. We don’t perform electrical repair work, but we clearly note concerns and the likely upgrade conversations to have with a qualified electrician.
Townhouses often have compact switchboards and multiple high-load appliances in a smaller footprint, which can reveal issues like inadequate RCD coverage, crowded wiring, or circuits added without clear labelling. Our assessment checks polarity at accessible outlets and reviews switchboard protection so you know whether basic safeguards are in place. We also flag any visible workmanship issues that may affect safety or future upgrades.
We include a practical check for the presence of smoke alarms and whether placement appears sensible for living and sleeping areas. Full compliance certification and testing requirements can depend on the property’s setup and regulatory obligations, so we treat this as a safety screening. If alarms are missing, outdated, or poorly positioned, we’ll note it so you can organise the right upgrade promptly.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on polarity testing and switchboard safety checks so you can identify high-risk faults before moving in or renovating. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection.