Hawthorn East has a mix of older brick homes, renovated apartments, and extensions where wiring changes can hide polarity faults. A targeted assessment helps confirm switches, outlets and safety devices are operating the right way around.
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We test accessible outlets to confirm active/neutral are correctly wired and earth is present where expected. Incorrect polarity can leave appliance casings energised or cause switches to interrupt the wrong conductor, increasing shock risk.
We assess accessible switches and light points for indicators of incorrect switching or wiring irregularities. This matters where renovations have added downlights or altered circuits, because polarity or switching faults can make maintenance unsafe.
We inspect the switchboard for visible safety concerns such as aged components, missing blanking plates, heat/discolouration signs, and unclear circuit identification. Clear labelling and safe enclosure reduce the chance of unsafe isolation during an emergency.
We check whether RCDs are installed and perform a functional trip test where safe to do so. RCD coverage is critical in wet areas, outdoor circuits and general power, and older boards in established Hawthorn East homes can have incomplete protection.
Where access allows, we look for visible issues such as unsupported cabling, amateur junctions, degraded insulation, or mixed old/new wiring that suggests piecemeal upgrades. These signs help prioritise where an electrician should investigate further.
We confirm smoke alarms are present and note placement and apparent type (hardwired/battery) where visible. This supports compliance planning, particularly in properties that have been reconfigured into open-plan layouts or extended with additional bedrooms.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
They can. Hawthorn East properties are often updated in stages—new kitchens, added downlights, extra power points, or a home office fit-out. If electrical work has been modified across different eras, wiring errors like reversed polarity or poor junctions can slip through. Our assessment tests polarity at accessible outlets and checks related safety items so you can identify issues that warrant a licensed electrician’s follow-up.
No. An Electrical Safety Assessment focuses on practical safety checks such as polarity testing, switchboard observations, safety switch presence/function, and visible wiring concerns. It does not replace certification or electrical repair work, which must be completed by a licensed electrician. If we identify hazards or red flags, we’ll outline what to raise with an electrician for formal testing and rectification.
Yes. We visually review the switchboard for safety concerns and check for RCD coverage. Where safe, we carry out basic RCD trip testing to confirm they respond. In older properties, it’s not unusual to find partial protection or legacy components. We’ll note what’s installed, what appears missing, and what should be investigated or upgraded by an electrician.
In apartments and townhouses, you may have a compact switchboard, shared services in common areas, and multiple previous occupants who have added devices over time. You can also see older fittings retained alongside newer renovations. Our assessment focuses on what is accessible within the lot, including polarity testing at outlets and checking RCD protection, and we’ll note where strata-managed systems may need separate enquiries.
Timing depends on access and the size of the property, but it’s typically completed during an inspection appointment without disrupting the home. We’ll need access to the switchboard and as many rooms as possible so we can test a representative selection of outlets and observe smoke alarms. If you have recent electrical invoices or a switchboard upgrade record, they can help interpret what’s installed.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchChoose ACE Building and Pest Inspections for polarity-focused testing and practical switchboard, RCD and smoke alarm observations tailored to Hawthorn East homes. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection.