Ivanhoe East has a mix of older family homes and renovated properties where wiring, switchboards and added circuits don’t always match modern safety expectations. A polarity and safety check helps spot hidden risks before they show up as shocks, nuisance tripping or overheating.
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We test for correct active/neutral orientation and identify polarity reversals and related wiring faults. Incorrect polarity can leave appliances and fittings energised in unexpected ways, increasing shock risk and creating misleading “it still works” scenarios that mask danger.
We inspect the switchboard layout, labelling, signs of heat stress, and the presence and type of protective devices. This includes checking for RCDs (safety switches) and assessing whether the board setup appears consistent with the number of circuits and modern household loads.
Where accessible, we confirm whether safety switches are installed and test operation using the test function. We note gaps in coverage that can be common after staged renovations, where some circuits have RCD protection and others remain unprotected.
We check accessible cabling and connections for warning signs such as brittle insulation, heat damage, DIY joinery, exposed conductors and unsuitable junctions. These indicators often point to higher-risk faults hidden behind walls or ceilings.
We look for signs that earthing may be compromised, including wiring anomalies at outlets, inconsistent test results and evidence of older or mismatched fittings. Reliable earthing is critical for safety switch performance and reducing the chance of touch voltage in fault conditions.
We confirm smoke alarms are present and note obvious issues like missing units, damage or poor siting. While this isn’t a full fire compliance certification, it helps flag immediate safety gaps that should be addressed promptly.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Renovations in Ivanhoe East often add new power points and circuits while leaving parts of the older wiring in place. If polarity is reversed at any outlet or fitting, appliances can still run but parts may remain energised, increasing shock risk during cleaning or servicing. Our assessment uses targeted polarity testing to find these “hidden” faults and highlights where an electrician should investigate further.
Yes. We review the switchboard for condition, layout, labelling and obvious heat or damage indicators, then confirm what protective devices are installed. We also check for safety switch (RCD) presence and, where accessible, perform basic trip testing via the test button. We report on gaps in RCD coverage that can leave certain circuits unprotected.
We carry out targeted testing and checks that are practical during an inspection, focusing on representative outlets and areas that commonly show issues. If results suggest wider faults—such as inconsistent polarity readings or signs of deteriorated cabling—we’ll note this clearly and recommend further testing by a qualified electrician. This approach balances coverage with the realities of access and time on site.
Many established homes in Ivanhoe East have had their electrical system expanded over decades—extra circuits for kitchens, heating/cooling, home offices and outdoor areas. Older boards may lack modern RCD protection across all circuits or show signs of overload and untidy modifications. Our assessment highlights whether the current switchboard setup appears appropriate for today’s loads and where upgrades should be discussed with an electrician.
If we identify a safety-critical issue—such as evidence of overheating, exposed conductors, or test results suggesting dangerous wiring—we’ll explain the risk on the spot and record it as a priority item in the findings. We’ll advise immediate isolation or urgent electrician attendance where appropriate. Rectification work must be completed by a qualified electrician, but you’ll have clear direction on next steps.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on polarity testing, switchboard safety and RCD coverage—key issues in Ivanhoe East homes with older wiring and layered renovations. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection.