Ivanhoe’s mix of older weatherboard homes and renovated family houses often means decades of wiring changes, added circuits and upgraded kitchens—exactly where polarity faults and switchboard issues can hide.
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We test a selection of accessible outlets to confirm active/neutral/earth are correctly wired. Incorrect polarity can make appliances appear ‘off’ while still live, increasing shock risk during cleaning, maintenance or changing fittings.
We visually check the switchboard for aged components, heat damage, poor labelling, exposed gaps, and signs of non-standard modifications. We also identify the presence and type of circuit protection to flag upgrade needs.
We confirm whether safety switches are installed and which circuits they appear to protect. Where safe and accessible, we perform basic operational checks to see if an RCD trips as expected and note any limitations.
We look for clues such as discolouration, melted insulation, scorching, or a burnt smell around the switchboard and accessible cabling. These warning signs often point to loose connections or overloaded circuits.
Where access is available, we note wiring types and visible condition, including brittle or degraded insulation, unsupported cables, junctions, or taped joins that suggest unapproved work.
We confirm smoke alarms are present and note obvious placement issues that can reduce effectiveness, such as missing alarms in key areas or alarms located poorly for typical Ivanhoe home layouts with extensions and split levels.
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Get Electrical Safety Assessment as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Many Ivanhoe properties were built long before modern RCD requirements and have been upgraded in stages. That can leave a mix of old and new circuits, reused cabling, or altered outlets where polarity can be incorrect. An Electrical Safety Assessment checks for polarity faults, switchboard safety issues and signs of overheating so you can address risks early and plan upgrades with a licensed electrician.
No. Our assessment is a safety-focused inspection that identifies polarity issues, switchboard concerns, and visible wiring risks, then recommends where electrician rectification is needed. A compliance certificate can only be issued by a licensed electrician after completing electrical work and testing to the required standard. We provide practical findings to help you scope work accurately before you engage an electrician.
We often find poor labelling, missing circuit identification, older-style protective devices, and signs of heat around breakers or neutral links. In homes that have had multiple upgrades, we also see inconsistent RCD coverage—some circuits protected, others not. These issues don’t always cause immediate failure, but they can increase shock and fire risk and make troubleshooting harder.
They can be. Ivanhoe renovations often involve kitchen and bathroom upgrades, added lighting, and new outdoor power for entertaining areas. When outlets or light points are added or moved, incorrect connections can occur, particularly if work was done long ago or by unqualified hands. Polarity testing at accessible outlets helps catch these faults before they create a hazard.
Ensure we can access the switchboard, meter box area, and a representative selection of power points inside and out. If you have underfloor or roof access, clear any stored items around the access point. Let us know about any recent electrical work, frequent tripping, flickering lights, or hot smells near the switchboard, as these symptoms help us target higher-risk areas.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on polarity faults, switchboard safety and RCD coverage—ideal for Ivanhoe homes with older wiring and renovation history. Call 0413 163 187.