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Kew homes often mix older wiring with modern renovations, EV chargers and high-load appliances—polarity and switchboard faults can hide until they cause shocks, trips or overheating.
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We test power points for correct active/neutral/earth orientation. Incorrect polarity can leave appliance parts energised when they appear “off”, increasing shock risk and creating unsafe conditions for plug-in devices and power boards.
We visually assess the switchboard for signs of overheating, ageing components, poor labelling and unsafe modifications. We also identify what protective devices are present (such as circuit breakers and RCDs) and whether protection appears consistent with the circuits in use.
Where accessible, we check whether safety switches are fitted and test their operation using the test button. A working RCD is critical for reducing the severity of electric shock incidents, particularly in wet areas and outdoor circuits.
We look for accessible indicators of wiring issues, including brittle or damaged insulation, exposed conductors, DIY junctions, loose fittings and heat damage around outlets and switches. These issues can contribute to arcing and fire risk.
We check for the presence and placement of smoke alarms where visible and accessible, noting gaps that may affect compliance. We also flag alarms that appear outdated, poorly located, or missing in key circulation areas.
We pay extra attention to areas that commonly run multiple high-draw appliances. We look for signs of overloaded power point use, unsuitable double adaptors, and circuit arrangements that may benefit from electrician review—important in renovated Kew homes with modern appliance loads.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Many Kew properties have had rooms renovated at different times, with new power points or lighting added to older circuits. If a connection is wired incorrectly, polarity can be reversed at an outlet. That can make appliances and fittings behave unpredictably and increase shock risk. Polarity testing checks accessible outlets so faults can be identified and referred to an electrician for rectification.
Yes. Our assessment includes a practical review of the switchboard condition and what protective devices are installed, including whether safety switches (RCDs) are present. Where accessible, we test RCDs using the test button and note any concerns such as poor labelling, signs of heat stress or inconsistent protection. Any electrical repairs or upgrades must be completed by a qualified electrician.
We test accessible outlets and key points relevant to polarity and safety, but we may not be able to test every outlet in every room, particularly where furniture, tenant belongings or access restrictions apply. We focus on representative sampling, high-use zones and any areas that show warning signs. If our findings suggest broader issues, we’ll recommend targeted electrician testing across additional circuits.
In established Kew streets, we often see legacy wiring alongside partial upgrades—such as newer kitchens feeding into older circuits, older switchboards with modern additions, and outlets added during renovations. We also see high appliance loads from ducted heating, split systems and induction cooking. These factors can expose missing RCD coverage, overloaded circuits or wiring wear, which our assessment is designed to flag early.
We include a basic check of smoke alarm presence and placement where accessible, noting obvious compliance gaps or alarms that appear outdated or poorly located. We don’t perform electrical installation work or certification, but we will advise if the setup looks incomplete for a typical residential layout. If changes are needed, we’ll recommend engaging a qualified electrician to install or update alarms correctly.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on polarity hazards, switchboard safety and practical compliance checks suited to Kew’s mix of older homes and modern renovations. Call 0413 163 187.