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McKinnon has a mix of older weatherboard homes, renovated brick units and extension-heavy family houses—exactly where switchboard upgrades, DIY changes and mixed-era wiring can create polarity and protection issues.
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We test selected power points to confirm active/neutral wiring is correct. Incorrect polarity can make appliances and switches behave unpredictably and can increase shock risk, especially where older wiring has been altered during renovations.
We inspect the switchboard for visible defects such as heat damage, corrosion, missing blanks, loose-looking connections, and unclear or incorrect circuit labels. Clear labelling matters when isolating circuits quickly during a fault or emergency.
We identify whether RCDs are installed and which circuits appear to be protected. Many homes have partial upgrades where only some circuits are on safety switches; we highlight gaps so you’re not relying on protection that isn’t actually there.
Where an RCD has a test button and conditions allow, we perform a functional trip-test. This helps confirm the device responds, noting that full verification and trip-time testing is a job for a licensed electrician with calibrated equipment.
We check visible cabling for issues such as brittle insulation, exposed conductors, unsupported runs, or non-weatherproof fittings in areas like garages, underfloor spaces (if accessible), and outdoor power points. These defects can lead to arcing, overheating or moisture-related faults.
We note the presence, type and visible placement of smoke alarms and flag common issues like missing units, outdated style, or poor placement relative to bedrooms and hallways. We recommend electrician follow-up where hardwired compliance or interconnection is required.
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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.
Yes—where wiring is visible and safely accessible, we look for warning signs common in older homes such as brittle insulation, exposed conductors and non-compliant fittings. We also focus on polarity at accessible outlets and the switchboard’s protection setup. We don’t open walls or perform electrician-only tests, but we flag concerns clearly so a licensed electrician can investigate and rectify.
We’ll check the switchboard for visible condition issues, whether safety switches (RCDs) are installed, and which circuits appear to be protected. Renovated kitchens often add higher loads, so we pay close attention to signs of overheating, poor labelling and partial upgrades. We also test polarity at accessible outlets in key areas to help identify wiring changes that may not have been completed correctly.
No. Polarity testing is a targeted safety check that confirms active/neutral wiring at accessible points is correct. A full compliance inspection and detailed electrical testing (including insulation resistance, earth continuity and RCD trip-time verification) must be completed by a licensed electrician. Our assessment is designed to quickly identify high-risk issues and guide the right follow-up work.
They can, particularly where the building has had staged upgrades or individual unit renovations. It’s not unusual to find one RCD protecting only some circuits, leaving others on older protection. During the assessment we identify what’s present at the switchboard, note likely coverage gaps, and explain what that means for everyday use—especially for wet areas, outdoor outlets and laundry circuits.
We observe the presence and visible placement of smoke alarms and note obvious issues such as missing units, outdated style, or poor positioning. Operational testing and compliance requirements can vary depending on the alarm type and installation. If we see concerns, we’ll recommend follow-up with a qualified electrician to confirm operation, upgrade where needed, and ensure the home meets current expectations for safety.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the faults that cause real hazards—polarity errors, switchboard risks, RCD coverage gaps and smoke alarm red flags. Call 0485 857 077 to arrange your assessment.