Northcote’s older weatherboard homes and renovated terraces often have a mix of original wiring and modern upgrades, making a careful visual check of switchboards, safety switches and smoke alarms a smart step before you buy or renovate.
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We visually assess the switchboard for obvious deterioration, missing covers, heat damage indicators, water ingress staining, and whether safety switches (RCDs) appear to be installed. In Northcote homes with piecemeal upgrades, the switchboard often shows the first visible signs of mismatch or ageing.
We check visible cabling where it can be safely seen (for example, at the switchboard, meter area, garage, under-house access points, or roof access points if safely accessible). We look for damaged sheathing, unsupported runs, messy junctions, and other visible indicators that warrant electrician review.
We note visible hazards such as exposed conductors, broken fittings, unsecured junctions, non-weatherproof fittings in exposed locations, and makeshift connections. These are practical issues that can appear around older Northcote verandahs, rear extensions, and outdoor entertaining areas.
We confirm the presence of smoke alarms and comment on visible placement relative to typical living and sleeping areas. We also note alarms that appear dated, damaged, or poorly located (for example, missing coverage near bedrooms after a renovation changes the floor plan).
We visually review labelling and circuit identification for clarity and completeness. Confusing or missing labels can slow fault-finding and increase risk during emergencies or renovations—particularly in properties that have been subdivided, extended, or had multiple trades work on the system over time.
We record visible signs that may suggest older or newer electrical work, such as mixed-era components, non-matching breakers, or ad-hoc additions. This helps you ask better questions of the vendor and decide whether a targeted electrician test or upgrade quote is needed before settlement.
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Get Electrical Visual Inspection as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Northcote has many homes that have been renovated in stages, which can leave a mix of older and newer electrical components. A visual inspection helps spot red flags such as crowded or deteriorated switchboards, inconsistent labelling, and visible cable damage. While it doesn’t replace electrical testing, it’s a strong first filter for safety concerns and likely upgrade needs before you buy.
No. This service is a visual-only assessment, meaning we identify what can be confirmed by sight and safe access. We can comment on whether safety switches appear to be present and note visible defects, but we do not carry out electrical testing, load checks, or compliance certification. If we find concerns, we’ll recommend follow-up testing by a qualified electrician.
We focus on accessible and visible components, including the switchboard, visible cabling around the meter and switchboard area, accessible wiring where safely viewable, and visible safety items such as smoke alarms. We also note obvious hazards like damaged fittings or exposed conductors. Areas that are sealed, obstructed, or unsafe to access are excluded from visual assessment.
Yes. We often see signs of incremental upgrades over time, such as older components remaining alongside newer breakers, limited space in switchboards after added circuits, and visible cabling that looks aged or poorly supported in accessible areas. Rear extensions and converted spaces can also show inconsistent workmanship. A visual inspection helps identify these indicators early so you can plan targeted electrician follow-up.
We can confirm the presence and visible positioning of smoke alarms and note if they appear damaged, dated, or poorly located after renovations. However, compliance requirements can depend on property type and circumstances, and a visual inspection can’t verify the alarm’s function or interconnection. If compliance is critical for leasing, we recommend a licensed electrician or specialist to test and certify.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchChoose ACE Building and Pest Inspections for a clear, visual-only assessment that focuses on Northcote-style homes—switchboards, visible wiring safety, safety switches and smoke alarms. Call 0413 163 187 to organise your inspection.