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Preston’s mix of older weatherboards, post-war brick homes and renovated units can hide DIY electrical changes, outdated switchboards and missing safety switches—issues a focused visual inspection can flag early.
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We visually assess the switchboard for age, damage, heat signs, labelling and whether safety switches appear to protect key circuits. This matters in Preston homes where older boards may remain even after renovations, increasing the likelihood of insufficient RCD protection.
We check accessible cabling for deterioration, exposure, DIY joins and poor support, including in subfloors, garages and roof spaces where access is safe. Improperly protected wiring can be vulnerable to damage and increases the risk of shock or fire.
We look for cracked fittings, loose plates, scorching, discolouration and signs of arcing at accessible outlets and switches. These visible indicators can point to overloaded circuits, failing connections or poor-quality installation.
We confirm smoke alarms are present and note placement issues that are commonly missed during renovations (for example, alarms removed during plastering and not reinstated). We flag visible defects or outdated units that may not meet current expectations.
We visually assess outdoor power points, conduit entries, meter box condition and water ingress indicators. Preston’s mix of older façades and updated outdoor entertaining areas can lead to fittings being installed without adequate weather protection.
We identify visible non-compliances such as unsecured junctions, missing covers, improvised extensions, or unsafe clearances around the switchboard. Because this is a visual-only service, we clearly list what requires licensed electrical testing or rectification.
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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.
An Electrical Visual Inspection in Preston focuses on what can be seen and safely accessed without invasive work. We visually check the switchboard condition, signs of overheating or damage, visible cabling in accessible areas, power points and switches for physical defects, external electrical items for weather exposure, and the presence and basic placement of smoke alarms. We then document visible risks and recommend electrician follow-up where testing is required.
No. A visual inspection is not a compliance test and it doesn’t provide a Certificate of Electrical Safety. We don’t dismantle fittings or perform electrical testing as part of a visual-only assessment. Instead, we identify visible defects and red flags so you know what may need further testing or rectification by a licensed electrician. It’s a practical pre-purchase or pre-maintenance step, not a certification service.
Often, yes—at least in terms of obvious risk indicators. We can visually identify older-style boards, poor labelling, missing covers, signs of heat stress, corrosion, and whether safety switches appear present. What we can’t confirm through a visual-only inspection is circuit performance or whether every required circuit is protected. If the board looks dated or altered, we’ll recommend a licensed electrician perform detailed testing and advise on upgrade scope.
Many Preston houses have had decades of incremental changes—new kitchens, added air conditioning, backyard studios or converted garages—while parts of the original wiring and switchboard remain. That mix can create visible inconsistencies such as older cable types alongside newer runs, makeshift junctions in under-house areas, or overloaded-looking switchboards. A visual inspection is useful because it highlights these clues early, before you commit to the property.
Yes, we visually check for smoke alarms and note obvious issues with placement, condition and accessibility. We’ll flag missing alarms or alarms that appear damaged, poorly located or likely outdated. Because this is a visual-only service, we don’t perform decibel tests or internal inspections of the unit. If there are concerns, we recommend a licensed professional confirm compliance and upgrade where required.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the visible switchboard, wiring safety, safety switches and smoke alarm red flags that commonly appear in Preston’s renovated and older homes. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection.