Electrical Safety ChecksElectrical Safety ChecksElectrical Safety ChecksElectrical Safety Checks
What is an Electrical Safety Check?
An Electrical Safety Check, also known as an Electrical Safety Inspection, is a comprehensive assessment of a property's electrical systems to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with current electrical safety standards. It involves inspecting and testing electrical wiring, fittings, appliances, and switchboards to produce a comprehensive electrical safety check report. This report can then be used to address any issues, ensuring compliance and safety.
Why do I need an Electrical Safety Check?
An Electrical Safety Check is crucial for identifying potential hazards and ensuring the safety of your property and its occupants. In Victoria, these checks are mandatory for rental properties every two years and are a good practice for all homes and businesses to prevent electrical fires, shocks, and other injuries.
Legal Requirement for Rental Properties - In Victoria, landlords (also known as rental providers) are legally required to have electrical safety checks performed on their rental properties every two years. This ensures the property is safe for tenants and helps them comply with the Residential Tenancies Act.
Preventing Electrical Hazards - Electrical safety checks identify potential hazards like faulty wiring, damaged appliances, or issues with the switchboard, which can lead to electrical fires, shocks, and other injuries.
Protecting Occupants - By identifying and addressing these hazards, electrical safety checks protect the safety of everyone living in the property, including tenants, family members, and visitors.
Peace of Mind - Knowing that your electrical system has been checked by a qualified professional provides peace of mind and reassurance that your home is safe.
Avoiding Costly Repairs - Identifying and fixing minor issues early can prevent them from escalating into major problems that require more expensive repairs.
Ensuring Compliance - Electrical safety checks ensure your property is up to code and meets the required safety standards.
Selling Your Property - An electrical safety check can be a valuable selling point when selling your property. A positive report demonstrates that the property is safe and well-maintained.
In Victoria, Electrical Safety Checks are essential for rental properties, homes and businesses to ensure the safety of occupants and prevent potential hazards.
Where + When Do I Need an Electrical Safety Check?
Electrical Safety Inspections are critical for keeping occupants and properties safe. They are mandatory for rental properties, but it is highly recommended all properties have regular Electrical Safety Checks performed by a licensed electrician.
Rental Properties - In Victoria, rental properties are required by law to have electrical safety checks every two years, with specific requirements for reporting and repairs.
Rooming House Operators - Similar to landlords, rooming house operators are also legally required to conduct electrical safety checks every two years.
Homeowners - While not mandatory, homeowners are strongly encouraged to have their homes inspected by a qualified electrician for safety reasons.
Businesses - For commercial properties in Victoria, it is generally recommended to have an electrical safety check conducted every five years.
Buying Property - When purchasing a new home or commercial property it is paramount to have the electrical systems checked for any issues or none compliance. Click here for more information on Pre-Purchase Electrical Safety Checks.
Recent Updates to the Legislation
29 March 2021
In Victoria, rental providers must ensure electrical safety checks are conducted every two years for all electrical installations and fittings in rental properties. This is part of new regulations that came into effect on March 29, 2021, and applies to both new rental agreements and those that have rolled over into periodic tenancies after that date. The checks must be performed by a licensed electrician, and the rental provider must disclose the date of the last check to the renter upon request. Additionally, as of March 29, 2023, all power outlets and electrical circuits must be connected to a switchboard-type circuit breaker and a residual current device (RCD).
For more information please refer to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 and the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021.
Legislation Overview
In Victoria, electrical safety checks for rental properties are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 and the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021. These regulations mandate that rental providers (landlords) ensure electrical safety checks are conducted every two years by a licensed electrician. The checks must cover all electrical installations, fittings, and switchboards.
Key points regarding electrical safety checks in Victorian rental properties:
Frequency - Checks must be performed every two years for all rental properties.
Scope - The check encompasses all electrical installations, fittings, and switchboards.
Compliance - The check should be conducted in accordance with section 4 of AS/NZS 3019:2022, "Electrical installations—Periodic assessment".
Licensed Electrician - A licensed electrician must conduct the safety check.
Disclosure to Renters - Rental providers must disclose the date of the last electrical safety check and any outstanding recommendations to renters.
New Rental Agreements - For new rental agreements signed on or after March 29, 2021, the electrical safety check must be conducted before the renter occupies the property.
Switchboard Requirements - As of March 29, 2023, all power outlets and electrical circuits must connect to both a switchboard-type circuit breaker and a switchboard-type residual current device (RCD) according to Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Repairs - If the safety check reveals electrical repairs are needed, the rental provider must arrange for a registered electrical contractor or a licensed electrician to carry out the work.
Record Keeping - Rental providers are required to keep records of the safety checks.
These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of renters and to fulfill the rental provider's duty of care. For more information please refer to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 and the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021.
About Us
Adessa Electrical is your trusted, family-owned electrical contractor servicing all of South-East Melbourne. With over 15 years of industry experience, we specialize in electrical safety and offer a comprehensive range of services to ensure the safety and functionality of your home or business. We are fully licensed and insured, providing peace of mind with every job. Our team is committed to delivering high-quality electrical solutions with exceptional attention to detail.
Switchboard Tests
Visual Inspection - A visual inspection of the switchboard to ensure that the electrical switchboard is safe, compliant, and free from obvious defects before performing any testing.
Insulation Resistance Test - An insulation resistance test to determine the quality of insulation in any electrical equipment, components, and wiring. This test helps identify whether the insulation is intact or has deteriorated, which could cause leakage currents, short circuits, or electrical shocks.
RCD Trip Test - An RCD trip test checks whether a Residual Current Device (RCD) will trip correctly when it detects a leakage current to earth, which could pose an electric shock hazard.
Lighting Outlet Testing
Visual Inspection - A visual inspection of each accessible light to check for any signs of damage or non-compliance.
Electrical Appliance Inspection
Visual Inspection - A thorough inspection of all electrical appliances supplied by the property owner, checking for any visible damage to plugs, leads, and casings or non-compliant installation.
Power Outlet Testing
Visual Inspection - A visual inspection of all accessible power points to check for any signs of damage or non-compliance.
Fault Loop Impedance Test - A fault loop impedance test checks that the protective devices (like circuit breakers or fuses) will operate quickly enough during a fault, disconnecting the power and preventing electric shock or fire.
Polarity Test - A polarity test to verify that electrical connections in GPO’s, switches, and light fittings have been wired correctly and that the live, neutral, and earth conductors are connected to the correct terminals.
Earth Continuity Test - The Earth Continuity Test ensures that all exposed conductive parts of an electrical system (such as metal cases of appliances, sockets, or switchboards) are properly connected to the earth. This ensures that in case of a fault (e.g. live wire touching the metal casing), the fault current can safely flow to earth, triggering a protective device (RCD, breaker, or fuse) and preventing electric shock or fire.
14-Point Safety Check - All electrical checks as required by Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 (Schedule 4) (29 March 2021).
Licensed Electrician - All Electrical Safety Checks are conducted by an experienced and licensed electrician.
Compliance - All Electrical Safety Check testing processes and results adhere to relevant Australian Standards.
Service Report - A comprehensive report is provided detailing the findings of the Electrical Safety Check, including any repairs required and actions taken. Any required repairs will be categorised into urgent works, non-urgent works or recommended works so you can manage your property maintenance with ease.
Reminders - Receive complimentary reminders when your property is due for its next Electrical Safety Check so you never miss an inspection again.
Free Quotations - If faults are found during the Electrical Safety Check, a free quotation can be provided by Adessa Electrical to rectify any issues.
Multi-Service Discounts - Receive discounted rates when you book in 2 or more of our Electrical Safety Services*
Multi-Property Discounts - Receive discounted rates when you book in 2 or more properties for our Electrical Safety Services*
Our Promise To You
Honesty + Integrity, Always
We will never fabricate issues just to fill a report. If your electrical work is flawless - fantastic!
You’ll get a report reflecting that. That’s our commitment to you.
More Electrical Safety Checks
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure that the content is accurate and up to date, we make no guarantees or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information. Electrical standards, codes, and best practices may change over time and vary by location — it is the responsibility of the user to verify any information with the appropriate authorities or regulatory bodies.