Pre-Purchase Electrical Check
What is a Pre-Purchase Electrical Check?
A pre-purchase electrical check is a thorough inspection of a property's electrical system performed by a licensed electrician before a sale or lease is finalized. This inspection helps identify any potential hazards, non-compliant wiring, or other electrical issues that could pose a safety risk or lead to costly repairs. It's a crucial step in the home-buying process, offering peace of mind and potentially saving buyers from unexpected problems in the future.
Why do I need a Pre-Purchase Electrical Check?
A pre-purchase electrical check is a crucial step before buying a property to identify potential hazards, ensure safety, and help with negotiating the purchase price. It helps uncover hidden electrical issues like faulty wiring, outdated systems, or non-compliant installations that could lead to costly repairs or fire hazards.
Safety - Electrical faults are a major cause of house fires, and a pre-purchase inspection can identify potential hazards before you move in.
Cost Savings - Pre-Purchase Electrical Checks can reveal issues that might require significant and expensive repairs, giving you leverage to negotiate purchase price or have the seller address the problems before settlement.
Informed Decision Making - A thorough inspection report provides a clear picture of the property's electrical system, allowing you to make a confident and informed decision about the purchase.
Compliance - The Pre-Purchase Electrical Inspection ensures the electrical installation meets relevant safety standards and regulations, preventing potential legal issues in the future.
Future Planning - Pre-Purchase Electrical Checks help you understand the electrical system's condition and plan for any necessary upgrades or maintenance, rather than facing unexpected problems after moving in.
Property Purchase Negotiation - If the inspection uncovers issues, you can use the report to negotiate a better price with the seller, potentially saving you thousands of dollars.
A Pre-Purchase Electrical Check is a worthwhile investment that can save you money, ensure your safety, and provide peace of mind when buying a property.
Where + When Do I Need a Pre-Purchase Electrical Check?
A Pre-Purchase Electrical Inspection is recommended when buying a new home to identify any potential electrical hazards or issues that could be costly to repair or even dangerous. It's especially crucial for older homes, those with renovations, or when there's been DIY electrical work.
Before Purchasing a New Home - A Pre-Purchase Electrical Inspection can uncover hidden electrical problems that a building inspection might miss, potentially saving you from costly repairs and safety hazards.
Before Purchasing an Older Homes - Homes built before 1980 are more likely to have outdated wiring and electrical systems, making an inspection even more important.
Before Purchasing a Home with Renovations - Renovations to existing homes can create a number of electrical issues if not done correctly. A Pre-Purchase Electrical Inspection can identify any of these problems so they can be addressed.
Before Purchasing a Home with DIY Electrical Work - Electrical work must ALWAYS be done by a licensed electrician to make sure it is safe and compliant. Any electrical work done by a non-professional is illegal and should be thoroughly inspected and corrected to ensure safety and compliance.
Legislation Overview
In Victoria, while there isn't specific legislation mandating pre-purchase electrical checks, it is strongly recommended as a standard practice for buyers to ensure the safety and compliance of the electrical system in a property before purchasing.
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.
Testing Smoke Alarms - Verifying that smoke alarms are present, working, and compliant with current standards.
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.
Identifying Potential Hazards - Looking for exposed wires, damaged outlets, outdated wiring, and other issues that could lead to safety concerns.
Checking for Compliance - Ensuring the electrical system meets relevant regulations and standards.
Checking for DIY Electrical Works - Identifying any unauthorized or substandard electrical work.
Licensed Electrician - All Pre-Purchase Electrical Checks are conducted by an experienced and licensed electrician.
Compliance - All Pre-Purchase Electrical Check testing processes and results adhere to relevant Australian Standards.
Service Report - A comprehensive report is provided detailing the findings of the Pre-Purchase Electrical Check, including any non compliant electrical works and repairs required. Any required repairs will be categorised into urgent works, non-urgent works or recommended works so you can manage your property maintenance with ease.
Free Quotations - If faults are found during the Pre-Purchace Electrical 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
Keep your property safe and compliant with our full range of Electrical Safety Services.
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.