Electrical Inspection and Safety Testing

Our licensed electricians can perform electrical safety tests as described in the following Australian standards:

In order to get an electrical inspection, you need to hire a qualified electrician. Unlike general home inspectors, certified electricians have the required skills, training and qualification to give a comprehensive inspection of your home’s electrical system. As licensed professionals, electricians are also bound to certain responsibilities as per applicable Australian regulations, standards and requirements. General inspectors lack the training and detailed understanding of electrical systems that is necessary.

Consequently, unqualified individuals often fail to notice crucial details that would be apparent to a licensed electrician. Risk management is something that should be taken seriously, don’t put the safety of others at risk by using unqualified staff for your electrical inspections.

It is important to get an electrical inspection when you are buying or selling a home, as well as every 10 years for maintenance purposes. An inspection will help to ensure the safety of your home and family, as well as uncover any potential problems that could become expensive repairs down the road. When dealing with businesses and workplaces there are certain regulations that stipulate timeframes for an electrical inspection. For some buildings, such as apartment buildings, there is an obligation on Strata bodies to have professional certifications completed as per set schedules. As a guide, the frequency will be dependent on the type of workplace and the risks associated with the electrical equipment that is onsite. Read our guide on when to get an electrical inspection for full details.

An electrical inspection typically takes between two and four hours, depending on the size and complexity of your home’s electrical system. For workplaces, the time will depend on a variety of factors such as number of levels, type of equipment etc.

A comprehensive electrical inspection will cover all aspects of your home’s electrical system, including the main service panel (switchboard), wiring, outlets, fixtures, and switches.

There are different types of electrical safety tests that can be performed. Some measure electrical resistance whilst others detect electric insulation and voltage. The main electrical safety tests are:

• dielectric withstand test (also called a hipot test) – applies a higher voltage than the operating voltage to a product or installation
• insulation resistance test (IR test) – measure electrical resistance of insulation
• earth continuity test – checks if a metal part is connected to earth
• leakage current test – used as part of RCD operation testing

When performing a residential electrical safety inspection our qualified electricians will work through our electrical safety inspection checklist before completing a record of testing results that will be provided to you. The record of testing will include details such as:

• Name of the electrician who conducted the inspection
• Date of the inspection
• Outcomes of the inspection
• Date recommended or required for the next inspection