An electrical safety inspection is a hands-on check of your switchboard, wiring, power points, safety switches, earthing and smoke alarms by a licensed electrician, with a written report of what is safe and what needs fixing. Electrical Powerhaus carries out safety inspections for homeowners, buyers, landlords and businesses across Melbourne, and we explain every finding in plain English.
Who needs an electrical safety inspection?
- Landlords: Victorian rental properties need an electrical safety check every two years
- Home buyers: a building inspection usually does not test the electrics
- Older homes: anything with original wiring, ceramic fuses or no safety switches
- Before a renovation: to know whether the existing system can take new work
- Businesses: to meet workplace safety duties and keep records
- After a storm, flood or power surge: to make sure damage has not created hidden hazards
What we check
Our inspection follows the checks Victorian landlords are required to have done, and applies the same thoroughness to every home:
- Switchboard condition, labelling and protective devices
- Safety switch operation and trip times
- Earthing and bonding, including in wet areas
- Power points, switches and visible wiring for damage and overheating
- Light fittings and any signs of overheating around downlights
- Smoke alarm type, age, location and operation
- Signs of unlicensed or DIY work
You receive a written report with each issue explained and a fixed price to fix anything urgent. Our home electrical inspection checklist shows what the inspection covers in more detail, and our guide to preparing for an electrical inspection in Victoria explains what to do beforehand.
Rental electrical safety checks
Since 2021, landlords in Victoria have had to arrange an electrical safety check by a licensed or registered electrician at least every two years, and keep a record of it. Smoke alarms need checking at least every 12 months. If the check finds an unsafe installation, it has to be repaired. We coordinate access directly with tenants, complete the check, carry out any repairs you approve and send the report to you or your property manager. Agencies can book whole portfolios with us.
Certificates of Electrical Safety
In Victoria, most electrical work must be certified with a Certificate of Electrical Safety, lodged by the electrician who did the work. If you are selling, insuring or renovating and cannot find the certificate for earlier work, we can inspect the installation and advise on what is needed. Our contractor licence, REC-034378, can be checked on the Energy Safe Victoria public register.
What does an electrical safety inspection cost?
The cost of an inspection depends on the size of the property, the number of circuits and whether it is a single home or a portfolio. A unit is quicker to inspect than a large home with outbuildings, and businesses vary with the size of the site. We quote the inspection price up front, then quote any repairs separately so you can decide what to fix and when. There is no call-out fee, and new customers receive 15% off their first service. See our cost guide for typical Melbourne ranges.
How long does it take?
A typical home inspection takes one to two hours. Larger homes and commercial sites take longer. You will have the written report soon after, usually the same day, with photos of anything that needs attention.
Buying or selling a home
If you are buying, an electrical inspection tells you whether the switchboard, wiring and smoke alarms will need money spent on them, which you can factor into your offer. We can usually inspect within the cooling off period and send the report straight to you or your conveyancer.
If you are selling, fixing obvious problems such as missing safety switches, expired smoke alarms or damaged outlets before the house goes on the market avoids awkward questions from buyers’ inspectors. The most common issues we find in Melbourne homes are old switchboards without safety switches, expired or missing smoke alarms, overloaded powerboards used as permanent wiring, and DIY additions such as extra outlets or lights that were never certified.
Compliance for businesses
Businesses in Victoria have a duty to provide a safe workplace, which includes electrical installations and equipment. We inspect commercial switchboards, test safety switches, test emergency and exit lighting, and keep records you can show an insurer or inspector. See our commercial electrician page for more, or find your suburb on the areas we service page.
Frequently asked questions
How often do rental properties need an electrical safety check in Victoria?
At least every two years, done by a licensed or registered electrician, with smoke alarms checked at least every 12 months.
Does a building inspection include the electrics?
Usually not in any detail. Building inspectors look at the structure. An electrical inspection tests the switchboard, wiring, earthing and safety switches.
What happens if the inspection finds a problem?
We explain it, rate how urgent it is and give you a fixed price to fix it. Dangerous faults can usually be made safe on the spot.
Can you send reports straight to my property manager?
Yes. We coordinate access with tenants and send the report to whoever you nominate.
What is a Certificate of Electrical Safety?
It is the certificate a Victorian electrician must lodge for most electrical work, confirming the work was done and tested to the required standards.
Can you inspect a property I am about to buy?
Yes. We can usually inspect during the cooling off period and send the written report straight to you or your conveyancer, with fixed prices for any repairs, so you know what you are buying before you sign.
Book an electrical safety inspection on 03 6358 2028. $0 call-out, a written report, and 15% off your first service. Found something dangerous? Call 0432 220 069, day or night.
Real work from the Powerhaus crew
Every photo is one of our jobs, taken by our team.
