As part of Victoria’s Rental Tenancy Agreement, electrical safety checks are required to be undertaken by a registered electrician every 2 years. This is to ensure that renters are provided with safe living spaces at all times. If you have been living in your rental for more than two years and are yet to have an electrical safety check, you can request the rental provider schedule one as soon as possible with the service provider of your choice such as Heat and Cool Service Group.
What are electrical safety checks?
Electrical faults are one of the top causes for property damage. An electrical safety check is a comprehensive service and testing of all electrical wiring, fittings and appliances (including heating and cooling systems) on the property to prevent electrical issues from occurring.
In an electrical safety check you can expect a qualified electrician to:
- Inspect and test all electrical appliances and provide a written report on what needs to be replaced and a follow-up with the rental provider to ensure it has been replaced.
- Testing the electrical switchboard to ensure it is compliant with the latest safety standards. This includes:
- Checking all fuses for damage and signs of overheating and replacing as needed
- Testing all individual breakers and safety switches
- Visually inspecting the wiring is compliant, appropriate and is not exposed or damaged
- Main earthing system compliance testing
- Inspect and repair all electrical wiring, safety switches and powerpoints within the property.
- Clean all appliances to ensure there is no damage due to debris and provide recommendations to maintain the lifespan of the appliance.
- Conduct a smoke alarm test and ensure it is in the most appropriate locations within the household.
Energy Safe Victoria has also created a form for rental providers and renters to ensure that every area of your home and needed appliances have been either visually inspected or tested for functional use.
New Safety Checks coming in 2023
In 2023, there are new electrical safety standards coming into place for electrical switchboards.
From March 29 2023, all power outlets and lighting circuits in rental properties need to be connected to a modern switchboard. This switchboard must have complaint safety switches and circuit breakers for each electrical zone/appliance (as per AS/NZS 3000, AS/NZS 3190, AS/NZS 61008.1 safety standards).
It is advised that all rental providers and property managers endeavour to have their switchboards tested and replaced prior to the 29th of March to avoid any penalties or repercussions that may be incurred. If electricians discover an outdated switchboard, no further electrical work can be completed until the switchboard has been replaced.
What if I am not a renter, do I still need an electrical safety check?
An electrical safety check is not mandatory if you are a homeowner. However, if you have just bought or built a new home, it is a good idea to have a qualified electrician come through and conduct an electrical safety to ensure there are no substantial faults that need to be repaired by the previous owner or builder.
Heritage homes or houses over 50 years old are also recommended to have bi-annual electrical safety inspections to ensure the wiring and the appliances remain in good working condition.
Heat and Cool Service Group Electrical Safety Checks
Our team has a collective 130 years of experience in conducting electrical safety checks throughout Western Victoria and Geelong. Our promise to our customers is that we will repair and replace on the same day where possible so there is minimal disruption to your everyday lives. Our electrical safety checks are comprehensive and include a full compliance report for property managers and rental providers.
If you need to schedule your electrical safety check this year, get in touch with our team online or call 0434 004 490 today.
