How Often Should You Have Your Home’s Electrical System Checked?
Your home’s electrical system is the unsung hero of everyday life, powering your lights, appliances, heating, and tech without fuss. But like any hardworking system, it needs regular attention to stay safe and efficient. So, how often should you have it checked? The answer depends on your home’s age, usage, and any changes you’ve made over the years.
Why Electrical Inspections Matter
Faulty wiring and outdated components are one of the leading causes of residential fires across Australia. Regular inspections help detect:
- Wear and tear in old wiring
- Overloaded circuits or unsafe DIY fixes
- Non-compliant switchboards or power points
- Risks to your family’s health and safety
Whether it’s your forever home or a rental investment, it’s always better to catch issues early, before they become dangerous or expensive.
How Often Should You Book an Electrical Check?
Here’s a general guide based on your situation:
Every 5 Years — For Most Homes
Most modern homes and surrounding areas should have a full electrical inspection every 5 years. This helps catch wear and compliance issues before they become serious.
Every 2–3 Years — For Older Homes (25+ years)
If your home was built before the 2000s and hasn’t had a major electrical upgrade, more frequent inspections are strongly recommended. Older systems may include:
- Rubber or cloth-insulated wiring
- Ceramic fuses instead of RCDs
- Poor earthing or outdated switchboards
These pose serious safety risks and may not meet current Australian Standards.
Before Buying or Selling Property
A pre-purchase electrical inspection is essential before signing the dotted line. It gives buyers peace of mind and helps sellers avoid delays or surprises during settlement.
Every Year — For Rental Properties (Required by Law)
In WA, under residential tenancy laws, landlords are legally required to ensure smoke alarms and RCDs are functioning, with testing every 12 months. A full inspection is also good practice to maintain property value and tenant safety.
After Major Renovations or Appliance Upgrades
Added a new kitchen, bathroom, or big-ticket appliance like ducted air conditioning or solar? These changes can affect your wiring load and compliance. It’s best to get an inspection after major electrical changes.
What’s Included in a Professional Electrical Inspection?
When you book with Nixon, your inspection will typically include:
- Switchboard check (RCDs, fuses, overload protection)
- Wiring condition (age, type, visible damage)
- Power point and switch testing
- Smoke alarm function and compliance
- Lighting and appliance safety check
- Detailed safety report and recommendations
We’ll let you know if anything needs fixing now, or in the near future.
When Should You Upgrade Instead of Just Inspect?
During an inspection, we might recommend an upgrade if:
- Your home still has no safety switches (RCDs)
- The switchboard or wiring is visibly damaged or non-compliant
- You’ve experienced frequent tripping or flickering lights
- You’ve added new electrical loads (e.g. pool, EV charger, solar system)
We’ll always explain the risks and give you an upfront quote, no pressure, just honest advice.