Delaying Electrical Safety Checks Can Put Your Property at Risk
Electrical safety components such as switchboards, safety switches (RCDs), and smoke alarms are critical to protecting people and property. Delaying regular inspection and testing of these systems can result in them becoming non‑compliant with current Australian Standards—often without owners or managers being aware.
Australian electrical regulations are regularly updated as technology advances and power demands increase, as well as changes is safety requirements. Even if equipment appears to be operating, it may no longer meet current compliance requirements. For example, from the 1st of January, 2027, all Queensland homes must meet the new requirements – eg smoke alarms in all bedrooms. CLICK HERE to read more information about these changes.
For body corporate managers and owners, this risk extends beyond individual lots to common property, including main switchboards, lighting circuits, carparks, stairwells, fire systems, meters, and shared services. The Owners Corporation has a legal obligation to maintain common electrical infrastructure in a safe, compliant condition. If electrical systems servicing common areas are not properly maintained, liability can fall squarely on the body corporate in the event of an incident.
What are the benefits for the Body Corporate by getting regular compliance testing done?
- Duty of care of the asset as well as the residents and visitors
- Understand the current capacity – most older building switchboards are no longer compliant with today’s standard and can be a danger due to the common day load occupants may put on the board
- Identify potential problems before they become costly
This becomes especially important if an electrical fault leads to a fire, injury, or damage. Insurance companies often investigate compliance following incidents. Where non‑compliance or lack of documented maintenance is identified, insurance claims may be delayed, reduced, or rejected altogether.
Regular inspections by a qualified and licensed electrician ensure all electrical safety components—both within lots and across common property—are tested, compliant, and documented. Proactive maintenance protects residents, limits risk exposure for body corporates, and ensures buildings remain compliant with current Australian Standards.
We strongly recommend scheduled electrical inspections as part of any body corporate maintenance plan to safeguard people, property, and insurance protection. Learn more about Electrical Safety HERE
What will be assessed during an inspection by a qualified electrician?
- Whether meters are fixed to materials that fail current compliance standards
- The presence of asbestos within the switchboard enclosure
- Whether safety switches protect power and lighting circuits
- Proper labelling and identification of circuits and meters
- Whether the main switch functions solely as an isolator and if overload protection is necessary
- The adequacy of the earthing system
- Any visible damage to cables, including fusion or severe degradation
- Signs that consumer mains are carrying loads beyond safe limits
- The general state of the switchboard and any hazards it may pose
Fully Wired Electrical have been providing Electrical Safety Compliance Services for unit, apartments and homes since 2008. We know what to look for, and the best way to deal with any concerns which may arise.
Choose the most trusted electricians in Brisbane and have our team complete a Switchboard Inspection, Thermal Imaging Report, Safety or Smoke Alarm test TODAY!
