Regular home electrical inspections aren’t just nice to have — they’re necessary for safety, says GABRIEL TAN in this sponsored feature from Gas & Plumbing Australia.

Electricity is a big part of our daily lives — from the moment we turn on the kettle in the morning to the lights we turn off before bed.

But behind the walls of every home is a complex system that wears out over time, just like everything else. That’s why regular electrical inspections aren’t just nice to have — they’re necessary for safety.

In Australia, where we rely so heavily on powered appliances and air conditioning, keeping your home’s electrical system in check is just as important as locking your doors at night.

A hidden danger you can’t see

The trouble with electricity is you can’t see when something’s wrong — until it’s too late. Electrical faults are one of the top causes of house fires in Australia. According to Fire and Rescue NSW, hundreds of house fires start each year due to issues such as faulty wiring, damaged appliances or overloaded circuits.

Regular electrical inspections are about getting ahead of those problems. A licensed electrician can spot early warning signs before they become a risk — things such as deteriorating wires, dodgy switchboards or connections that don’t meet current safety standards.

Signs it’s time to book an inspection

So when should you book an electrician to come around your home?

• If your home is 25 years or older, especially if the wiring hasn’t been checked in over 10 years.
• If you’re buying or selling a house. An inspection can reveal problems you wouldn’t know to look for.
• If you’ve recently renovated or installed high-demand appliances such as ducted air con or electric oven.
• If you notice warning signs such as circuit breakers tripping, flickering lights, burning smells or buzzing noises near outlets.

“For most homes, it’s recommended to arrange an electrical safety check every three to five years,” says AfterHoursElectrical.com.au.

“This helps identify underlying issues like old wiring or faulty circuit breakers before they escalate into major hazards.”

What’s involved in an inspection?

During a standard electrical inspection a licensed sparkie will do a full assessment of your home’s electrical system. This will include:

• Checking the condition of your wiring — especially in roof spaces or behind wall panels.
• Testing power points, light switches and fittings for signs of wear, heat or loose connections.
• Examining the switchboard to ensure it meets current regulations and has proper safety switches.
• Identifying overloaded circuits or areas where the load on the wiring is too high.
• Inspecting outdoor power points, wet area wiring (like in bathrooms and kitchens) and any exposed cables.
• Checking smoke alarms are properly installed and working.

At the end of the inspection you’ll receive a summary of findings – including what needs to be fixed urgently, what to monitor and recommendations for improvement.

Safety switches: your first line of defence

One of the most important things your electrician will check for is the presence of safety switches, also known as residual current devices (RCDs). These life-saving devices cut off electricity in milliseconds if they detect a problem – such as a person accidentally touching live wires.

In Australia, safety switches are mandatory on all new power and lighting circuits but not all older homes have them on every circuit. If your house still has old ceramic fuses or minimal RCD protection an upgrade should be at the top of your to-do list.

DIY electrical work – a silent threat

One common issue electricians find during inspections is dodgy DIY work — sometimes from a past owner or an unlicensed tradie. Whether it’s a makeshift extension cord arrangement in the shed or an incorrectly wired light fitting, DIY jobs can leave behind serious hazards that often go unnoticed until someone gets shocked or a fire starts.

It’s not just unsafe – it’s also illegal. In every state and territory in Australia only licensed electricians are allowed to do electrical work. That includes replacing power points, running new cables or installing ceiling fans. Fines for unlicensed electrical work can exceed $45,000 in some states, making it a costly and dangerous risk.

Inspections can actually save you money

While it might seem like another expense, an electrical inspection can actually save you money in the long run. Here’s how:

• Preventing appliance damage — Faulty wiring or surges can shorten the life of expensive appliances.
• Improving energy efficiency — Older wiring or inefficient connections can increase your power usage.
• Avoiding emergency call-outs — Spotting issues early can help you avoid costly repairs during a power outage or weekend breakdown.

If your electrical system is tripping the switchboard frequently or you’ve noticed your electricity bill creeping up for no reason an inspection could help find the cause.

Peace of mind for families

Whether you have young children, elderly parents or just want to sleep better at night, knowing your home’s electrical system is safe is a big deal. You wouldn’t ignore a leaking gas line or a cracked roof –  electricity deserves the same level of care.

It’s not just about fires or shocks either. Electrical inspections also ensure your home is up to code, which can be important when making an insurance claim or selling the property.

Choosing the right electrician

When booking an inspection use a licensed electrician who is familiar with current Australian standards. Don’t be afraid to ask about their experience, what they will inspect and whether they provide a report. Most electricians will charge a flat rate for an inspection, but always ask what’s included.

You can check a tradie’s licence by contacting your local consumer protection authority or checking your state’s electrical licensing database.

Regular electrical inspections are a smart investment

Electrical safety isn’t something to leave to chance. Your home may seem fine on the surface but underlying electrical problems can go unnoticed for years — until they become serious.

By having regular inspections with a licensed professional you’re not just ticking a box. You’re investing in the safety of your home, the wellbeing of your family and the reliability of the system that powers your daily life.

If it’s been a while since anyone looked behind your switchboard now’s the time. A quick call to your local sparkie could be one of the smartest — and safest — decisions you make this year.