Electrical issues are one of the most overlooked but expensive surprises home buyers can face. They’re often hidden behind walls or tucked inside switchboards, so they’re easy to miss unless someone takes a proper look.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common electrical defects, how to spot them, and what kind of inspections are needed to stay safe. At Fearless Building Inspections, we help buyers pick up on serious structural and safety issues early. While we don’t carry out electrical inspections ourselves, we know how to spot some signs and we always advise you to call in a licensed electrician for those sorts of inspections.
Why do you need an electrical inspection?
Many electrical problems are hard to see until something goes wrong. That might be flickering lights, a switch that stops working, or something far worse, like an electric shock or fire. A proper electrical inspection helps uncover these risks before they turn into costly or dangerous problems.
Common electrical defects can include:
Exposed or loose wiring
Wires that are visible or hanging out of place can be a serious safety risk and increase the chance of electric shock or fire.
Old fuse boxes or outdated cabling
Older systems often can’t keep up with modern power demands and may not meet today’s safety standards.
Power points that are cracked, burnt or wobbly
These could be signs of overheating, wear, or internal faults that make them unsafe to use.
Overloaded circuits or unsafe switchboards
If too many appliances are running on one circuit, it can trip the system or overheat, which puts your home at risk.
No safety switches (RCDs) installed
Although it is not a legal requirement to have RCDs in existing older homes, it’s recommended to avoid electric shocks. However, it becomes mandatory if there’s any planned upgrade work or installations, such as a heat pump.
Buzzing switches or flickering lights
Often caused by loose wiring or faulty fittings. It may seem minor, but it could be an early warning sign of a bigger problem.
These issues can pose serious risks, especially in older homes. Fixing them after settlement can be expensive, which is why it’s better to find out early. Even if a property looks neat on the surface, electrical faults can hide behind walls, under floors, or in the roof space.
If you’re booking a pre-purchase building inspection, it’s worth knowing that only a licensed electrician can do a full electrical inspection. But we do check for basic signs like faulty switches, damaged fittings, or anything that looks unsafe, and we’ll let you know if it needs a second look.
What is an electrical defect notice and why does it matter?
An electrical defect notice is a formal notice sent by your electricity provider or network distributor when they find something that doesn’t meet safety rules. It might be triggered by a meter reading, a new connection request, or a visual inspection from the street.
The notice will explain what the issue is and give a deadline to fix it, usually around three weeks. If it’s not sorted in time, they can cut off the power. If you’re thinking of buying a property and find out it has an active defect notice, that’s something to take seriously. You’ll want to speak to a licensed electrician and factor any costs into your buying decision.
What does an electrical safety inspection check?
A licensed electrician will carry out a full electrical safety inspection. This is different to what a building inspector does and includes checks like:
- Testing switches and power points.
- Inspecting the switchboard and checking safety switches.
- Looking at wiring and connections for signs of heat damage or wear.
- Confirming smoke alarms and circuit protection are up to code.
- Making sure everything meets Australian Standards.
In some cases, buyers request an emergency pre-purchase electrical inspection when there are clear risks or something seems off. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Can a regular building inspection find electrical problems?
Not really. A building inspection can only go so far when it comes to electrical systems. We’re not allowed to test circuits, remove switchboard covers or touch wiring.
At Fearless Building Inspections, we can check things like:
- If the lights and switches turn on or off
- If fittings are secure or look damaged
- Visual signs of heat, burning or dodgy wiring
- If any obvious safety issues are present
If we notice something unusual or unsafe, we’ll flag it in your report and recommend you get an electrician involved. Our job is to help you make informed decisions, and that sometimes means knowing when to call in a specialist.
Don’t Let Electrical Defects Catch You Off Guard
If you’re buying a property, electrical defects should be part of your checklist. They’re often missed during casual walkthroughs but can lead to expensive repairs and serious safety risks later on.
Building inspections and electrical inspections work hand in hand.
Need help making sense of your inspection report? Make your enquiry with the FBI today. We’re here to help you buy with confidence.