Essential Electrical Safety Checklist for New Homeowners in Melbourne

Buying a new home is exciting, but one thing that often gets overlooked is the condition of the electrical system. At Bamford Electrical, we’ve seen firsthand how hidden issues can lead to costly surprises or even safety risks. Before you settle in, here’s a electrical checklist for new homeowners to make sure your new place is electrically safe, compliant and ready to go.

1. Check the Switchboard

Your switchboard is the control centre of your home’s entire electrical system. Before moving in, it’s important to check whether it’s safe, compliant, and capable of handling modern electrical loads. Look for the following:

• Safety switches (RCDs) installed on all power and lighting circuits

• No outdated ceramic fuses, which are a common fire risk in older homes

• A neatly labelled, well-organised switchboard that’s not overcrowded

If your switchboard is old or doesn’t meet current AS3000 standards, you may need a switchboard upgrade to safely support things like EV chargers, solar power systems, air conditioning, and other high-demand appliances.

A licensed electrician can inspect and upgrade your switchboard to meet today’s safety and energy efficiency requirements.

2. Are Your Smoke Alarms Compliant with Victorian Regulations?

Smoke alarms are a critical part of your home's electrical safety system. In Victoria, there are strict regulations for where and how they should be installed. Before moving in, make sure your smoke alarms meet the latest Victorian smoke alarm compliance standards:

• Must be photoelectric smoke alarms (more effective at detecting slow-smouldering fires)

• Must be hardwired to your home’s electrical system or have a sealed 10-year lithium battery

• Must be installed in every bedroom, hallway and between sleeping areas

Also check the manufacture or install date, smoke alarms must be replaced every 10 years even if they still appear to work.

Non-compliant or expired smoke alarms can put your family at serious risk and may also affect insurance claims or property compliance. Always use a licensed electrician to install or replace smoke alarms in your home.

3. Test Every Power Point and Light Switch for Electrical Safety

Walk through the home and test all power points, light switches, fan controls, and exhaust switches to make sure everything is functioning safely and properly installed.

Look out for:

• Burn marks or discolouration around outlets

• Loose fittings or cracked plates

• Flickering lights or buzzing sounds, which can signal internal wiring faults

These issues often indicate non-compliant electrical work or worn-out components that could pose a safety risk. Identifying them early can help avoid unexpected electrical failures or costly repairs after moving in.

4. Inspect Bathrooms, Laundries & Outdoor Areas for Electrical Compliance

Wet areas like bathrooms, laundries, and outdoor spaces have strict electrical safety requirements under Australian standards and are often where non-compliant or DIY work is found.

Key things to check:

• Ceiling-mounted light fittings or isolated switches in bathrooms to avoid moisture exposure

• IP-rated (weatherproof) power points and light fittings in outdoor areas

• Proper earthing and bonding to prevent electric shock risks in all wet zones

These areas are especially sensitive because water and electricity don’t mix. Ensuring these fittings meet AS3000 wiring rules is crucial to protect your family and keep the home compliant.

If anything looks unsafe or outdated, have it inspected and upgraded by a licensed electrician.

5. Confirm Lighting is Safe and Energy-Efficient

Inspect the condition and type of lighting installed throughout the home. Many older homes still use halogen downlights, which can overheat and are less energy-efficient.

Check for:

• Flickering lights, buzzing, or discolouration

• Outdated fittings or damaged light switches

  
  

• Opportunities to upgrade to LED lighting, which is safer, longer-lasting, and more cost-effective

  Replacing old lights with modern LED downlights or fixtures not only improves safety but also cuts down your future energy bills.

  

Don’t Overlook Electrical Safety in Your New Home

Moving into a new home is exciting, but ensuring the property is electrically safe and compliant is just as important. From checking the switchboard and smoke alarms to inspecting power points, wet areas, and potential hazards, a thorough electrical review can save you from costly repairs and safety risks down the track.

At Bamford Electrical, we offer comprehensive pre-purchase electrical inspections across Melbourne. Our licensed electricians will walk through the entire property, test all fittings, and provide expert advice on any upgrades needed, giving you peace of mind before you move in.

Book your inspection with Bamford Electrical today and make sure your new home is safe, compliant, and ready for modern living.