Simple Electrical Safety Checks Homeowners Can Carry Out

May 20, 2026

While major electrical testing should always be done by a licensed electrician, there are several basic checks homeowners can safely carry out to help identify potential electrical issues early. These simple observations don’t replace professional testing, but they can act as an early warning system and help keep your home safer between inspections.

Below are some practical electrical safety checks every homeowner can do.

Test Your Safety Switches (RCDs)

Safety switches, also known as RCDs, are designed to shut off power instantly if a fault is detected. Most Australian homes have at least one installed.

How to check:

Open your switchboard
Press the “Test” button on the safety switch
The switch should immediately trip to the OFF position

If it doesn’t trip, or won’t reset, this is a serious safety issue and you should contact a licensed electrician immediately. It’s recommended homeowners test safety switches every 3 months.

Look for Signs of Overheating

Electrical overheating is one of the leading causes of house fires.

Check for:

Discoloured power points or switches
A burning smell near outlets or the switchboard
Warm power points or light switches when in use

If you notice any of these signs, stop using the affected circuit and arrange a professional inspection.

Check Power Cords and Appliances

Damaged leads are a common but often overlooked hazard.

Inspect:

Frayed or cracked power cords
Loose plugs
Appliances that give small shocks or cause power to trip

Never tape damaged cords or try DIY repairs. Replace the lead or appliance, or have it assessed by a professional.

Watch for Tripping Circuits

If circuit breakers or safety switches trip regularly, this is a sign something isn’t right.

Common causes include:

Overloaded power circuits
Faulty appliances
Wiring issues behind walls

Occasional tripping can happen, but frequent tripping should never be ignored.

Check Your Switchboard Condition

You don’t need to touch anything — just look.

Things to watch for:

Old ceramic fuses instead of modern circuit breakers
Rust, dust, or moisture inside the board
Unlabelled or poorly labelled circuits

Older switchboards often lack adequate safety protection and may need upgrading.

Look Out for Flickering or Dimming Lights

Lights that flicker or dim when appliances turn on can indicate:

Loose wiring connections
Overloaded circuits
Ageing electrical infrastructure

This is especially common in older homes and should be checked by an electrician.

Be Aware of Outdoor Electrical Risks

Outdoor power points and lighting are exposed to weather and wear.

Check:

Outdoor power points have weatherproof covers
Extension leads are rated for outdoor use
No visible cracks or water entry

Water and electricity are a dangerous mix, so outdoor issues should be addressed quickly.

Know When to Call a Professional

These homeowner checks are useful, but they do not replace professional electrical testing. A licensed electrician has specialised equipment to test wiring, earthing, load capacity, and safety compliance.

If your home is over 10 years old, has had renovations, or shows any warning signs, a professional inspection is strongly recommended.

Mastin Electrical – Your Local Electrical Safety Experts

If you’re unsure about anything you’ve noticed, it’s always better to be safe.

📞 Call Mastin Electrical on 0403 895 327
📧 Email info@mastinelectrical.com.au

We provide thorough electrical testing and honest advice to keep your home safe and compliant.