Called to house in Spreydon failing pre-purchase inspection. Multiple code violations identified by building inspector. Old fuse box with no RCD protection. Circuits overloaded and undersized cables. Outdoor outlets without weatherproof covers. Bathroom lighting not compliant with wet area requirements. DIY wiring in garage completely non-compliant. We provided detailed quote listing all corrections needed. Installed new switchboard with proper RCDs. Upgraded undersized circuits. Added missing earth connections. Installed compliant outdoor outlets and bathroom fixtures. Removed dangerous DIY wiring and reinstalled properly. Tested entire system thoroughly. Provided electrical certificate. House passed reinspection. Buyers proceeded with purchase confidently knowing electrical safe and compliant.
Non-compliant electrical work creates safety hazards and legal issues. We fix code violations professionally bringing electrical systems to proper standards. Safety and compliance restored.
Common Code Violations
No RCD protection most serious and common violation. Older homes lacking required safety switches. DIY electrical work rarely meets code. Overloaded circuits with inadequate cable sizing. Missing or inadequate earthing systems. Incorrect wire colors confusing circuits. Poor connections creating fire hazards. Outdoor wiring without proper weatherproofing. Bathroom electrical not meeting wet area requirements. Extension cords used as permanent wiring. Switchboards overcrowded and improperly labeled.
Why Code Violations Matter
Safety first priority - violations create electrocution and fire risks. Insurance companies may deny claims for non-compliant work. Property sales conditional on electrical compliance. Building consent requires code compliance for additions or renovations. Legal liability if someone injured by non-compliant electrical. Council can require corrections. Rental properties must meet safety standards. Peace of mind knowing home safe.
RCD Protection
RCDs save lives detecting earth leakage and cutting power instantly. Current code requires RCD protection for most circuits. Socket outlets, outdoor circuits, bathroom circuits all need RCD. Older homes often lack RCDs completely. Installing RCDs most important correction. Two types - circuit breaker RCDs protecting individual circuits, or main switch RCD protecting multiple circuits. We install appropriate RCD protection bringing homes to current safety standards.
Switchboard Upgrades
Old fuse boxes dont meet current standards. No RCD protection. Limited capacity for modern loads. Ceramic fuses not effective protection. Dangerous to work on due to age and design. Replacement with modern switchboard provides proper safety. Adequate capacity for current usage. RCD protection. Circuit breakers instead of fuses. Proper labeling. Safe for future work.
Undersized Circuits
Old wiring often undersized for modern appliances. Kitchen circuits inadequate for multiple appliances. Heating circuits overloaded. Extension cords used compensating for inadequate outlets indicating problem. We assess loads and upgrade circuits. Install heavier cables where needed. Add circuits reducing load on existing. Proper circuit sizing prevents overheating and fires.
Earthing Corrections
Adequate earthing essential for electrical safety. Many older homes have poor earthing. Missing earth connections on fixtures and outlets. Inadequate earth conductor size. No main earth connection. We test and verify earthing throughout house. Install proper earth connections. Upgrade earth conductor to adequate size. Ensure solid main earth connection. Proper earthing critical for safety and RCD operation.
DIY Electrical Fixes
DIY electrical work almost always non-compliant and dangerous. Incorrect connections creating hazards. Undersized wiring. No proper protection. Poorly installed junctions. Exposed live parts. We find DIY work frequently. Sometimes entire sections need removal and proper reinstallation. Only licensed electricians should do electrical work. DIY electrical illegal and dangerous.
Fixed house in Fendalton with extensive DIY wiring in sleepout. Previous owner added circuits without permits. Undersized cables, no RCD, dangerous connections. Removed all DIY wiring. Installed proper circuits from main switchboard. RCD protection. Proper cable sizing and protection. Certified work. Made safe and compliant.
Outdoor Electrical Corrections
Outdoor electrical needs weatherproof installation. Indoor outlets used outside. No GFCI protection. Extension cords as permanent wiring. Underground cables without conduit. We install proper outdoor outlets with weatherproof covers. GFCI protection mandatory. Permanent wiring instead of extension cords. Underground wiring in proper conduit. Correct outdoor electrical prevents shocks and failures.
Bathroom Compliance
Bathrooms have strict electrical requirements. No outlets within certain distance of shower or bath. Lighting must be appropriate for wet areas. Fans need proper installation. RCD protection required. We bring bathroom electrical to code. Install compliant fixtures. Remove non-compliant outlets. Ensure proper wet area protection. Safety in wet environments critical.
Overloaded Circuits
Too many loads on single circuit causes problems. Breakers tripping frequently. Cables overheating. Fire risk increases significantly. Add circuits distributing loads properly. Dedicated circuits for heavy appliances. Adequate outlets eliminating extension cord use. Proper load distribution prevents hazards.
Aluminum Wiring Issues
Houses built 1960s-70s sometimes have aluminum wiring. Aluminum expands and contracts loosening connections. Creates overheating and fire risk. Special connectors required. We inspect aluminum wiring systems. Install proper aluminum-rated connectors. Copper pigtails to devices. Some situations require complete rewiring. Address aluminum wiring hazards properly.
Missing Circuit Labeling
Switchboards must be properly labeled. Shows which breaker controls which circuit. Required by code. Essential for safety during emergencies. Many switchboards have inadequate or incorrect labels. We identify and label all circuits accurately. Professional clear labels. Meets code requirements. Makes troubleshooting and work safer.
Inspection and Assessment
We inspect thoroughly identifying all violations. Prioritize by safety risk. Provide written report detailing problems. Explain code requirements and corrections needed. Quote all necessary work. Photographs documenting violations. Clear communication what needs fixing and why. Homeowner understands scope before work begins.
Pre-Purchase Corrections
House inspections often identify electrical violations. Buyers make offer conditional on corrections. Sellers must fix violations or reduce price. We work with real estate transactions. Fast turnaround. Coordinate with inspectors and settlement timelines. Get houses compliant for successful sale. Certificate provided for settlement.
Rental Property Compliance
Rental properties must meet electrical safety standards. RCD protection required. Smoke alarms compliant. No exposed wiring or hazards. Regular inspections identify issues. Landlords responsible for compliance. We bring rental properties to standard. Avoid penalties and protect tenants. Provide documentation for compliance records.
Building Consent Compliance
Additions and renovations require building consent. Electrical must meet current code. Illegal work prevents consent completion. Non-compliant work identified during inspections. Must be corrected before code compliance certificate issued. We handle consent electrical work. Meet code requirements. Coordinate with building inspectors. Complete consents successfully.
Prioritizing Corrections
Safety hazards corrected first - exposed wiring, no RCD, major overloads. Then address code violations affecting building consent or sale. Finally cosmetic or minor issues. Phased approach allows budgeting. Critical safety issues not optional. Other items prioritized by importance and budget.
Certification
We provide certificate of compliance for correction work. Licensed electrician certification required. Certificate proves work meets code. Necessary for building consent, insurance, property sales. Keep certificates safe. Add value to property. Demonstrate professional compliant work.
Prevention
Use licensed electricians for all work. Avoid DIY electrical completely. Regular inspections identify developing problems. Address issues promptly. Upgrade old systems proactively. Building additions done properly with consent. Maintenance prevents degradation to non-compliance. Professional approach maintains safety and compliance.
Cost of Code Corrections
Simple corrections like adding RCD or labeling $200-600. Moderate work including circuit upgrades and earthing improvements $600-1500. Extensive corrections multiple violations throughout house $1500-5000. Complete switchboard replacement $1500-3000. Correcting major DIY work $2000-5000+. Each property different. We provide accurate quotes after inspection.
Compare correction cost to risks. Fire and electrocution prevented. Property value protected. Insurance valid. Legal compliance maintained. Avoids penalties and liability. Safety investment worthwhile. Payment plans available for larger projects.