Electrical Compliance for Sale & Renting of Property
Ensuring Electrical Compliance for Property Sales & Renting in Western Australia
When selling or renting your property in Western Australia, one of the most critical aspects to consider is electrical compliance. Making sure that your property's electrical systems are up to standard not only protects the safety of potential buyers but is also a legal requirement. Failing to meet these standards can land sellers with large fines.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensuring your property's electrical systems are up to scratch, whether you're selling or leasing a property in WA.
Understanding Electrical Compliance
Electrical compliance refers to the adherence to established standards and regulations governing electrical installations and systems. In Western Australia, these standards are set by various bodies, including Building and Energy & Electricity Regulations 1947.
Key Areas of Electrical Compliance
Safety Switches (RCDs)
o Requirement: Safety switches, also known as Residual Current Devices (RCDs), are mandatory in WA. They protect against electric shock by automatically cutting off the electricity supply when an imbalance in current is detected.
o Compliance Check: Under the Electricity Regulations 1947; all residential premises to be sold, rented, made available as short-term rental accommodation or hired must have at least two RCDs protecting the final sub-circuits to socket outlets and lighting. There must be no more than three final sub-circuits per RCD. The lighting circuits (if there are two or more) must be divided between the RCDs.
Smoke Alarms
o Requirement: All residential properties must have hard-wired smoke alarms that comply with Australian Standard AS 3786-2014 & Building Regulations 2012.
o Compliance Check: Verify that smoke alarms are installed in the correct locations, are within 10 years of installation date, are hard-wired, and have a backup battery.
Open Roof Junctions
o The Issue: During the 1970s and early 80s, joints in electrical cables in ceiling spaces of dwellings and buildings often were wrapped only in insulating tape. The insulating tape has dried over time and may have fallen away, leaving the exposed ends of the cables. This is a serious shock risk to persons entering the ceiling space.
o Rectification for Compliance: Where a dwelling/building is identified as containing accessible unenclosed joints, the owner must have them remedied, using a licensed electrical contractor. The remedial action requires fitting approved plastic enclosures where joints are exposed.
Electrical Installations
o Requirement: All electrical installations must be performed by a licensed electrician and comply with the Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000:2018).
o Compliance Check: Conduct a thorough inspection to ensure all wiring, switchboards, and installations are up to standard before an electrician can produce an ESC.
Electrical Safety Certificates
o Requirement: The bare minimum of any property being sold, rented or hired in another capacity will require an electrical safety certificate by law.
o Compliance Check: To acquire an ESC, an electrician will be required to inspect the electrical install of the property for any defects as well as checking RCD& smoke alarm compliance.
Steps to Achieve Electrical Compliance for your Property Arrangements
- Hire a Licensed Electrician
- Engage a licensed electrician to conduct a comprehensive inspection of your property’s electrical systems. They can identify potential issues and recommend necessary upgrades or repairs.
- Upgrade and Repair
- Based on the inspection report, carry out all required electrical upgrades and repairs. This may include installing additional RCDs, smoke alarms, updating old wiring, or replacing faulty/asbestos switchboards.
- Obtain Compliance Certificates
- After completing the necessary work, ensure your electrician provides Electrical Safety Certificates. These documents are essential for proving compliance.
- Regular Maintenance
- Schedule regular electrical maintenance checks to ensure ongoing compliance and safety. This is important if the property remains in a rental/hiring space.
If this information is a little overwhelming, rest assured the professionals at Solved Electrical can help make your property compliant before selling or renting it. Reach out for advice today!
