Switchboard Upgrades
Old fuse boxes replaced with modern circuit breakers and RCD safety switches, to current Australian standards.
Talk to ClayWhat an inspection covers
Clay works through the installation systematically and gives you the findings in language you can act on, with a clear separation between what is unsafe, what is non-compliant, and what is simply old but fine.
- Switchboard condition, RCD protection and circuit labelling
- Safety switch testing and trip-time checks
- Visible wiring condition in the roof space and switchboard
- Power points, switches and light fittings checked for damage and heat
- Earthing and bonding at the switchboard, water and gas services
- Smoke alarm presence, placement, age and operation
Before you buy a house
A building inspection tells you about the structure. It rarely tells you much about the electrics, and a rewire or a switchboard upgrade is a real number that belongs in your calculations before you sign, not after. An electrical inspection at that point is inexpensive relative to what it can reveal.
Landlords and property managers
If you own a rental, the electrical safety of the property is your responsibility, and smoke alarms have their own requirements around type, placement and expiry. Clay works with homeowners, landlords and property managers, tests the alarms, and tells you what needs doing rather than leaving you to interpret a checklist.
Smoke alarms
Smoke alarms expire. The sensor degrades whether or not the alarm has ever been triggered, and every unit carries a manufacture date — ten years from that date it should be replaced, regardless of whether it still chirps when you press the button. A surprising number of homes are running alarms well past that.
Clay supplies, installs and tests hardwired and interconnected alarms to Australian standards. Interconnection matters: an alarm in the back bedroom is not much use to someone asleep at the other end of the house unless all of them sound together.
Nobody remembers when theirs were last done, which is why CDElectrical runs a free smoke alarm reminder list — tell us roughly where yours are up to and we will get in touch when they are due. One message, no newsletter, opt out whenever you like.
Common questions
How often should smoke alarms be replaced?
Every ten years from the date printed on the unit, even if it still responds to the test button. The sensing element degrades over time. Batteries in battery-only alarms should be changed yearly.
How do I test my safety switch?
Press the TEST button on the RCD at your switchboard — the power should cut immediately. Doing this every three months is worth the thirty seconds. If it does not trip, it is not protecting you and needs looking at.
Do I need an inspection before buying a house?
It is not compulsory, but for an older property it is one of the more useful checks you can make. It tells you whether the electrics are sound or whether a switchboard upgrade or rewire needs to be in your numbers.
Do you install interconnected smoke alarms?
Yes. Interconnected alarms all sound together when one detects smoke, which makes a real difference in a larger house. Clay will advise what suits the layout of your home.
Related services
Wiring & Rewiring
Old or unsafe cabling replaced with modern, compliant wiring — renovations, extensions and whole homes.
Plan an upgradeElectrical Repairs
Power faults, dead circuits, tripping breakers and dodgy outlets — found properly and fixed properly.
Book a repairReady when you are
Need safety inspections sorted?
Send through a few details and Clay will come back with pricing, options and the next available time. Most quotes go out the same day.