Settlement day is exciting, and the to-do list is long. Somewhere between finding the boxes with the kettle and working out the bin night, it is worth spending an hour understanding the electrical side of your new home. A pre-purchase building inspection often only looks at electrics briefly, so there may be things nobody has checked closely.

Find and understand the switchboard

Start at the switchboard. Locate it, open the cover and look at what is there:

Are there circuit breakers or old ceramic fuses?
Are there safety switches, and how many circuits do they protect?
Are the circuits labelled clearly?
Is there any sign of heat, scorching, rust or water?

Learn where the main switch is so you can turn the power off in an emergency. If the circuits are not labelled, it is worth having them labelled properly.

Test the safety switches

Safety switches have a test button, usually marked T. Pressing it should trip the switch and cut power to the circuits it protects. Reset it afterwards. If it does not trip, it needs checking. Many older homes have only one safety switch, or none at all. Modern installations protect power and lighting circuits, and adding safety switches is one of the most worthwhile safety upgrades you can make.

Check the smoke alarms

Is there at least one working smoke alarm on every level?
Are there alarms near the bedrooms?
Do they all sound when tested?
How old are they? Look for the manufacture date on the label.

NSW law requires working smoke alarms on every level of a home. If the alarms are old, missing or mismatched, replacing them early is easy peace of mind. Our smoke alarms page covers your options.

Walk around the outlets and switches

Check each power point and switch for:

Cracks, scorch marks or discolouration.
Loose faceplates or plugs that fall out.
Warmth or a burning smell.
Outlets that do not work.

Note anything unusual and include it in an electrician's visit.

Look for signs of DIY work

Previous owners sometimes did their own electrical work. Watch out for:

Mismatched or crooked fittings.
Cables running loose in the roof space or along walls.
Taped joins.
Extension leads used as permanent wiring.
Outdoor lights and outlets that are not weatherproof.

Our guide on why DIY electrical work is illegal in NSW explains why this matters.

Check the outdoor electrics

Coastal homes in suburbs like Shellharbour, Minnamurra and Dunmore see salt air corrosion on outdoor fittings. Check outdoor outlets, sensor lights and garden lighting for corrosion, cracked covers and water inside.

Note anything that flickers or trips

Over your first few weeks, notice:

Lights that flicker or dim when appliances start.
Safety switches or breakers that trip.
Appliances that behave oddly.

Write it down with dates and what was running. It helps with fault finding later.

Plan for how you will live

New owners often want changes: more power points, better lighting, ceiling fans, a new oven or smart home features. Planning these together with any safety work is efficient.

Book an electrical check

A licensed electrician can look over your switchboard, test safety switches, check smoke alarms and look for obvious hazards. If the board is old, Kalani can explain whether a switchboard upgrade makes sense. He will explain what he finds in plain language, without pressure.

Just moved in? Call or text Kalani on 0424 400 346. Photos of your switchboard and any concerns are a great first step.

Electrical safety checklist for new homeowners