Want to book an inspection? Text us your suburb and the reason for the inspection, such as buying, renting out or a fault. Our automated quote assistant replies straight away, at any hour.
In an electrical safety inspection, a licensed electrician looks over the switchboard, tests every safety switch, measures the wiring with test instruments and checks the power points and smoke alarms. You then get a written report: the test results, anything that isn’t compliant, and a fixed price to fix it. Here’s each step in plain words, and what to do before the visit.
The quick answer
- The electrician checks the switchboard, safety switches, wiring, power points and smoke alarms.
- Safety switches are timed with an instrument, not just tripped with the test button.
- The power goes off for short periods while circuits are tested.
- The written report lists the test results, anything that isn’t compliant and a fixed price to fix it.
What happens during an electrical safety inspection?
The inspection runs in roughly this order. It starts with what the electrician can see, then moves to what only an instrument can measure.
- Look over the switchboardSigns of heat damage, worn or old devices, loose parts and labelling.
- Test every safety switchEach one is tripped with an instrument that times how fast it cuts the power.
- Measure the insulationEach circuit is tested to show whether the cable insulation has broken down.
- Check the earth fault pathA measurement shows whether a fault would trip the protection as it should.
- Check the power pointsPolarity is tested, and face plates are checked for cracks, scorching and looseness.
- Check the smoke alarmsTheir type, age and interconnection are compared with the Queensland rules.
The tests, in plain words
Most of an electrical safety inspection is testing you can’t do by looking. This is what each test is for.
| Test | What it shows | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Safety switch trip time | How fast each safety switch cuts the power in a fault | A switch can pass the button test and still be too slow |
| Insulation resistance | Whether the insulation around the cables is still sound | Damaged insulation can leak current, causing shocks or trips |
| Earth fault loop | Whether the path for fault current is good enough | A poor earth path can stop the protection working in a fault |
| Polarity | Whether active, neutral and earth are connected the right way | A wrong connection can leave a fitting live when it looks off |
The button on a safety switch only shows that it trips. That’s why the timed test matters. Our guide on how to test a safety switch covers the part you can do yourself.
What’s in the report
You get a written report after the inspection. A verbal “it’s fine” isn’t enough to plan repairs or show a buyer, tenant or insurer what was checked.
What our report contains
- The test results for the switchboard, safety switches and circuits
- Anything that isn’t compliant, and where it is
- The state of the smoke alarms against the Queensland rules
- A fixed price to fix each item, so you can decide what to do and when
Repairs are separate work, done only once you approve the quote. When we do them, you get a certificate of testing and compliance and our 12 month workmanship warranty. Keep the report with the certificates, invoices and photos in your property file.
What the inspection and the common repairs cost is in our guide to electrical safety inspection cost.
Text for a quote Call 07 4428 2766
How to get ready for the visit
A little preparation lets the electrician get straight to the testing.
- Clear a path to the switchboard and the roof space access.
- Write down any problems you’ve noticed, with the room and what happened. “The kitchen lights flicker when the kettle runs” is more useful than “the power is strange”.
- Tell everyone at home the power will go off for short periods.
- Have any earlier reports, certificates and invoices for electrical work ready.
If the electrician needs to go into the roof space, the Electrical Safety Office’s guide for property owners says the law requires the main power switches to be turned off first. Plan for the fridge and anything else that needs power.
Don’t take covers off or try a repair before the visit. In Queensland, electrical work is for a licensed electrician only. Getting ready means clearing access, not opening anything up.
Common questions about electrical safety inspections
Is an inspection the same as a repair?
No. The inspection finds and reports problems. Fixing them is separate work, quoted first, and done only once you say yes.
Can a tenant ask for an electrical safety inspection?
A tenant can report electrical problems to the property manager or owner, who arranges the work. The Residential Tenancies Authority’s electrical safety page treats a dangerous electrical fault as an emergency repair, and the manager must give an Entry Notice (Form 9) before testing safety switches.
When should I book one?
Usually when you buy, rent a home out, after storm damage, or when something seems wrong. Our guide on how often you should get an electrical safety check sets out the Queensland rules.
Who does inspections near me?
We do, across Logan, Brisbane southside, Ipswich, Springfield Lakes and the northern Gold Coast, under QLD Electrical Contractor Licence 90552. See our electrical safety inspection Brisbane page, and our smoke alarm installation in Brisbane page if the alarms need replacing.
Our advice
Before you book, list the problems you’ve noticed and clear the way to the switchboard. Ask for a written report with test results and a fixed price for each repair, so you can plan the work rather than approve it blind.
Book an electrical safety inspection
Text us your suburb and the reason for the inspection, such as buying, renting out or a fault. Our automated quote assistant replies straight away, at any hour.
Text for a quote Call 07 4428 2766
Calls are answered Monday to Friday, 7am to 3:30pm. Or send the details online.
Prices current as of 5 October 2026. Sources: Electrical Safety Office (WorkSafe Queensland), “Electrical safety in rental properties, property owners guide”; Residential Tenancies Authority, “Electrical safety”. This article is general information. It is not advice about your property.
Related guides
Electrical Safety Inspection Cost: What to Expect in 2026
How to test a safety switch, and when to book a safety switch inspection
Home Electrical Safety Inspection Price Brisbane: From $295- QLD Smoke Alarm Laws: The 1 January 2027 Deadline Explained
- How many smoke alarms does a Queensland home need before 1 January 2027?
All guides: electrical and air conditioning guides.
Licensed electricians and ARCtick refrigeration technicians, Queensland Electrical Contractor Licence 90552 and ARCtick L181564. We install and service split systems and do the electrical across Logan, Brisbane southside, Ipswich and the northern Gold Coast.
About Faze | Call 07 4428 2766 | Text 0489 275 747