Electrical safety inspections and smoke alarms in Adelaide.
Electrical safety inspections, plus smoke alarm supply, installation and replacement.
Two services that go hand in hand
Electrical safety inspection
- Switchboard condition, circuit protection and labelling
- Safety switch (RCD) coverage and trip testing
- Condition of power points, switches and light fittings
- Visible wiring in accessible areas, including the roof space where safe
- Earthing and bonding checks
- Signs of overheating, damage or unlicensed work
Smoke alarms
- Hardwired (240V) smoke alarms with battery backup
- 10-year sealed lithium battery alarms, where permitted
- Interconnected alarms, so when one sounds they all do
- Photoelectric alarms, as generally recommended by fire services
- Replacing alarms that are past their use-by date
- Testing and checking positions against the current rules
Smoke alarm requirements, in plain English
South Australian law requires smoke alarms in homes, and the type depends largely on when the home was built or significantly renovated and whether it's being sold or rented:
- Newer homes, and homes that have been significantly renovated, generally need hardwired (mains-powered) smoke alarms.
- Older homes that are sold or leased must have working smoke alarms, which in many cases can be hardwired or 10-year non-removable battery types.
- Smoke alarms have a limited life. Manufacturers generally recommend replacing them every 10 years, and the date is printed on the alarm.
- Fire services recommend photoelectric, interconnected alarms in bedrooms, hallways and living areas for the best protection.
Good times to get an inspection
Buying a home
Moved into an older home
Before renting out
Before renovating
After a scare
Every few years
More about safety inspections and smoke alarms in Adelaide
Know that your home's electrics and smoke alarms are doing their job. Odin Electric carries out electrical safety inspections and supplies, installs and replaces smoke alarms for homeowners, buyers, landlords and businesses across Adelaide.
Two services that go hand in hand
Electrical safety inspection. A visual and test-based check of your installation, with clear findings on what's safe, what needs attention and what's urgent.
Smoke alarms. Supply, installation, testing and replacement of smoke alarms, positioned to suit your home's layout.
Smoke alarm requirements, in plain English
The rules have changed over time and it's easy to get confused. We'll check what you have, tell you what applies to your property, and recommend the right setup. For landlords, see our rental compliance service.
Good times to get an inspection
Buying a home. Understand the condition of the electrics before you commit.
Moved into an older home. Find out whether you have safety switches, ceramic fuses or ageing wiring.
Before renting out. Check smoke alarms and electrical safety before a new tenancy starts.
Before renovating. Know what you're working with, so the budget includes any electrical upgrades.
After a scare. A shock, a burning smell, storm or water damage, or unexplained tripping.
Every few years. Like a car service, a periodic check catches problems before they're dangerous.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an electrical safety inspection take?
It depends on the size and age of the property. A typical house takes a couple of hours. We'll give you a time estimate when you book.
What happens if you find a problem?
We'll explain what we found, how serious it is and what it would cost to fix. Anything immediately dangerous will be made safe, with your approval. Everything else is your choice. There's no pressure to have the repairs done by us.
How often should I replace my smoke alarms?
Smoke alarms generally need replacing every 10 years, or sooner if they're faulty. Check the manufacture or expiry date on the side or back of each alarm. If there's no date, it's very likely due for replacement.
What's the difference between photoelectric and ionisation alarms?
Photoelectric alarms are better at detecting the slow, smouldering fires that are common in homes, and are less prone to nuisance alarms from cooking. Fire services in Australia generally recommend photoelectric alarms.
Can you interconnect my smoke alarms?
Yes. Interconnected alarms are linked, by wiring or wirelessly, so that when one detects smoke, all of them sound. That means you'll hear an alarm in a bedroom even if the fire starts at the other end of the house.
Do I need hardwired alarms, or are battery alarms OK?
It depends on when your home was built or renovated and whether it's being sold or leased. Some homes must have hardwired alarms, while others can use 10-year sealed battery alarms. We'll check your property and tell you what applies.
What is a safety switch (RCD) and do I need one?
A safety switch, or residual current device (RCD), cuts the power in a fraction of a second if it detects current leaking to earth, for example through a person. It's different from a circuit breaker, which protects the wiring from overload. Many older Adelaide homes have limited or no RCD protection. We can check your switchboard and recommend whether an upgrade makes sense.
Can I do my own electrical work?
No. In South Australia, electrical work must be carried out by a licensed person. DIY electrical work is illegal, can void your home insurance, and puts you and your family at serious risk. Changing a light globe or resetting a tripped safety switch is fine, but leave the wiring to a licensed electrician.
Related services
Book a safety inspection or smoke alarm check
Call Yazen on 0404 844 144 or request a quote online.