Why Electrical Safety Matters

Electrical systems are essential to every home, but also one of the most overlooked safety concerns. Fires, shocks, outages, and expensive non-compliance issues can often be avoided with proactive maintenance and guidance from the right professionals.

Whether you’re a new homeowner or maintaining an older NSW property, this guide gives you the essentials on staying safe, staying compliant, and knowing when to call in a Level 2 electrician.

1. Book a Professional Electrical Inspection

Start every electrical safety plan with a licensed inspection. A qualified Level 2 electrician can assess:

• Switchboard condition and capacity
• Presence of safety switches (RCDs)
• UV-damaged or sagging overhead cables
• Wiring age and wear
• Risky DIY or outdated installations

This is especially important if:

• Your home is more than 20 years old
• You’ve recently purchased or renovated
• You’ve received a defect notice

Read more: Electrical Safety Checklist for New Homeowners in NSW

2. Understand What a Level 2 Electrician Does

Only Level 2 Accredited Service Providers (ASPs) can legally perform work between your home and the electricity network. This includes:

• Switchboard upgrades
• Meter installations
• Temporary power setups
• Private pole repairs
• Disconnections and reconnections

Read more: Do You Need a Level 2 Electrician in NSW?

3. Modernise Your Switchboard

If your switchboard still uses ceramic fuses or lacks safety switches, it’s due for an upgrade. Modern switchboards:

• Improve protection against shock and fire
• Support solar and EV charger installation
• Meet current safety standards

Read more: Is Your Switchboard Safe? When to Upgrade

4. Prepare for Storm Season

Storms are a leading cause of electrical damage in NSW homes. To reduce risk:

• Ensure overhead cables are UV-safe and clear of trees
• Check for surge protection at the switchboard
• Never attempt DIY fixes after damage, always call a Level 2 electrician

Read more: Storm Electrical Damage in NSW: How to Protect Your Home

5. Know When Temporary Power is Required

If you’re building, renovating, or upgrading your site, you may need a temporary building supply. Only Level 2 electricians can legally install temporary poles and metering for construction or events.

Read more: What Is Temporary Power Supply in NSW and When Do You Need It?

6. Consider 3-Phase Power for Modern Needs

If your household is growing, or you’re installing energy-intensive appliances (air conditioning, EV chargers, pool equipment), you may benefit from 3-phase power.

• Provides more consistent power for large systems
• Reduces overload on circuits
• Ideal for homes with solar and battery setups

Read more: 3-Phase Power vs Single Phase – Which Is Right for Your Home?

7. Don’t Ignore Defect Notices

Received a defect notice from your energy provider? This typically means your home has unsafe connections, damaged components, or non-compliant wiring. These must be fixed by a Level 2 ASP to avoid disconnection.

Read more: How to Respond to an Electrical Defect Notice in NSW

8. UV and Environmental Damage Is Real

In NSW’s climate, UV exposure can severely damage your home’s external electrical infrastructure, including:

• Overhead cabling
• Service lines
• Plastic conduits
• Meter boxes

These risks are often invisible to the untrained eye and can lead to serious safety hazards or fines.

Read more: How UV Damage Affects Your Electrical System in NSW Homes

9. Upgrade to a Smart Meter

Smart meters offer better power tracking, faster issue detection, and simplified upgrades. Most NSW homes are eligible for installation through your retailer, but any network-level work (like rewiring or moving the meter) still requires a Level 2 ASP.

Read more: Benefits of Upgrading to a Smart Meter in NSW

10. Make Your Home Energy Efficient and Safer

Improving energy efficiency helps lower bills and reduce load on your electrical system. Consider:

• LED lighting
• Sensor-based switches
• Smart appliances
• Energy-efficient hot water systems

Read more: Energy-Saving Electrical Tips for NSW Homes

Book a Safety Inspection Today

Selectrical’s licensed Level 2 electricians provide comprehensive inspections, repairs, upgrades and emergency services across NSW. Whether you’re upgrading your home or responding to a defect notice, our team ensures everything is compliant, safe, and built to last.

Contact us today to book a free consultation or quote.