Are you aware of the electrical compliance laws?

Sellers, are you aware that you must ensure that residual current devices (RCDs) and hard-wired smoke alarms must be installed in your property before the transfer of ownership? Penalties apply if your property is not compliant, regardless of whether it has settled.

An RCD cuts the electricity supply instantly if a person touches a live part. All properties constructed after the year 2000 should already have two RCDs fitted.

Battery smoke alarms

Battery smoke alarms are permitted if mains power is not connected to a dwelling or there is no hidden space in a ceiling for a mains powered smoke alarm. Smoke alarms must be replaced if they have reached their expiry date or are ten years old.

Licensed electrical contractor

If you plan on selling your home, we strongly recommend you engage a licensed electrical contractor to provide a compliance certificate to the purchaser at settlement. Due to the high demand for electricians, we recommend organising this as soon as you are ready to list the property to prevent delays.

Want to know more?

Contact our friendly team for more information about electrical compliance laws or visit the Department of Commerce fact sheets.