Are RCD safety switches mandatory in Perth homes?

Yes. RCDs (residual current devices, also called safety switches) are mandatory under AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules for all new circuits and alterations in Western Australia. Many older Perth homes built before 1990 may have no safety switches. Without RCDs, you are not fully protected against electrocution and your insurer may not cover electrical fault claims.

When does a Perth home need a switchboard upgrade?

Switchboards installed before the 1990s often used ceramic rewireable fuses and lack modern safety switches (RCDs). These older boards present higher fire and electrocution risks and are not compliant when adding new circuits for solar, EV chargers, or air conditioning. If your switchboard has ceramic fuses or no safety switches, a professional inspection and upgrade is strongly recommended.

What are the warning signs of electrical faults in Perth homes?

Key warning signs include: circuit breakers that trip repeatedly, lights that flicker or dim when appliances switch on, outlets or switches that feel warm or show scorch marks, a burning smell near the switchboard, buzzing or crackling sounds from outlets, and homes built before 1990 that have never had an electrical inspection. Any of these symptoms warrants an urgent inspection by a licensed Perth electrician.

Expert electricians, residential & commercial

Expert
Electrical Services Perth WA

Ares Energy & Electricals provides professional electrical services in Perth, WA, serving homeowners across Subiaco, Nedlands, Bayswater, Cottesloe, Claremont, and all Perth metro suburbs. Our expert Perth electricians hold current Western Australian Electrical Worker Licences and specialise in electrical safety, accurate fault diagnosis, and fully compliant upgrades to AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Amd 1:2022) Wiring Rules.

With over 15 years serving the Perth community, we handle both new electrical work and corrective services, including non-compliant work installed by other providers. All work is regulated under Energy Safety WA and must be inspected and certified upon completion.

NETCC approved SAA accredited installer ARC certified

Book electrical inspection 1300 717 583

Licensed Ares Energy electrician delivering residential electrical services in Perth, WA – Ares Energy & Electricals

Our Expertise

What Electrical Services Do Perth Homeowners Need Most?

Electrical systems deteriorate over time, especially in older Perth homes from the 1950s to 1980s where heat, age, and environmental exposure degrade wiring insulation. Accurate testing and inspection by an expert WA electrician are essential to identify risks early and keep your home compliant with Standards Australia (AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules) and Energy Safety WA requirements.

Fault Finding

Diagnosing hidden or intermittent electrical faults accurately

Switchboard Upgrades

Improving safety, capacity, and compliance

Home Wiring

Replacing unsafe or outdated cabling safely

Safety Inspections

Identifying risks before failures or incidents occur

Corrective Work

Fixing non-compliant or poorly installed systems

Our Services

What Are the Most Common Electrical Problems in Perth Homes?

Service 01

Electrical Fault Finding

Electrical faults can present as tripping circuits, power loss, flickering lights, overheating, or unexplained shutdowns. In many cases, the underlying issue is not obvious without proper testing equipment and methodology.

We use systematic diagnostic methods, testing circuits, load analysis, and thermal imaging, to identify the root cause before carrying out any corrective work.

We test first and recommend replacement only when necessary, no guesswork, no unnecessary costs.

Circuit tracing & load testing
Thermal imaging for hidden faults
Intermittent fault diagnosis

Learn about electrical fault finding

Electrician using thermal imaging and test equipment to locate an electrical fault in a residential switchboard – Ares Energy & Electricals

Service 02

Switchboard & Meter Upgrades

Older switchboards using rewireable fuses or early circuit breakers may not provide adequate protection for modern electrical loads, appliances, or solar systems. Upgrading improves safety, reduces fire risk, and ensures compliance with current Australian Standards.

We assess existing switchboards thoroughly and recommend upgrades only where the safety case is clear and justified.

Safety switch (RCD) installation
Modern circuit breaker replacement
Capacity upgrades for solar & EV
Meter board upgrades & relocations

Learn about switchboard upgrades

Licensed electrician upgrading a residential switchboard with modern circuit breakers and safety switches – Ares Energy & Electricals

Service 03

Home Wiring & Rewiring

Ageing or damaged wiring poses serious risks including overheating, arcing, and fire. Rewiring may be required in older properties, following renovations, or when electrical demand has significantly increased.

Our approach minimises disruption while ensuring every circuit meets current safety and compliance requirements throughout the process.

Outdated wiring replacement
Renovation electrical work
Additional circuits & power points
Minimal disruption approach

Learn about home wiring and rewiring

Electrician completing safe, compliant home rewiring to current Australian wiring standards – Ares Energy & Electricals

Compliance First

Why Does Electrical Safety and Compliance Matter for Perth Homes?

All electrical work in Western Australia must comply with AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring Rules, Amd 1:2022) to ensure safety and long-term reliability. Under Energy Safety WA (the state's electrical safety regulator under the Energy Coordination Act), all electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician holding a WA Electrical Worker Licence issued under the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991. You can verify Energy Safety WA electrical licensing requirements on the Energy Safety WA website. DIY electrical work is illegal in WA and can void your home insurance. Non-compliant installations significantly increase the risk of electric shock, equipment damage, or house fire.

Our Perth electricians follow a strict compliance-first approach. Every job is tested, documented, inspected, and certified before sign-off. We hold current Western Australian Electrical Worker Licences and issue a Certificate of Electrical Compliance (COES) for all prescribed work.

AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules

Expert Solar Electrician

Certificate of Compliance

Pre-Work Safety Assessment

We assess each job site before starting, identifying risks, isolation points, and required protection measures.

Testing & Verification

All completed work is tested with calibrated equipment to verify correct installation and safe operation.

Certificate of Electrical Compliance

A Certificate of Electrical Compliance (COES) is issued for applicable work, required for insurance and future property sales.

Transparent Documentation

You receive clear documentation of work performed, materials used, and any follow-up recommendations.

Why Us

Why Do Perth Homeowners Choose Ares Energy & Electricals?

SAA Accredited Installer and ARC Certified

Recognised SAA accredited installer and ARC certified, meeting required Australian standards for installation and safety.

Diagnostic-First Approach

We identify the root cause before recommending solutions. Test first, replace only when necessary. No unnecessary work.

Safety & Compliance Focus

Strong focus on electrical safety and full compliance with AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules on every job.

Corrective Work Experience

Extensive experience correcting and upgrading electrical systems originally installed by others, including non-compliant work.

Honest, Clear Advice

We explain what we find, what needs fixing, and what can wait, giving you the information to make informed decisions.

Built for Long-Term Reliability

Solutions designed for long-term reliability and safety, not short-term fixes that need revisiting in 12 months.

How We Work

Our Process from Enquiry to Completion

A straightforward, transparent process that keeps you informed at every step.

Enquiry & Assessment

Contact us with your electrical concern. We'll gather key details and advise on the appropriate next steps for your situation.

On-Site Inspection

Our expert electrician attends site to inspect your system, test components, and identify any faults or compliance issues.

Clear Recommendation

You receive a clear report of findings, recommended work, and associated costs, no hidden fees or pressure to proceed.

Work & Sign-Off

Approved work is completed to AS/NZS 3000:2018 standards, tested, and a Certificate of Compliance is issued where applicable.

No. In Western Australia, all electrical work must be performed by an expert electrician holding a current Western Australian Electrical Worker Licence, regulated by Energy Safety WA. Performing unlicensed electrical work is illegal under the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 and can void your home insurance, create serious safety hazards, and result in significant fines. Even minor tasks like replacing a power point must be done by an expert professional.

Yes. RCDs (residual current devices, also called safety switches) are mandatory under AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules for all new circuits and alterations in Western Australia. Many older Perth homes, particularly those built before 1990 in suburbs like Nedlands, Cottesloe, and Bayswater, were constructed before this requirement and may have no safety switches at all. If your switchboard lacks RCDs, you are not fully protected against electrocution and your insurer may not cover electrical fault claims.

Switchboards installed before the 1990s often used ceramic rewireable fuses and lack modern safety switches (RCDs). These older boards present higher fire and electrocution risks, and are not compliant with current requirements when adding new circuits for solar, EV chargers, or air conditioning. If your switchboard has a wooden backing board, ceramic fuses, or no safety switches, a professional inspection and upgrade is strongly recommended.

Key warning signs include: circuit breakers that trip repeatedly without a clear cause, lights that flicker or dim when appliances switch on, outlets or switches that feel warm or show scorch marks, a burning smell near the switchboard or power points, buzzing or crackling sounds from outlets, and homes built before 1990 that have never had an electrical inspection. Any of these symptoms warrants an urgent inspection by an expert Perth electrician. Do not ignore them.

Homes in older Perth suburbs like Subiaco, Claremont, Nedlands, and Bayswater built between the 1950s and 1980s frequently have TPS wiring or rubber-insulated cabling that has degraded with age. Perth's hot summers accelerate insulation breakdown, increasing fire risk. If your property has never been rewired and was built before 1990, a professional wiring inspection is strongly recommended. Our expert Perth electricians can assess the condition and advise on whether rewiring is required.

In most cases, yes. Solar installations require a dedicated inverter circuit and bi-directional metering, and EV home chargers require a dedicated 32A circuit. Neither can proceed with an old ceramic fuse board. Western Power and Energy Safety WA both require a compliant switchboard before these installations are approved. Our team can assess your existing board and perform the upgrade and new installation in a single visit where possible.

Expert
Electrical Services Perth WA