Electrical appliances and fittings can become damaged through everyday use, accidental impact, age or poor maintenance. Even relatively minor physical damage can create an electrical safety risk.
Cracked covers, broken guards, exposed components or damaged housings can allow people to come into contact with parts that should normally be protected.
Mechanical damage can also affect the environmental protection of an appliance, particularly equipment installed outdoors or in areas exposed to moisture.
What Is Mechanical Damage? #
Mechanical damage occurs when an electrical appliance, fitting or its protective enclosure has been physically damaged.
Examples can include:
- Cracked or broken covers
- Damaged appliance housings
- Broken switches
- Loose or damaged fittings
- Exposed wiring
- Broken fan guards
- Damaged power points
- Cracked light fittings
- Damaged outdoor electrical equipment
- Missing protective covers
Damage doesn’t necessarily mean that an appliance has stopped working. An appliance can continue operating while still presenting a potential safety hazard.
Why Is Damaged Electrical Equipment Dangerous? #
Electrical equipment is designed with protective barriers and enclosures to help prevent contact with electrical components.
When these protections are damaged, several hazards can occur.
These may include:
- Electric shock
- Access to live electrical parts
- Cuts or other physical injuries
- Electrical short circuits
- Water entering electrical equipment
- Damage to connected equipment
- Increased risk of electrical fire
Energy Safe Victoria advises that damaged or ageing electrical equipment should not be used, including electrical products with frayed cords or exposed wires.
Examples of Mechanical Damage #
Damaged Exhaust Fans #
An exhaust fan with a broken or missing cover can expose moving components or electrical parts.
It can also allow dust and other material from a ceiling cavity to enter the fan.
A damaged exhaust fan should be assessed rather than simply continuing to use it.
Cracked Power Points #
A cracked power-point cover can reduce the protection provided around the electrical components.
If a power point is loose, cracked, broken or shows signs of damage, it should be assessed by a licensed electrician.
Damaged Outdoor Equipment #
Outdoor electrical equipment is particularly important because it may be exposed to rain, moisture and weather conditions.
A cracked enclosure, damaged cover or deteriorated seal can compromise the equipment’s intended protection against water or other environmental conditions.
This can also create an Ingress Protection (IP) rating concern.
Mechanical Damage and IP Protection #
Some electrical equipment is designed with a specific level of protection against the entry of dust and water.
If the enclosure or protective cover becomes damaged, the equipment may no longer provide the level of protection for which it was designed.
This can be particularly important for:
- Outdoor power points
- Pool equipment
- Outdoor lighting
- Air-conditioning isolators
- Garden equipment
- External switches
- Electrical equipment installed in damp locations
Any damaged weatherproof electrical equipment should be assessed by a licensed electrician.
What Do Electricians Look For? #
During a Victorian rental electrical safety check, the electrician visually assesses the electrical installation and its constituent equipment for signs of damage, deterioration and misuse.
Energy Safe Victoria explains that the periodic assessment is intended, as far as reasonably practicable, to determine whether the installation and its equipment are in a safe condition for continued use.
An inspection may identify:
- Physical damage
- Broken covers
- Loose fittings
- Exposed electrical components
- Damaged wiring
- Signs of overheating
- Water or moisture damage
- Damaged outdoor equipment
- Other signs of misuse or deterioration
Where damage is suspected, additional inspection or testing may be appropriate.
Mechanical Damage in Victorian Rental Properties #
Victorian rental providers must ensure an electrical safety check every two years by a licensed or registered electrician. The check covers the property’s electrical installations, fixtures and fittings.
If damage or a safety issue is identified during the inspection, the electrical safety report should record the issue and recommendations for any repairs required.
Rental providers should arrange appropriate electrical repairs where required to maintain the property in a safe condition.
What Should Tenants Do If They Find Damage? #
Tenants should report damaged electrical equipment to their rental provider, property manager or agent.
Examples include:
- A cracked power point
- A broken light fitting
- A damaged exhaust fan
- Exposed wires
- A broken outdoor electrical enclosure
- A loose switch
- A damaged appliance cord
Do not attempt to repair electrical equipment yourself.
If an appliance or fitting appears unsafe, stop using it where it is safe to do so and arrange for it to be assessed by a licensed electrician.
Book an Electrical Safety Inspection #
Rental Safety Inspections provides professional electrical safety inspections for rental properties throughout Melbourne and surrounding areas.
Our licensed electricians inspect electrical installations, switchboards, safety switches (RCDs), fixtures and fittings to help identify electrical defects, mechanical damage and other safety issues that may require attention.
Contact Rental Safety Inspections today to arrange your electrical safety inspection.
