06/05/2025
Body Corporate Electrical Safety Checklist: How to Stay Compliant and Avoid Fines in 2025
Managing a body corporate comes with a long list of responsibilities—and electrical safety is one of the most critical. With updated Australian Standards, insurance requirements, and evolving tenant expectations, staying compliant in 2025 is more important than ever. As specialists in body corporate and strata electrical services, INF Electrical has created a simple checklist to help property managers and committees stay ahead of risk.
1. Check Your Switchboards
Many older buildings still operate with outdated switchboards that lack modern safety features like RCD (residual current device) protection. These boards may not comply with current AS/NZS 3000 standards. Upgrading not only improves safety but is often required for insurance.
What to do:
Have your switchboards inspected annually.
Ensure RCDs are installed and functioning.
Label all circuits clearly.
2. Schedule Routine Testing and Tagging
Common areas often have electrical appliances such as BBQs, cleaners' equipment, or power tools. These must be tested and tagged regularly to ensure they are safe for use.
What to do:
Set up a testing and tagging schedule.
Maintain a register of all portable appliances.
3. Emergency and Exit Lighting Compliance
Emergency lighting and exit signs must work reliably during power outages. In Queensland, these are legally required to be tested every 6 months under AS/NZS 2293.
What to do:
Ensure a licensed electrician conducts 6-monthly testing.
Keep detailed logs of test results.
Replace faulty lights promptly.
4. Lighting Upgrades for Safety and Efficiency
Upgrading to LED lighting in common areas not only improves visibility and reduces trip hazards but also cuts power bills—a win for both safety and cost.
What to do:
Audit current lighting for brightness, coverage, and energy efficiency.
Consider sensor lighting in stairwells, pathways, and car parks.
5. Smoke Alarm Compliance
Although individual lot owners are responsible for smoke alarms inside their units, the body corporate must ensure alarms in common areas are up to standard.
What to do:
Check the location, age, and functionality of common area alarms.
Replace any alarms older than 10 years.
6. Surge Protection
With sensitive equipment in lifts, security systems, and access controls, surge protection can prevent thousands of dollars in damage during electrical storms.
What to do:
Assess the need for surge protection at the main switchboard.
Install protection devices where appropriate.
Stay Ahead of Risk with INF Electrical
At INF Electrical, we understand the unique needs of body corporate and strata-managed properties. With over 20 years' experience and a "do it once, do it right" approach, we help committees and managers meet compliance and keep residents safe.
If you’d like a site-specific safety audit or advice on any of the checklist items, our team is here to help.
Contact us today to book an obligation-free site inspection.
