An electrical audit is part of safety requirements for businesses and manufacturing facilities. Conducted by licensed professionals, an electrical audit is crucial to determine electrical safety and compliance with codes and other regulations. It reduces the risk of equipment failure and system malfunctions that could otherwise cause disruptions. It also shows insurance providers that you’re committed to electrical safety, allowing you to benefit from lower premiums.
If it’s your first time scheduling an industrial electrical audit in Melbourne, here’s what you can expect and why ONJ Services is your best choice.
What an Electrical Audit Involves
From an initial inspection to preparing a report with findings, an electrical audit is a comprehensive process that identifies risks, improves efficiency and ensures compliance. There are three main stages:
Site Inspection
This includes an assessment of your facility’s electrical systems. Professionals look for signs of worn-out or outdated components, inefficient setups, and noncompliance. They check switchboards, equipment, and wiring to find risks and electrical safety hazards. Compliance is checked against standards like AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules. Professionals like ONJ Services also use the AS/NZS 3820:2020 standard to ensure the essential safety compliance of electrical equipment.
Testing
In this stage, industrial electricians test your facility’s electrical infrastructure. They test electrical systems, devices, and components by evaluating things like resistance, current, and voltage. Testing also includes making sure that safety devices like smoke detectors and RCDs are functioning properly. All electrical testing is done according to AS/NZS 3760:2022 safety inspection and testing standards to ensure that equipment is safe to use.
Reporting
The final stage includes preparing a detailed report that outlines electrical issues like outdated systems, worn-out components, and noncompliance. It details potential safety risks and recommends corrective action. These recommendations typically include a maintenance plan to prevent further damage and avoid costly downtime.
What Business Owners Should Prepare For
As a business owner or manager of a manufacturing facility, you can prepare for a smooth industrial electrical audit by doing the following:
Make sure that industrial electricians have access to all electrical systems, including machinery, control panels, and switchboards.
Prepare relevant documents like your manufacturing facility’s electrical plans, previous testing and tagging reports, and maintenance records.
Inform staff about the audit, so industrial electricians have clear access to the electrical systems.
If there are any known issues or concerns, direct your electrical auditors towards it so they can focus on those areas first.
Preparing your business or manufacturing facility for an industrial electrical audit allows a smoother process where they identify risks and promptly address them.
Common Issues Audits Uncover
Wiring Issues
Inadequate or faulty wiring is a common finding in industrial electrical audits. Your wiring may not be the right size, have damaged insulation, or loose connections. There may even be exposed wires, which increase the risk of electric shocks and electrical burns. Additionally, faulty wiring can cause electrical fires, short circuits, and equipment failure.
Outdated Electrical Equipment
Audits often uncover outdated equipment that no longer complies with the latest safety standards. For example, old fuses, circuit breakers, switches, and components likely to fail. Outdated components can make your electrical systems unstable and increase the risk of accidents.
Lack of Safety Signage and Labels
Another common finding in industrial electrical audits is the lack of proper safety signage and labelling across circuits, equipment, and electrical panels. Proper labelling is essential to spot electrical hazards and ensure safe operations.
Overloaded Circuits
Professionals like ONJ Services often find overloaded circuits carrying a bigger current than they’re designed to handle. It happens when you add new equipment without upgrading your circuit. This increases the risk of overheating and fire hazards.
ONJ Services Conducts Professional Audits and Supports Compliance
At ONJ Services, we inspect, test, and report on your systems to ensure they meet Australian standards and regulatory requirements. Our team identifies risks early, provides clear compliance guidance, and helps you take corrective action—reducing downtime and avoiding fines.
And if you’re worried about disruptions, rest assured that licensed electrical auditors like the ONJ Services team has a seamless process that doesn’t get in the way of everyday operations.