The Cost of Ignoring Electrical Defects: What It Could Mean for Your Property
An electrical defect may seem minor at first glance, but ignoring it can lead to serious consequences for your safety, compliance, and property value. Across Sydney, including Wollongong, Parramatta, and the Sutherland Shire, energy providers such as Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy regularly issue electrical defect notices that require urgent attention. Failing to act can result in power disconnection, fines, fire risks, or worse.
At Sweeny Electrics, we specialise in defect notice repairs and provide licensed Level 2 electrician services across all areas of Sydney. In this article, we explain the risks of ignoring electrical defects and why timely intervention from an ASP Level 2 electrician is not only essential but often legally required.
What Is an Electrical Defect Notice?
An electrical defect notice is issued by your electricity distributor (such as Ausgrid or Endeavour Energy) after an inspection reveals that part of your property’s electrical installation is unsafe or non-compliant. The notice outlines the defect and sets a deadline for repairs.
Common issues that trigger a defect notice include:
Damaged or exposed consumer mains
Unsafe overhead connections or sagging cables
Non-compliant switchboards or fuse boxes
Faulty or outdated private power poles
DIY or unlicensed electrical work
Lack of safety switches (RCDs) or improper earthing
Only a licensed ASP Level 2 electrician is authorised to repair most of these issues. That’s where Sweeny Electrics comes in, with years of experience, our team is trusted across Sydney, Wollongong, and Parramatta for timely and compliant defect rectifications.
What Happens If You Ignore a Defect Notice?
1. Power Disconnection
If the defect is not resolved within the timeframe stated on the notice (usually 21 days), your electricity provider has the authority to disconnect power to your property. This can cause massive disruption to your home or business and can only be resolved by addressing the fault.
2. Safety Hazards
Defects often exist because something in your electrical system is unsafe. Ignoring the problem could result in electric shock, equipment failure, or even fire. Homes with outdated or damaged mains wiring are at greater risk, particularly during storms or high demand periods.
3. Insurance Issues
If a fire or electrical fault occurs and it’s found that the property had an unresolved defect, insurance claims may be rejected. Insurers require proof that all electrical systems are safe and compliant, especially in cases where damage or injury occurs.
4. Increased Repair Costs
Minor electrical issues can quickly become major if left untreated. For example, a frayed cable might eventually short out and cause damage to your switchboard or appliances. Fixing one issue early is always more affordable than a full-scale electrical repair.
5. Reduced Property Value
Unresolved electrical issues can delay the sale of a home or result in a lower valuation. Building and pest inspectors will flag any known electrical faults, and buyers may use this to negotiate or walk away altogether. A compliant and modern system adds value and confidence.
When to Call a Level 2 Electrician
Defect notices typically require work that goes beyond what a standard electrician can perform. An ASP Level 2 electrician is authorised to:
Disconnect and reconnect your property to the network
Repair or replace overhead or underground service lines
Upgrade consumer mains or switchboards
Replace or repair private poles
Install or relocate metering equipment
If you're based in Sydney, Wollongong, or the Sutherland Shire and receive a defect notice, call Sweeny Electrics. We’ll inspect the issue, provide a quote, and carry out repairs to ensure compliance with NSW service and installation rules.
What Causes Electrical Defects?
Some of the most common reasons properties receive electrical defect notices include:
Ageing installations that no longer meet safety standards
Weather damage to private poles or overhead cables
Unauthorised DIY electrical work
Lack of RCDs (residual current devices)
Poor workmanship by previous contractors
Faulty earthing or damaged consumer mains
Our team is experienced in identifying and resolving each of these issues efficiently and safely. We ensure your system not only meets the minimum standards but is also built for long-term reliability.
How Sweeny Electrics Can Help
At Sweeny Electrics, we’ve helped hundreds of property owners respond to defect notices and avoid disconnection. Our process includes:
Prompt site inspection to assess the issue
Clear recommendations and upfront quotes
Full compliance with Ausgrid or Endeavour Energy requirements
Safe and legal disconnection and reconnection
Fast turnaround to meet your notice deadline
Lodging of completed paperwork on your behalf
We operate across Sydney, including Parramatta, Wollongong, and all surrounding suburbs. Our mobile units are fully stocked, meaning we can often carry out defect repairs on the same day.
Common Repairs We Perform
As licensed Level 2 electricians, our team frequently handles:
Replacement of unsafe overhead service cables
Upgrade of consumer mains and switchboards
Installation of compliant safety switches (RCDs)
Repair or replacement of damaged private poles
Reconnection services after defect clearance
Meter box upgrades or relocations
Each job is completed with safety and compliance in mind. We also provide Certificates of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) to satisfy legal requirements.
Emergency Response for Defect Notices
In some cases, defect notices are issued following storm damage or after a safety incident. If your property is at immediate risk, Sweeny Electrics offers emergency response services to address urgent repairs quickly.
We’re available 24/7 for electrical emergencies and can dispatch a Level 2 electrician anywhere in Sydney, including the Sutherland Shire, Wollongong, or Parramatta, to ensure your property is safe and power is restored.
Preventing Future Defect Notices
While some issues are unavoidable due to storms or ageing infrastructure, many defects can be prevented with regular inspections and maintenance.
Our tips include:
Have your switchboard and consumer mains inspected every 5–10 years
Ensure only licensed electricians carry out any electrical work
Replace old fuse boxes with modern circuit breaker boards
Consider switching to underground mains where feasible
Report damage to poles or cables as soon as it occurs
Routine maintenance is far more cost-effective than waiting for an official notice or a major electrical issue to occur.
Servicing All of Sydney and Surrounding Areas
Sweeny Electrics provides professional, compliant electrical services across:
Sydney CBD and suburbs
Parramatta and Western Sydney
Sutherland Shire
Wollongong and South Coast
Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, and North Shore
No matter where you’re located, we’re ready to assist with urgent electrical defect repairs or general maintenance.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
If you’ve received an electrical defect notice, or suspect your system may be outdated or unsafe, don’t wait until power is disconnected or damage occurs.
Trust Sweeny Electrics, your local Level 2 ASP electrician in Sydney, to handle the issue quickly and correctly.
Visit www.sweenyelectrics.com to book a site inspection or get advice from our expert team.
