Quick Summary: What to Do If You Receive a Powercor Electrical Defect Notice

• Powercor issues electrical defect notices when part of your switchboard, service line, or power connection is unsafe
• Common reasons include: damaged point of attachment, aged meter panels, or low-clearance cables
• You usually have 21 days to rectify the defect before your power is disconnected
• Only a licensed electrician can complete the work and issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES)

Electrx are certified, local electricians based in the western suburbs of Melbourne, specialising in switchboard upgrades and private power pole replacements

What Is an Electrical Defect Notice?

An electrical defect notice from Powercor means something in your home’s electrical infrastructure is non-compliant with safety standards.

These notices are issued:

• After storm-related outages or faults
• During new connections or reconnections
• When Powercor technicians find aged, deteriorated, or illegal installations
• If your private power pole, overhead cable, or meter panel is considered unsafe

You’ll typically have 21 days to fix the defect, or Powercor may disconnect your power until it’s resolved and cleared. Full process details are available here on Powercor’s Reconnecting After a Fault page.

Why Did Powercor Issue You a Defect Notice?

Electrx regularly helps western Melbourne homeowners resolve defect notices. These are the most common reasons:

1. Damaged or Exposed Point of Attachment Cable

This is the overhead cable that connects your house to the street’s power supply.
It must be properly:

• Insulated and protected
• Positioned with adequate ground and building clearance
• Anchored securely with no exposed conductors

We’ve seen many homes in Altona, Newport, and Werribee with sun-damaged aerial cables or loose brackets—especially after high winds or heavy rain.

2. Outdated or Unsafe Meter Box

If your meter panel is made from asbestos, timber, or is visibly deteriorating—it won’t pass modern safety standards.
Common defect triggers include:

• Cracked enclosures
• Non-fire-rated materials
• Loose fuse links or open cable entry points
• Switchboards not fitted with safety switches (RCDs)

Electrx specialises in switchboard upgrades and can replace non-compliant panels quickly with safe, modern enclosures that meet Powercor’s requirements.

See the before and after switchboards below

3. Clearance Issues: Low Overhead Cables or New Structures

If you’ve recently built a:

And it’s now too close to the service line, Powercor may flag it as a clearance violation. We’ve seen this issue in Tarneit, Caroline Springs, and Point Cook where newer structures were installed beneath older cables. Electrx can assess the structure and re-route or raise the cable if needed.

4. Faulty Earthing or Bonding

Your electrical earthing system directs stray current safely into the ground. If your system is:

• Corroded
• Missing components
• Undersized or disconnected

It becomes a serious hazard—and an instant fail on inspection. Electrx electricians carry the materials to replace earth electrodes, re-bond water pipes, and issue the required Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES) for compliance.

5. Private Power Pole Issues

If you own a private power pole, Powercor may flag it if:

• It leans or is unstable
• Terminals are corroded
• It lacks proper earthing or fire safety clearance

Our team provides private pole inspection and replacement services across Melbourne’s west. This is a critical area where Powercor will disconnect you immediately if safety is at risk.

Ask us about our pole and mains upgrades.

Can You Still Use Power Before It’s Fixed?

Yes—for now. But if your defect notice isn’t resolved by the deadline, Powercor is authorised to cut off your power without further warning. Once that happens, you’ll remain disconnected until:

• The defect is repaired by a licensed electrician
• A CES is issued and lodged
• Powercor confirms compliance and schedules reconnection

What If Your Deadline Is Tomorrow?

If your Powercor defect deadline is within 24–48 hours, contact us now. We handle urgent rectification and reconnection work for customers across the western suburbs.

Here’s how we help:

• Same-day callouts to identify and fix the fault
• Supply and install compliant materials
• Issue and lodge your Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES)
• Notify Powercor and coordinate reconnection (if disconnected)

We’ll manage the paperwork, the repairs, and the stress. Book an emergency electrician now

Common Powercor Defect Questions (Western Melbourne Homes)

How long do I have to fix my defect?
Typically 21 days, but check your Powercor letter. Some critical defects may require action within 5–7 days.

Can Electrx fix the issue and lodge the CES?
Yes. We’re fully licensed to issue CES documents and notify Powercor upon completion.

Do you cover suburbs like Werribee and Altona?
Yes. We’re based in Melbourne’s west and regularly work across Altona, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Tarneit, Williamstown, Sunshine, and Caroline Springs.

How much will it cost?
Typical ranges:

• Switchboard upgrades: $1000 upwards. (We will give you a quote on the spot)
• Overhead cable repair: $600 and upwards (We will give you a quote on the spot)

Can you replace asbestos meter panels?
Yes. We work with certified asbestos removal partners and install fire-rated, compliant switchboards as part of the upgrade.

Local Electricians. Fast Action. Fully Compliant.

Electrx is your local defect rectification expert in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
From Werribee to Footscray, Altona to Deer Park, we’re trusted by hundreds of homeowners for urgent electrical work.

• Licensed and insured
• Experts in switchboards, private poles, and emergency response
• 24/7 emergency availability
• Fast turnaround on all Powercor defect notices

Powercor notices can be stressful—but with Electrx on the job, you’re in safe hands.

Call us today to fix it fast.