Andy replaced 3 ceiling fans. I was happy with the service he provided. I would highly recommend him for any electrical work. He is professional and arrived on time.
Did you know eligible WA Seniors Card members could receive up to $400 towards improving the safety and security of their homes?
If you’re a senior living in Perth or elsewhere in Western Australia, the WA Government’s Safety and Security Rebate could help reduce the cost of essential home safety improvements, including professionally installed smoke alarms, residual current devices (RCDs), security sensor lighting and other approved equipment.
At Westside Electrical Perth, we understand that maintaining a safe and secure home is especially important as you get older. From replacing outdated smoke alarms to installing life-saving RCD protection, our electrical services can help homeowners improve their property’s electrical safety.
This comprehensive Safety and Security Rebate Guide explains who qualifies, which electrical safety products are covered, how much you may be able to claim and how to apply for reimbursement.
We’ll also explain how Westside Electrical can assist with the professional installation of eligible smoke alarms and RCDs, helping you take advantage of the available rebate while keeping your home protected.
The key benefit: Eligible WA Seniors Card members can claim up to $400 per household under the current scheme. Mains-powered smoke alarms qualify for up to $200 per alarm, while eligible RCD installations can qualify for up to $400, subject to the overall household limit and scheme conditions.
Before purchasing or installing any equipment, always confirm your eligibility with the WA Seniors Card Safety and Security Rebate Guide.
The Safety and Security Rebate is a Western Australian Government initiative designed to help eligible WA Seniors Card members improve safety and security in their homes.
Reintroduced on 22 August 2021, the scheme provides financial assistance towards the purchase, installation or eligible repair of approved safety and security products.
The rebate recognises that maintaining a safe home can involve significant expenses, particularly when electrical upgrades, security equipment or professional installation are required.
For many older Australians, the cost of replacing ageing smoke alarms, installing electrical safety switches or improving security lighting can be a barrier to completing important safety improvements.
The Safety and Security Rebate helps reduce this financial burden by reimbursing eligible expenses up to the scheme’s maximum allowance.
Eligible WA Seniors Card members can claim up to $400 per household towards approved safety and security improvements.
However, there are important conditions:
For example, you could arrange to have two mains-powered smoke alarms installed and potentially claim up to $200 for each, subject to actual eligible costs and the $400 household maximum.
Alternatively, you may be able to combine a smoke alarm installation with an RCD upgrade in a single application.
Important: If you submit a claim for less than $400, you cannot subsequently claim the remaining balance. Consider all the eligible safety improvements your home requires before lodging your application.
To qualify for the WA Safety and Security Rebate, applicants must hold a valid WA Seniors Card and meet the scheme’s household eligibility requirements.
You must also have been a WA Seniors Card member when the eligible purchase was made.
The scheme includes several types of principal residences, including:
Your eligible household must be your principal place of residence in Western Australia and correspond with the address registered with WA Seniors Card.
Certain accommodation arrangements, including accommodation provided by aged care organisations, are excluded.
The scheme is based on WA Seniors Card membership, rather than simply receiving an Age Pension.
If you receive a pension but don’t hold a valid WA Seniors Card, you should check your eligibility with the WA Seniors Card Centre before proceeding.
No. The rebate is limited to a maximum of $400 per eligible household.
If both partners hold WA Seniors Cards and live in the same eligible household, they cannot each submit a separate $400 claim.
Yes, eligible WA Seniors Card members who rent their homes may qualify.
However, renters must obtain any necessary landlord or strata approvals before arranging installations or modifications.
This is particularly important for hardwired smoke alarms, RCDs and other electrical equipment requiring permanent changes to the property.
The WA Safety and Security Rebate covers a range of approved home safety and security products.
The following table summarises the eligible categories and their advertised maximum rebate amounts.
| Eligible product or service | Maximum rebate |
|---|---|
| Home alarm and CCTV systems | $400 |
| Security door screens | $400 |
| Door and window deadlocks | $200 per deadlock |
| Security window screens or shutters | $400 |
| Security sensor lights | $200 per light |
| Wi-Fi or wired video doorbells | $200 per doorbell |
| Residual Current Devices (RCDs) | $400 |
| Mains-powered smoke alarms | $200 per alarm |
| Fire extinguishers | $50 each, maximum two |
| Fire blankets | $25 each, maximum two |
| Eligible repairs to approved safety and security items | Up to $400, subject to applicable item limits |
Certain items have minimum purchase or installation values, and all claims remain subject to the overall $400 household limit.
Some products also require installation by an appropriately licensed tradesperson.
For Perth homeowners, two particularly important electrical safety upgrades covered by the scheme are mains-powered smoke alarms and residual current devices (RCDs).
These devices protect against different household dangers and are essential components of a safer electrical installation.
Smoke alarms are among the most important safety devices in any home.
A properly installed and functioning smoke alarm provides early warning when smoke is detected, allowing occupants valuable time to respond and evacuate.
For seniors, this early warning can be particularly important, especially where mobility limitations or other circumstances may make evacuation more difficult.
Under the WA Safety and Security Rebate, eligible Seniors Card members can claim up to $200 per mains-powered smoke alarm, subject to the minimum purchase and installation value of $100 and the overall household rebate limit.
The smoke alarm must be installed by a licensed electrician.
Smoke alarms can deteriorate over time, and older devices may no longer provide reliable protection.
Common problems include:
If your smoke alarms are approaching the end of their service life, replacing them with suitable modern detectors can improve the reliability of your home’s fire warning system.
Westside Electrical provides professional smoke alarm installation and replacement services in Perth.
The standard eligible category is a mains-powered smoke alarm.
These alarms connect to the home’s electrical supply and generally include a backup battery to provide protection during a power outage.
Eligible smoke alarms must meet the applicable Australian Standards and be professionally installed.
The official rebate guide references AS 3786-2014 for smoke alarms.
Battery-powered smoke alarms are generally not eligible under the standard mains-powered smoke alarm category.
However, the WA Seniors Card scheme allows limited exceptions where mains power is not connected to the dwelling, or where the building’s circumstances prevent mains power from being connected to the alarm and no alternative location is available.
In those circumstances, the alarm must have a non-removable 10-year battery, and the applicant must provide clarification of the building circumstances before the claim can be approved.
Always confirm this exception directly with WA Seniors Card before purchasing a battery-powered alarm.
The rebate provides up to $200 per eligible mains-powered smoke alarm, with a maximum combined claim of $400 per household.
Here are some illustrative examples.
Example 1: One smoke alarm
A licensed electrician supplies and installs one eligible mains-powered smoke alarm for $180.
Potential rebate: $180.
Potential final cost after reimbursement: $0.
Example 2: Two smoke alarms
Two eligible mains-powered smoke alarms are supplied and installed for a total of $360.
Potential rebate: $360.
Potential final cost after reimbursement: $0.
Example 3: Three smoke alarms
Three eligible mains-powered smoke alarms are supplied and installed for a total of $570, with eligible costs allocated within the per-alarm limits.
Potential rebate: Up to $400.
Potential final cost after reimbursement: $170.
These examples are illustrative only and assume the full amounts are accepted as eligible. Actual rebates depend on the itemised costs, applicable limits and approval by WA Seniors Card.
Westside Electrical can assist Perth homeowners with:
Smoke Alarm Assessment
Checking the age, condition and suitability of existing smoke alarms.
Smoke Alarm Replacement
Replacing expired, damaged or malfunctioning smoke alarms with appropriate modern units.
New Smoke Alarm Installation
Installing mains-powered smoke alarms in suitable locations in accordance with applicable electrical requirements.
Interconnected Smoke Alarms
Assessing and installing suitable interconnected systems where required or appropriate.
Smoke Alarm Fault Finding
Investigating persistent chirping, unexpected activation and other smoke alarm problems.
Documentation for Your Rebate Claim
Providing appropriate installation and payment documentation to support your application.
If your home has older smoke alarms, the rebate may provide an opportunity to upgrade your fire safety protection at a reduced cost.
Learn More About Smoke Alarm Installation in Perth – Westside Electrical
Residual Current Devices, commonly known as RCDs or safety switches, are designed to protect people from dangerous electric shock.
Unlike a smoke alarm, which provides an early warning of fire, an RCD monitors electrical current and rapidly disconnects power when it detects certain types of electrical leakage.
RCD protection can significantly reduce the risk of serious electric shock and electrocution.
Under the WA Safety and Security Rebate, eligible Seniors Card members can claim up to $400 towards approved RCD installation or replacement, subject to the overall household limit and scheme conditions.
RCD installation must be completed by a licensed electrician.
An RCD continuously monitors the electrical current flowing through a circuit.
Under normal operating conditions, the current flowing into the circuit should balance with the current returning.
If electricity leaks through an unintended path, such as through a person contacting faulty electrical equipment, the RCD detects the imbalance and disconnects the power supply.
This rapid disconnection can substantially reduce the severity of an electric shock.
However, RCDs do not prevent every electrical hazard, and they are not substitutes for safe electrical installations and practices.
Older homes may have ageing electrical installations, outdated switchboards or insufficient safety switch protection.
For older residents, ensuring appropriate RCD protection can provide additional reassurance when using everyday electrical appliances.
RCDs are particularly important in homes where:
A licensed electrician can assess the switchboard and determine whether additional RCD protection or replacement is required.
The scheme allows a maximum rebate of $400 for eligible RCD work, within the household’s overall $400 entitlement.
Unlike smoke alarms, the RCD category does not list a separate $200-per-device cap.
Example 1: RCD installation costing $250
Potential rebate: $250.
Potential final cost after reimbursement: $0.
Example 2: RCD installation costing $400
Potential rebate: $400.
Potential final cost after reimbursement: $0.
Example 3: RCD installation costing $650
Potential rebate: Up to $400.
Potential final cost after reimbursement: $250.
These examples assume the work and full claimed amounts qualify. A broader switchboard upgrade may include work that is not covered by the RCD rebate, so customers should confirm eligible costs before proceeding.
Yes, eligible repairs to existing RCDs are included in the scheme.
Depending on the condition of the device and installation, a licensed electrician may recommend replacing a defective RCD rather than attempting a repair.
The WA Seniors Card Centre can confirm whether the proposed work qualifies and how the relevant rebate limit applies.
The rebate specifically covers RCDs and eligible repairs.
It does not automatically mean that every component of a complete switchboard upgrade is eligible.
For example, if a switchboard upgrade includes RCD installation alongside unrelated electrical improvements, only the qualifying portion may be considered for reimbursement.
Ask your electrician for an itemised quote and confirm eligibility with WA Seniors Card before authorising the work.
Westside Electrical can help homeowners improve electrical safety by assessing existing switchboards and providing appropriate electrical solutions.
Depending on your home’s requirements, this may include:
All electrical installation work should be undertaken by appropriately licensed electrical professionals.
For assistance with RCDs and electrical safety, visit Westside Electrical Perth.
Yes. Eligible smoke alarms and RCDs can be included in the same Safety and Security Rebate application, provided the claim complies with the scheme’s conditions.
This is an important opportunity for seniors who need more than one safety improvement.
Rather than submitting separate applications, you can plan multiple eligible upgrades and include them in one claim.
Consider a Perth homeowner who needs two smoke alarms replaced and an additional RCD installed.
| Electrical safety upgrade | Example cost |
|---|---|
| Mains-powered smoke alarm 1 | $180 |
| Mains-powered smoke alarm 2 | $180 |
| Eligible RCD installation | $240 |
| Total cost | $600 |
| Potential household rebate | $400 |
| Potential out-of-pocket cost | $200 |
This example assumes all items and the claimed amounts are approved.
Combining safety improvements may help homeowners make full use of their once-only $400 entitlement.
One of the most important rules is that the rebate can only be claimed once under the current scheme.
If you submit a claim for $150, you cannot submit another claim later for the remaining $250.
For this reason, it may be worth arranging a home electrical safety assessment before applying.
You may discover that several smoke alarms need replacement or that your switchboard requires additional RCD protection.
Completing eligible work before lodging one application can help you make better use of the rebate.
However, urgent electrical hazards should never be left unresolved simply to maximise a future rebate.
Applying for the Safety and Security Rebate is relatively straightforward, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and retain the required documentation.
Before purchasing or installing any products, check that you hold a valid WA Seniors Card and meet the household eligibility requirements.
Review the official Safety and Security Rebate Guide.
If you are unsure whether your proposed installation qualifies, contact the WA Seniors Card Centre before proceeding.
Consider whether your property requires:
For electrical installations, arrange an assessment with an appropriately licensed electrical contractor.
Contact Westside Electrical to discuss your smoke alarm or RCD requirements.
An itemised quote can help you understand the proposed work, the associated costs and which components may qualify for reimbursement.
The WA Seniors Card program recommends comparing quotes and confirming the scope of work before proceeding.
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and accepted a quote, arrange for the electrical work to be completed.
Mains-powered smoke alarms and RCDs must be installed by an appropriately licensed electrical professional.
Never attempt to install or modify hardwired electrical equipment yourself.
After installation, obtain the appropriate documentation for your records and rebate application.
Your tax invoice or receipt should clearly identify:
Where applicable, you should also receive an electrical safety certificate in accordance with WA requirements.
The Safety and Security Rebate is a reimbursement scheme.
This means you must pay for the eligible purchase, installation or repair before submitting your claim.
The WA Government then assesses your application and determines the approved reimbursement.
Eligible applicants can apply through several methods.
Online: Log into your WA Seniors Card account and complete the rebate application.
Email: Download the application form and email the completed documentation to info@seniorscard.wa.gov.au.
Post: Submit the completed application and supporting documents by mail.
In person: Visit the WA Seniors Card Centre or an eligible Department of Communities customer service counter.
By phone: Contact the WA Seniors Card Centre to request an application form or assistance.
Once your application has been assessed and approved, reimbursement is generally made by electronic funds transfer to the nominated eligible bank account.
Approval is determined by the WA Seniors Card program, not the electrical contractor.
Having the correct documentation is essential to a successful application.
Before lodging your claim, check that you have the following information available.
WA Seniors Card Details
Your valid WA Seniors Card information and relevant identification documents.
Completed Application
An online application or completed official rebate form.
Tax Invoice or Receipt
A dated invoice or receipt showing the eligible products, installation or repair work.
Contractor ABN
The supplier’s or installer’s Australian Business Number.
Proof of Payment
Evidence that the eligible work has been paid for in full.
Additional Supporting Documents
Any further information requested by WA Seniors Card to verify compliance, licensing or product eligibility.
For hardwired electrical work, retain your electrical safety certificate and any other relevant installation records.
Keeping these documents together can make the application process easier.
Smoke alarms and RCDs are important safety devices, but their effectiveness depends on correct selection, installation and ongoing maintenance.
Poorly installed equipment may fail to provide adequate protection when needed.
In Western Australia, mains-powered smoke alarms and RCDs must be installed by appropriately licensed electrical professionals.
A licensed electrician can assess suitable locations, electrical supply requirements and appropriate smoke alarm configurations.
Correct placement is important because an alarm installed in the wrong position may experience nuisance activations or provide less effective warning.
RCD installation requires work on electrical circuits and switchboards.
An electrician must ensure that the equipment is suitable for the installation and that the required electrical testing is completed.
The Safety and Security Rebate requires eligible products to comply with applicable Australian Standards.
The official scheme documentation references:
Applicable standards and legislative requirements should be checked at the time of installation.
Using an appropriately licensed electrical contractor helps ensure that electrical work is performed safely and legally.
It also supports compliance with the rebate’s installation requirements.
Westside Electrical can assist with professional electrical safety improvements throughout its Perth service area.
Although smoke alarms and RCDs are two of the most important electrical safety upgrades, other eligible products may also benefit Perth homeowners.
Security sensor lights automatically illuminate an area when movement is detected.
They can help improve visibility around entrances, driveways, garages and pathways.
This may be especially useful for seniors returning home after dark.
The rebate allows up to $200 per eligible security sensor light, subject to a minimum purchase or installation value of $50 and the overall household limit.
Mains-connected security lighting must be installed by a licensed electrician.
Video doorbells can allow residents to see and communicate with visitors without immediately opening the front door.
Eligible Wi-Fi or wired video doorbells may qualify for up to $200 per unit, subject to a minimum purchase or installation value of $100.
Ongoing subscription fees are not included.
If the installation requires connection to mains electricity, a licensed electrician must perform that electrical work.
The scheme also covers qualifying repairs to certain existing safety and security items.
For electrical equipment, this can include eligible repairs involving RCDs, mains-powered smoke alarms and security sensor lights.
Always check the relevant category limits and repair eligibility before booking work.
Although the application process is designed to be accessible, some mistakes may affect your eligibility or delay approval.
Always confirm your WA Seniors Card status and household eligibility before purchasing equipment.
The current Safety and Security Rebate is a once-only claim under the scheme, not an annual $400 payment.
If you claim less than the maximum entitlement, you cannot return later to claim the balance.
Plan eligible purchases before lodging your application.
Not every battery-powered smoke alarm qualifies.
The standard eligible category is mains-powered smoke alarms, with only limited exceptions for approved battery-powered installations.
Mains-powered smoke alarms and RCDs must be installed by appropriately licensed electrical professionals.
A dated receipt or tax invoice containing the supplier’s ABN is required to support the application.
The rebate covers eligible RCD work, not necessarily every component of a larger switchboard upgrade.
If you rent or live in a strata property, obtain the necessary approvals before arranging permanent electrical installations.
When it comes to electrical safety, choosing a suitable contractor is just as important as choosing the right equipment.
At Westside Electrical, our focus is on helping Perth homeowners maintain safe and dependable electrical installations.
Whether you need smoke alarms replaced, RCD protection assessed or other electrical safety improvements, we can help you understand the work required.
Correctly installed smoke alarms provide essential early warning of fire.
Westside Electrical can assist with new installations, replacements and troubleshooting.
Explore Our Smoke Alarm Installation Services
RCDs provide important protection against certain electrical faults and electric shock.
Our electrical services can assist homeowners seeking to assess, install or replace appropriate RCD protection.
Contact Westside Electrical Perth
We can help explain the electrical work proposed, provide relevant installation information and identify items that may fall within the rebate’s approved categories.
Final eligibility and reimbursement decisions remain with WA Seniors Card.
Appropriate tax invoices and electrical documentation are important for rebate applications and future property records.
Working with a local electrician makes it easier to discuss your property’s requirements and arrange suitable electrical work.
Eligible WA Seniors Card members can claim up to $400 per household under the current scheme. The amount reimbursed depends on eligible expenditure and the applicable product limits.
Potentially, the rebate may reimburse the full eligible cost of a smoke alarm installation if the expense falls within the applicable limits and the claim is approved. However, customers must pay upfront, and reimbursement is not guaranteed.
Eligible mains-powered smoke alarms qualify for up to $200 per alarm, subject to a minimum purchase and installation value of $100 and the overall $400 household limit.
Yes. You may include multiple eligible mains-powered smoke alarms in one application, provided the claim meets the scheme’s conditions and does not exceed the household maximum.
Yes. Eligible purchase and installation costs can be included, subject to the scheme’s limits and requirements.
Yes, eligible replacement of a mains-powered smoke alarm may qualify where the work meets the relevant conditions.
Yes. Eligible RCD installation can qualify for up to $400 under the WA Safety and Security Rebate.
Eligible RCD repairs and replacement work may qualify. Confirm the proposed work with WA Seniors Card if there is any uncertainty.
Yes. Both categories can be included in one application, subject to their individual limits and the maximum $400 household entitlement.
No. Under the current scheme, the rebate is a once-only claim per eligible household.
Yes, eligible renters can apply, but they must obtain necessary approvals before arranging installation work.
Yes. Mains-powered smoke alarms and RCDs require installation by appropriately licensed electrical professionals in Western Australia.
Only in limited circumstances specified by WA Seniors Card. The approved battery-powered alarm must have a non-removable 10-year battery, and the relevant building circumstances must be verified.
Not automatically. Eligible RCD work may qualify, but other switchboard upgrade expenses may not. Confirm the eligible portion with WA Seniors Card.
Yes. Eligible purchases, installations and repairs must be paid for before submitting the application.
Processing times can vary. Contact the WA Seniors Card Centre for current processing information and assistance with an existing application.
You can apply through the WA Seniors Card website or use the official application form.
Visit the WA Seniors Card Safety and Security Rebate Guide for application information.
Improving your home’s electrical safety doesn’t have to mean overlooking valuable financial assistance.
For eligible WA Seniors Card members, the Safety and Security Rebate offers an opportunity to reduce the cost of essential safety improvements.
Whether your home needs replacement smoke alarms, additional RCD protection or repairs to existing safety equipment, the scheme may help you complete important upgrades at a lower out-of-pocket cost.
Because the rebate is limited to one claim per eligible household, it’s worth considering all your home’s eligible safety requirements before submitting your application.
A professional electrical assessment can help identify which improvements are needed and whether multiple eligible items could be included in the same claim.
Looking to take advantage of the WA Safety and Security Rebate?
Westside Electrical can assist with professional smoke alarm and RCD installation services, helping you improve the safety of your home while taking advantage of potential government reimbursement.
Whether you need to replace outdated smoke alarms, investigate faulty RCDs or arrange suitable electrical safety upgrades, contact our team to discuss your requirements.
Take the next step towards a safer home.
Book Smoke Alarm Installation – Westside Electrical Perth
Enquire About RCD Installation and Electrical Safety – Westside Electrical
For official eligibility information, visit the WA Government Safety and Security Rebate Guide or contact the WA Seniors Card Centre on 1800 671 233.
Important disclaimer: The Safety and Security Rebate is administered by the Western Australian Government, not Westside Electrical. All claims are subject to eligibility requirements, available scheme conditions and approval by WA Seniors Card. Customers should confirm their eligibility and the proposed work’s suitability before proceeding. Rebate amounts, terms and program availability may change.
Andy replaced 3 ceiling fans. I was happy with the service he provided. I would highly recommend him for any electrical work. He is professional and arrived on time.
Thanks to Mick and his team. Second time using Westside. Great service, polite, knowledgeable and reliable. Highly recommend. Thanks again Louise
We had light fittings and switches changed and I was very happy with the service, from the prompt responses to the quality of work completed. We will definitely use Andy again in the Future, thank you.
Mick from Westside Electrical diagnosed and fixed a problem with my oven. He noticed that my smoke alarms were out of date and replaced them as well on the day he fixed the oven. Cannot fault the service and how everything was handled. It’s so hard to find honest tradespeople these days and Mick is a gem among all the rogues out there ripping us off. Thank you Mick.
Mick was on time, came prepared & did an excellent job at a reasonable cost. I would recommend Westside Electrical to anyone in need of electrical works.
Couldn’t be happier with the work completed by the guys at WestSide Electrical. Fast, affordable and the customer service was great! Definitely recommending them to my friends, thanks guys!
A well run company with professional, knowledgeable staff to assist with all your electrical needs. We had all our issues fixed in a timely fashion with no hassles.
Very efficient service, really prompt and also worked in the rain. I would highly recommend this company and I will be using them again for sure