Your switchboard is the brains behind all electrical wiring and power outlets throughout your building. It contains safety switches, fuses or circuit breakers that direct electricity to your power points and appliances.
A modern, safe switchboard will include a residual current device (RCD) and safety switches. A licensed electrician should undertake a switchboard upgrade to ensure it is completed correctly and meets required Australian safety standards.
Age
Your switchboard is the central hub of your electrical system, controlling all of the wires around your home or business. It contains safety switches and fuses or circuit breakers that direct power from the consumer mains to every other device that needs electricity on your property.
If your switchboard is over 20 years old, it will likely need an upgrade. Older switchboards use ceramic fuses rather than modern circuit breakers, and these can be prone to electrical fires.
It is also essential to upgrade your switchboard if you intend to add any new electrical devices to your home. This includes air conditioners, spas, pool heaters and kitchen appliances. It is best to speak with one of our electricians about your switchboard upgrade options if you are considering any electrical upgrades in the future. Our highly experienced team can advise you on what is needed for your situation. Contact us today to arrange an estimate.
Overcrowding
The switchboard is the brain behind your house’s electrical wiring and controls electricity flow. It contains safety switches, fuses, and circuit breakers to control power flow to various outlets around your home.
If your switchboard has a lot of wires packed in and you have a hard time switching on an appliance, it’s likely time for an upgrade. Overcrowded wiring can cause problems like overloading, leading to fire hazards.
Older switchboards may contain ceramic fuses that are a severe residential fire risk. You should replace these with individual safety switches and circuit breakers for peace of mind.
If you’re considering a switchboard upgrade, call a professional electrician to ensure the process is carried out safely. Your family and property’s safety are not worth a gamble on DIY options. So, call us today to book a quote!
Faults
Your switchboard is the brains behind your electrics and contains everything from the main switch to every fuse and circuit breaker, as well as essential safety components like RCDs and arc fault detectors. It takes in the power supply from the meter and then distributes it to all the electrical outlets throughout your property.
A modern switchboard can better manage the electricity load. This means your equipment is less likely to trip or cut out due to overland, reducing the risk of fires.
If your electrical system shows signs of overland, such as sparks when you plug in a power point or your lights flickering on and off, it is time to get a switchboard upgrade. It is also important to note that if you still have ceramic fuses instead of circuit breakers, these must be disconnected and replaced as soon as possible by a licensed electrician.
Safety
The electrical system in your home requires an incredibly delicate balance to ensure that electricity only flows where it’s supposed to. This is why any issues with the switchboard must be fixed as soon as possible so there’s no risk of electrical fires or faults in your wiring.
If you have an older style switchboard, it’s more likely to experience problems like fuses blowing and melting, which can put you at a high risk of a fire. In addition, it only takes a small worn or loose connection or corroded wire in the switchboard to cause electricity to arc and create excess heat, leading to catastrophic fires.
During the switchboard upgrade process, your electrician will replace your ceramic fuses with modern safety switches (circuit breakers) and RCDs which can all be contained within a neat enclosure. This makes your switchboard safer and meets your property’s current set electrical standards.