Maintaining your home’s electrical safety should be a top priority. Your electrical system, from power outlets to safety switches, requires careful attention. An electrical switchboard is a vital component that may require a replacement or upgrade to ensure your home’s safety. The switchboard distributes electricity to various circuits and outlets, functioning like the control centre of your home’s electrical network. It’s essential to regularly check and maintain your switchboard to avoid potential hazards.
If the cost of a switchboard upgrade service concerns you, consider the possible dangers of sticking with an outdated switchboard, which could lead to severe damage and endanger your household.
What Does a Switchboard Upgrade Involve?
Upgrading a switchboard usually requires a qualified electrician to organise and improve the wiring and other potentially unsafe components within your existing switchboard. The process includes:
- Changing dated ceramic fuses with modern circuit breakers and RCD (residual current device) safety switches.
- Removing old panels, such as those made of asbestos or wood.
- Rewiring cables behind the panel.
- Upgrading the mains cables.
- Conducting thorough electrical tests to identify other potential hazards.
- Installing a smart meter.
- Issuing an electrical safety certificate, which confirms that the switchboard upgrade complies with Australian electrical standards and provides details about your property’s electrical system.
Neglecting an outdated switchboard can have serious consequences, especially as modern homes demand more electricity. Below are some compelling reasons to consider a switchboard upgrade service:
Faulty Switchboards Can Cause Electrical Fires
If your switchboard still uses replaceable wires and fuses, you’re at a higher risk of electrical fires and other safety hazards. As electricity consumption increases, fuses may blow, causing the circuit breaker to become less effective, potentially leading to system overload. This overload can cause components of your switchboard to overheat and catch fire.
In some cases, an electrical fire may start behind the fuse board, where a draft can carry it up the wall cavity and into the roof, leading to a potentially devastating house fire.
The risk of overloaded switchboard components is especially high during the summer and winter months, when heating and cooling systems are in greater use. To prevent such dangers, it’s advisable to hire a qualified electrician to inspect and upgrade your switchboard as needed.
Meeting Australian Electrical Standards
The Australian government has established electrical standards to ensure that homeowners and electricians meet modern safety and usage requirements. These standards, managed by Standards Australia, outline the minimum safety measures required for all electrical work.
Key standards for switchboards include the installation of safety switches for all lighting and power circuits, which protect homes from electrical hazards. These switches are designed to shut down the switchboard if it becomes overloaded, cutting off electricity within 0.03 seconds if necessary. Upgrading your switchboard to include these safety features is a crucial step in protecting the lives of your family and your home.
If your switchboard is old or still uses ceramic fuses or wooden panels, it’s time to consider a switchboard upgrade service. Installing modern circuit breakers and safety switches will greatly enhance your home’s electrical safety.
For more information on Australian Electrical Standards and to ensure your property’s electrical systems are compliant, consult your local Level 2 electrician.
Adapting to Modern Electrical Demands
Older switchboards were designed to handle minimal electric-powered appliances, such as fans and irons. However, today’s modern homes use a wide range of electrical appliances, including those powered by solar energy, which place greater demands on switchboards.
Outdated switchboards with old materials and wiring may struggle to handle these increased loads, leading to risks such as fires, electric shocks, and blown fuses. Frequent blown fuses are a clear sign that your electrical circuits are overloaded and need an upgrade.
Are You Planning a Home Renovation?
If you’re renovating or expanding your home, consider upgrading your switchboard as well. Additional rooms, power outlets, solar systems, light fixtures, and air conditioners all require more power and circuit protection.
A modern switchboard with advanced safety features and circuit breakers is better equipped to manage the increased electricity demands of a renovated home.
Upgrade Switchboard and Save Money on Electrical Services
Outdated switchboards often require frequent attention, which can result in high costs for electrician services. By investing in a switchboard upgrade, you can reduce the likelihood of needing repairs and callouts. Modern switchboards with RCDs and circuit breakers allow you to reset circuits safely, saving you both time and money.
Signs You Need a Switchboard Upgrade
Certain signs indicate that a switchboard upgrade or replacement is necessary. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to contact a qualified electrician:
- Short-Circuiting Electrical Appliances: Frequent short-circuits suggest that your switchboard is overloaded and inefficient.
- Overcrowded Switchboard: A crowded switchboard may lack space for additional circuits, posing a fire risk.
- Melted Fuses: Melted fuses are a serious fire hazard and need immediate attention.
- Flickering Lights: This could indicate loose wiring in an old or damaged switchboard.
- Burning Smell: A burning odour from your switchboard signals faulty wiring or an overloaded circuit.
Contact the Switchboard Upgrade Experts
Ensuring the safety of your home means staying proactive with electrical maintenance. Carrying out regular electrical maintenance checks, including a switchboard upgrade, can prevent electrical fires and protect your family.
IZCO Electrical, with over 10 years of experience, is your local expert in switchboard upgrades in Sydney. We offer advice and services that comply with Australian Electrical Standards. For more information or to schedule the services of an experienced Level 2 electrician, call IZCO Electrical today at 0470 123 811.
