Why You Need a Switchboard Upgrade

If there’s one crucial area that should be a priority in maintaining safety at home, it’s your electrical safety. From power outlets to safety switches and much more, there are many elements to consider.

One essential point to consider is your electrical switchboard and whether it needs to be replaced or upgraded as a necessary safety measure.

As one of the most important electrical systems in your home, the electrical switchboard relays electricity to various circuits and outlets. Think of it as the brain of your home’s electrical system, and something you need to monitor and maintain.

If you’re worried about switchboard upgrade cost, think about the cost of not upgrading older switchboards – particularly the irreparable damage that may put you and your loved ones at great risk.

What’s Involved in an Electrical Switchboard Upgrade?

A switchboard upgrade will typically involve a qualified electrician tidying up electrical wiring and updating unsafe elements within your existing switchboard. As part of the switchboard upgrade process, they will typically:

• Replace ceramic fuses for modern circuit breakers and residual current device (RCD) safety switches.
• Rewire cables behind your panel.
• Replace old panels such as ones made of wood or asbestos.
• Upgrade mains cables.
• Conduct electrical tests for wider electrical hazards.
• Add a smart meter.
• Provide you with an electrical safety certificate. This shows that the switchboard upgrade complies with Australian electrical standards and provides details about your property’s various electrical systems.

The ramifications of leaving an outdated switchboard to accommodate the growing electrical demands of a typical 21st-century Australian home can be huge. Below we explore just some of the reasons why it’s well worth your while to invest in an upgraded switchboard. Your home’s electrical wiring will thank you for it.

Faulty Switchboard = Electrical Fires

If your current switchboard relies on replaceable wires and fuses, you run a high risk of fire and other safety hazards. Fuses blow when there’s increased electricity consumption within your home. The circuit breaker becomes less effective, and your system may overload. These overloads can cause elements on your switchboard to melt as they overheat, eventually catching fire.

In some instances, when the electrical fire starts at the back of the fuse board, a draft will carry the fire up the wall cavity into the roof where it can grow into a devastating house fire.

Overloaded switchboard elements are at higher risk of occurring during the summer and winter months, as the need for heating and cooling systems powered by electricity increases. Before you put more pressure on your switchboard, employ the assistance of a qualified and licensed electrician. They can inspect and carry out switchboard upgrades and other necessary electrical work.

Compliance with Australian Electrical System Standards

The Australian Government has Australian Electrical Standards in place to ensure homeowners and electricians around the country comply with modern-day electrical demands, usage and safety requirements. You can find more information on minimum standards, and how they influence any essential electrical work, at Standards Australia.

There are a few key standards relating to switchboards that are worth nothing. Among them is the need to install safety switches for all lighting and power circuits to protect homes from electrical hazards. These switches are designed to shut down the switchboard when it is overloaded. They can turn off electricity in 0.03 seconds if required. Safety switch installation is one of the best ways to upgrade your switchboard and protect your home and electrical equipment from unnecessary faults.

If your switchboard is aged or still features ceramic fuses or wooden panels, it’s time to consider switchboard upgrades. Installing a new circuit breaker or safety switch will go a long way towards improving electrical safety in your home.

For further insight into the Australian Electrical Standards and to ensure the electrical current in your property is compliant, speak to your local electrician.

Keep Up with Demand

When switchboards were first designed, they were only required to power minor electric-powered appliances such as fans and irons. With technological advances, including the rise of solar power, there are now more major electrical appliances in a family home than ever before. As our need for electricity rises, the demands on our switchboards rise too.

Switchboards with outdated materials and wiring can be put under immense pressure by modern appliances. As a result, they are at risk of causing fires, electric shock and blown fuses. In fact, consistently blown fuses are a tell-tale sign your electrical circuits are not coping. A switchboard upgrade is necessary.

Renovating Your Home?

If you’re renovating or making extensions to your home, it’s well worth considering the same points. Additional rooms, power points, solar systems, light fixtures and air conditioners all require extra power and circuit protection for the home.

Simply put, a whole new switchboard with modern elements, safety features and modern circuit breakers is more capable of safely managing electricity use at a higher level.

Save Money on Electrical Services

Older switchboards that need ongoing attention can end up costing you a lot more in electrician fees and call outs than upgrading the switchboard from the start. Newer electrical switchboards with residual current devices and circuit breakers minimise the likelihood of requiring an electrician at all when circuit breakers trip. Instead, you should be able to safely reset the circuit yourself.

Replacing or Upgrading an Unsafe Switchboard

Unsurprisingly, a few tell-tale physical signs indicate you may require a switchboard upgrade or even a complete replacement. If you notice any of the below, be sure to call on a qualified and licensed electrician and take a proactive approach to improving your electrical safety:

Flickering Lights

Loose electrical wiring in old or damaged switchboards can cause flickering lights. If you notice flickering lights, there may be a change in power supply indicating the need for an electrical switchboard upgrade.

Electrical Appliances Short-circuiting

When overloaded, outdated switchboards will short-circuit as they are not as power efficient. If you are experiencing frequent short-circuits, be sure to contact an electrician immediately as there is a potential fire risk. A switchboard replacement or upgrade might be necessary.

Overcrowded Appearance

If you notice your switchboard looks busy and overcrowded, you may not have any room left. There will be no space to add additional circuits for upgrades. An overcrowded switchboard also poses a fire and safety hazard to the household.

Burning Smell

The presence of a burning smell coming from your electrical switchboard may indicate faulty wiring or an overloaded circuit. If this is the case, call an electrician immediately for urgent repair.

Melted Fuses

This is a sign of a damaged fuse that you’ll need to replace. Melted fuses can cause electrical fires and should be looked at by an electrician immediately.

Contact the Local Experts in Switchboard Upgrades

When it comes to the safety of your home, you must remain vigilant and proactive. Seeking regular electrical maintenance checks, including a switchboard upgrade and other maintenance checks, can save you time and money. It’s also crucial in preventing electrical fires and just might save the lives of you and your loved ones.

Metropolitan Electrical Contractors boasts over 25 years of industry experience and is your local expert in modern switchboards. We can provide a range of advice and upgrades in line with Australian Electrical Standards. For more information or to book a qualified electrician, call us today.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.