6 Signs You Need A Switchboard Upgrade
Your switchboard is the control centre of your home’s electrical system. It manages electrical current distribution, safeguards against electrical faults, and protects your home from potential fire hazards.
However, like any other technology, switchboards can become outdated and may not adequately handle the demands of modern electrical systems.
Find out the six signs that indicate the need for a switchboard upgrade to ensure the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical wiring setup.
1. Flickering Lights and Circuit Breaker Trips
Are your lights constantly flickering, or do your circuit breakers trip frequently? These occurrences could be indications of an overloaded switchboard. As electrical demands increase over time with the addition of new appliances and technologies, an older switchboard may struggle to handle the load.
Upgrading to a new switchboard with the latest circuit breakers will provide better circuit protection, prevent power interruptions, and reduce the risk of electrical fires.
2. Outdated Safety Switches and Ceramic Fuses
If your switchboard still uses ceramic fuses instead of circuit breakers and lacks safety switches, it’s time to upgrade. Because of an electrical fire, ceramic fuses are less reliable and pose a higher fire risk.
Safety switches, such as residual current devices (RCDs) or inbuilt safety switches, are crucial for detecting electrical faults and protecting against electric shocks. Upgrading your switchboard will ensure you have modern safety features in place to safeguard your home and family.
3. Limited Power Supply and Inadequate Circuitry
Do you find that your current switchboard struggles to provide sufficient power to run all your electrical appliances simultaneously? An older switchboard may not support modern homes’ power requirements.
A switchboard upgrade will allow you to install new circuit breakers and additional circuits, providing a more efficient power supply and accommodating the increasing demand for electricity and electrical circuits in your home.
4. Signs of Electrical Defects and Fire Risks
Suppose you notice electrical defects, such as charred outlets, burning smells, or discoloured electrical switchboards and plates. These signs indicate potential fire hazards within your switchboard or electrical system.
Your switchboard upgrade will help mitigate these risks, as modern switchboards are designed with improved safety measures and comply with current regulations. Hiring an experienced emergency electrician to assess and upgrade your switchboard is essential for minimising the chances of electrical fires and ensuring the safety of your home.
5. Inadequate Grounding System and Asbestos Panels
Older switchboards may not have a robust grounding system, which can lead to electrical shocks and other safety hazards. Additionally, if your switchboard contains asbestos panels, it poses health risks due to asbestos exposure.
A switchboard upgrade will allow for a proper grounding system, reducing the risk of an electrical shock. Moreover, newer switchboards are constructed with safe materials, eliminating the presence of asbestos panels and ensuring a healthier environment for your household.
6. Increased Electrical Load and Home Expansion
Suppose you plan to install major electrical appliances like air conditioning systems, hot water systems, or pool pumps. In that case, assessing whether your current switchboard can handle the increased load is crucial.
Additionally, if you’re expanding your home or adding new rooms, you may need a switchboard upgrade to accommodate the required circuits and power outlets. A switchboard upgrade will provide the necessary capacity to support your home’s growing electrical demands, ensuring a safe and reliable power supply.
The Importance of Hiring a Qualified Electrician for Your Switchboard Upgrade
When upgrading your switchboard, entrusting the task to a qualified electrician is crucial. Electrical work requires expertise, knowledge, and adherence to safety regulations. Here are some reasons why hiring a competent expert for an electrical safety certificate for your switchboard upgrade is essential:
Safety and Compliance
Qualified electricians have the necessary training and experience to ensure that your next switchboard replacement or upgrade safely and complies with local electrical codes and regulations. They are well-versed in the latest safety standards and can implement proper safety precautions throughout the upgrade process.
Accurate Assessment
Electricians have the expertise to assess the condition of your existing switchboard and determine the specific requirements for an upgrade. They can identify any underlying electrical issues or potential hazards that may not be apparent to an untrained eye. They can recommend the most appropriate switchboard upgrade solution for your home by conducting a thorough assessment and electrical tests.
Proper Installation
Switchboard upgrades involve intricate electrical work, including installing new circuit breakers, solar power out, safety switches, and wiring. Electricians have the knowledge and skills to perform these installations correctly, ensuring that all connections are secure and functioning as intended. Proper installation is crucial for your electrical system’s overall performance and safety.
Prevention of Future Problems
A skilled professional will upgrade your switchboard and comprehensively inspect your home electrical system. This allows them to identify any potential issues or areas of concern beyond the switchboard. Addressing these problems during upgrades can prevent future electrical failures, malfunctions, or safety hazards.
Insurance and Certification
Hiring a certified installer ensures that the work is covered by insurance, protecting the local electrician and you from any liability in case of accidents or damages during the switchboard upgrade. Electricians often provide certification or electrical safety certificates after the upgrade, demonstrating that the work has been performed to the required standards.
Expert Advice and Guidance
Electricians are a valuable source of knowledge and can provide expert advice on maintaining the upgraded switchboard, safely operating electrical systems, and optimising energy efficiency in your home or business. They can guide you on best practices, answer questions, and recommend future electrical improvements.
By hiring qualified and licensed electrical contractors, you can have peace of mind knowing that your switchboard upgrade is being handled by a professional who prioritises safety, compliance, and the long-term functionality of your electrical system. Don’t compromise on the expertise required for this crucial taskâchoose a licensed electrician for your switchboard upgrade.
Bottom Line
A switchboard upgrade is essential for maintaining your home’s safe and efficient electrical system. Signs such as flickering lights, circuit breaker trips, outdated safety features, limited power supply, electrical defects, inadequate grounding, and increased electrical load indicate a switchboard upgrade.
Investing in a modern electrical switchboard and hiring a qualified electrician from After Hours Electrical to perform the safety switch and upgrade can lower the risk of electrical fires, improve circuit protection, and ensure the well-being of your household. Prioritise the safety of your home by staying up-to-date with switchboard upgrades and adhering to current electrical regulations.
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 After Hours Electrical’s Terms & Conditions here.