As a homeowner, ensuring the safety and efficiency of your electrical system is paramount. One critical component of this system is the switchboard, which serves as the control hub for your home’s electricity. Over time, switchboards can become outdated or inadequate, posing risks to both your safety and the functionality of your appliances. Here are key signs that indicate it might be time for a switchboard upgrade, and why it’s essential to consider making this change.
Why Upgrading Your Switchboard is Important
- Safety: Modern switchboards come equipped with advanced safety features, including circuit breakers and residual current devices (RCDs) that protect against electrical faults and shocks as well as fires. Older switchboards might lack these crucial safety mechanisms, increasing the risk of electrical fires and injuries.
- Compliance with Standards: Electrical standards and regulations evolve to improve safety and efficiency. Upgrading your switchboard ensures that your home complies with the latest standards, which can be particularly important when selling or insuring your property.
- Efficiency: An upgraded switchboard can handle the increased electrical load from modern appliances and devices. This helps prevent circuit overloads and ensures that your electrical system operates efficiently, reducing the likelihood of power outages.
- Future-Proofing: As technology advances, homes are becoming more reliant on electrical devices. Upgrading your switchboard prepares your home for future electrical demands, making it easier to integrate new technologies and appliances without compromising safety.
- Fire-Rated: Older switchhboard are oftem made of timber and/or asbestos panels or enclosures. Not only is asbestos toxic, it, and timber are not fire rated. Meaning that if a fire starts in the switchboard, which house fires often do (especially in old switchbaord without saftey switches and RCD’s) then the switchboard itself is flammable and if it is not a sealed steel enclosure the fire will escape the enclosure and spread to other parts of the home. All modern switchboard are required to be fire rated to prevent the risk of fires spreading.
6 Signs You Need a Switchboard Upgrade
- Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips: If your circuit breakers trip often, it could indicate that your switchboard is struggling to handle the electrical load. Frequent trips are a clear sign that an upgrade is needed to ensure reliable power distribution.
- Flickering or Dimming Lights: Flickering or dimming lights can be a symptom of an overloaded or faulty switchboard. This issue not only affects your lighting but can also indicate underlying problems with your electrical system.
- Outdated Fuses: Older switchboards often use ceramic fuses instead of modern circuit breakers. Ceramic fuses are less reliable and can be hazardous, as they do not provide the same level of protection as circuit breakers. If your switchboard still relies on fuses, it’s time for an upgrade.
- Burning Smells or Scorch Marks: Any signs of burning smells or scorch marks around your switchboard are serious indicators of electrical faults. These signs suggest that your switchboard is overheating and poses a significant fire risk.
- Addition of New Appliances: If you’ve recently added high-energy appliances such as air conditioners, electric ovens, or home entertainment systems, your existing switchboard may not be equipped to handle the increased load. Upgrading ensures your system can support these additions safely.
- Frequent Electrical Issues: Constant electrical problems, such as power surges or outlets that stop working, can indicate that your switchboard is outdated or malfunctioning. An upgrade can resolve these issues and provide a more stable electrical supply.
- Asbestos or Timber Enclosure or Switchboard Panel: As mentioned above, both of these materials are flammable and not fire rated as modern switchboard are required to be.
How Sparky Nearby Can Help
At Sparky Nearby, we understand the importance of a safe and efficient electrical system. Our team of level 2 electricians in Sydney specialises in switchboard upgrades, ensuring that your home meets the highest safety standards and can handle your electrical needs. We provide thorough assessments and professional installations, giving you peace of mind and a reliable power supply.
For expert switchboard upgrades by our level 2 electricians in Alexandria, Rosebery, Rockdale, Centennial Park and Bexley, contact us today for reliable service and support.”
