Every year, there are accidents and fatalities caused by faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and other electrical hazards. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your switchboard is in good working condition. Our services help keep you and your loved ones safe, and in the long run, we can also help you save money on your energy bill. Improperly installed or grounded wiring can lead to electrical shocks, while overloaded circuits can cause house fires. To stay safe around electricity, always use a Licensed Electrician for any electrical work and be sure to follow all safety precautions. Read on to find out the signs that your switchboard might need an upgrade.
What is a switchboard?
An electric switchboard is a piece of electrical equipment that transmits electricity from one source to another. It is known as a fuse box. It’s a crucial part of the power distribution process. It contains several electric panels, each of which has switches that control the flow of electricity. Switches are usually categorized by the size of the building. A service entrance switchboard may be installed in smaller facilities. Whereas larger structures necessitate a more complicated system.
Benefits of updating your switchboard
A switchboard upgrade is essential for ensuring the safety of your family and home. Without an updated switchboard, you could be at risk for electrical shocks, fires, and other safety hazards. Faulty wiring can be very dangerous, so it’s important to have a qualified electrician assess your switchboard and make any necessary repairs or upgrades. All in all, ensuring that your home is 100% safe from electrical issues is the responsible thing to do to keep you and your family out of harm’s way. Also, when you have electrical issues around the home, it will become a nightmare for your electricity bill! In the long run, having a new and reliable switchboard will ensure that your home is energy efficient, meaning your bills will lower.
Signs you need a Switchboard Upgrade
Here are a few serious signs to watch out for when assessing whether your switchboard needs an upgrade.
The backing of the switchboard is made of unsafe materials
Many old homes have switchboards backings that are made of very unsafe materials. Wood and even asbestos incorporated materials were a common practice to be used as backing. While this was common practice in the past, it’s no longer safe. In fact, these materials can easily catch on fire. If your switchboard is made of any of these materials, it’s definitely time for an upgrade.
Switchboard is overcrowded
Overloaded circuits are one of the leading causes of electrical fires. If your switchboard is overcrowded, it’s a sign that you need to upgrade. Circuits that are too heavily loaded can easily overheat. You also won’t be able to add additional circuits to it, meaning if you require solar installed, a new pool pump or air-conditioning – you will need to upgrade your switchboard to ensure that you have enough circuits.
Circuits are tripping out
If your circuits are constantly short-circuiting, it’s a sign that you have a switchboard that is not energy efficient. Sometimes electrical appliances such as washing machines are the culprit for circuit trips, or it could simply mean that your switchboard is due for an upgrade.
Old fuses
With older technologies – the security they offer is extremely limited. Old electrical technologies utilise ceramic fuses which are no longer safe enough to be used. Newer switchboards come equipped with safety switches, meaning if something in your home is causing an electrical issue, the safety switch will automatically turn off the flow of electricity. This automated response is to protect your home against electrical shocks and fires.
A burning smell or sparks
If you smell a burning smell or see sparks coming from your switchboard, it’s definitely time for an upgrade. Burning smells or sparks are very abnormal things to happen in switchboards and are a serious safety issue that must be dealt with promptly. Strange smells and sparks are both signs that there is something wrong with your wiring and that it’s in need of attention.
Flickering lights
Flickering lights are usually a sign that you have an overloaded circuit. However, if your switchboard is old and outdated, it could also be a sign that you need to upgrade. Newer switchboards are more energy-efficient and can handle more load, meaning that your lights will stop flickering if you upgrade.
No safety switches
In Sydney, it’s now required by law to install safety switches on all new constructions and electrical improvements. This is due to the safety mechanisms and protection they provide for your house or company, as well as your family or workers’ safety. If your switchboard has no safety switches, you could get an electrical defect notice.
NSW Electrical Regulation
Electrical wiring rules are a significant component of modern Australian life, from expert electricians employing them every day to assist with installations to the average person going about their daily routine. It is every homeowner’s responsibility to ensure that their electrical wiring is up to safety standards. So, if you find old electrical wiring in your home, or your switchboard exhibits one or more of the issues listed above; Do not attempt to resolve the issue on your own. when DIY projects are done on electrical wiring, it ends badly – call a licensed electrician.
Electrability for all your electrical needs!
Upgrading your switchboard can increase efficiency and help you save on energy bills. Electrability offers hassle-free switchboard upgrade services that will have your business up and running in no time. We’ll work with you to find the perfect upgrade for your needs and budget. Our friendly staff would love to help you out with any enquiries you may have. Don’t hesitate to call us today!
