The switchboard is one of the most important electrical distribution devices in your property. It controls exactly how the power is distributed and is a vital protection measure for your premises’ general electrical safety. However, some switchboards may be faulty, damaged, or outdated and in need of an upgrade to make a home or business electrically safe.
Signs that your switchboard needs an upgrade include constantly tripping power, burning smells, flickering lights, and outdated technology such as old rewirable fuses or lack of safety switches. In some cases, such as rental properties, it is mandatory for switchboards to meet current compliance standards.
What Is A Switchboard?
An electrical switchboard in a property is a crucial component of the electrical system. It’s essentially a centralised panel that distributes electrical power to various circuits within the building. Here’s a breakdown of its key functions and features:
- Distribution of Power: The switchboard receives electrical power from the main supply grid or solar and distributes it to different circuits throughout the property, such as lighting, appliances, and outlets.
- Circuit Protection: It houses circuit breakers or fuses that protect each circuit from overloads and short circuits. If there’s a fault or an overload, these protective devices will trip, cutting off the power to that circuit and preventing potential damage or fire hazards.
- Electric Shock Protection: Modern compliant switchboards have what is known as Safety Switch protection or RCBO’s which protect against electric shock.
- Control and Isolation: It provides a means to control and isolate different circuits. For example, you can switch off the power to a specific area or appliance for maintenance or emergencies.
- Main Switch: The switchboard typically includes a main switch that can cut off power to the entire property, which is important for safety during maintenance or emergencies.
5 Signs Your Switchboard Needs An Upgrade
Your switchboard will need an upgrade if an old or outdated switchboard is causing electrical safety risks, or if the switchboard is broken, uses too much energy, or was installed near hazardous materials. Signs your switchboard needs an upgrade include age, sparking, power tripping, burning smells, and blown fuses.
By upgrading your switchboard, you are guaranteeing your safety and the safety of your residence or commercial business, as well as ultimately saving more on energy bills with newer, more efficient technology. The following are 5 signs your switchboard needs an upgrade.
- Your Switchboard Is Old
Switchboards installed over 15-30 years ago are highly likely going to need an upgrade. Older models are outdated because they do not have effective protective features like safety switch protection on all circuits that modern switchboards have. More recent technology may also require a greater electrical output than an older board is capable of safely distributing, and an upgraded switchboard will be able to control and limit the amount of power that is available to prevent unwanted tripping and overload issues.
Other dangerous and outdated factors of your switchboard include asbestos behind the walls and the use of ceramic fuses, which are no longer legal in Victoria. To learn if your switchboard needs an upgrade, contact a professional electrician for auditing services.
- Your Lights Keep Flickering
Flickering lights can be caused by an older or faulty switchboard struggling to manage or regulate the electrical demand required by a property, or it may be because some form of electrical fault such as a loose electrical connection is present, interrupting the flow of the electric current, causing sparking and the power of the lights to instantaneously stop for a second or less. Both faulty wiring and an outdated switchboard can become major electrical emergencies if left unattended and can result in a fire or electric shock.
- The Power Keeps Tripping
Your power will keep tripping with an old and outdated switchboard because the circuit cannot handle the amount of appliances plugged into it. This could be because there are simply too many electrical appliances plugged into one power point, or it could be because an older and outdated switchboard can no longer manage the higher energy output that newer and more innovative technology requires. If you are having issues with circuits tripping it is best to reach out to a professional electrician to undertake testing and fault detecting services.
- Burning Smell or Buzzing Noise
A buzzing noise or a burning smell coming from your switchboard could be caused by loose, damaged, or exposed cables and wires, an electrical device has been fitted improperly, or there is equipment in the switchboard that is faulty. A buzzing sound could also indicate that a connection is broken or that a cable is overheated and is causing vibrations and electrical arcing which can lead to melting of electrical components such as circuit breakers.
Any form of burning smell could be a sign of an urgent emergency. If your switchboard or any other electrical equipment is causing a burning smell, turn off any power to the device, and immediately call an emergency electrical service as soon as possible.
- The Fuses Are Blowing or Melting
The fuses or other electrical components melting or burning out in your switchboard could mean that a component was improperly installed, that a piece is touching a heat source, or that you may have outdated fuses that are not as heat resistant and electrically safe as a modern variation. In some cases it is not the fuse that has melted due to heat but the fuse holder. Burning or overheating components are a severe risk to your property, and a professional should be consulted immediately if you find signs of heat damage in your switchboard.
Do I Have To Change My Switchboard?
Whether you legally have to change your switchboard or not depends on your property and your switchboard. If you own a rental property in Victoria, then you are legally required to upgrade your switchboard if it does not have circuit breakers and safety switches installed and meet current compliance requirements.
How Much Does A Switchboard Upgrade Cost?
The cost of a switchboard will vary depending on the existing switchboard, the current wiring, and the extent of the work the electrician will have to do to meet current standards. At Whitelock Electrical, we promise cost-effective solutions as performed by fully licensed, insured, and qualified professionals. With our outstanding switchboard upgrade services, we can future-proof your home and guarantee greater electrical safety for your property, giving you ultimate peace of mind. Get in touch with us today for a quote!
