A switchboard is the electrical heart of your home.
In order to keep the lights on, so to speak, the switchboard needs to be up to the task of safely powering all of your electrical needs.
So, how do you know if your switchboard is sufficient or whether it needs upgrading?
Read on to discover the signs that you need an upgrade and what you can do about it.
Does Your Switchboard Need An Upgrade?
Signs You Need A New Switchboard
There are some obvious indicators that your switchboard needs upgrading. They are:
Age
If you have an older home and your switchboard is several decades old, it might not meet current safety standards or the heavy electrical demands of a modern home any more. If that’s the case, your older switchboard will definitely need replacing at some point in the near future.
Capacity
Due to technological advancement, homes have more electronics and appliances than ever before. Your current switchboard may not have the capacity to handle the electrical load of your home. This is especially true if you have added new appliances or electronics over the years. A sign that you are exceeding the capacity of your switchboard will be frequent tripping or electrical problems.
Fuses
Rewireable fuses were a common feature in older switchboards. They were designed to allow electrical current to flow through a thin fuse wire, with that wire melting if it becomes overloaded or exceeds its capacity. Modern switchboards contain safer circuit breakers as opposed to fuses, so if your switchboard still contains fuses (and those fuses are failing) it could be time for an upgrade.
Wear and Tear
A switchboard works hard for your home, so over time it will wear. That means you need to inspect it regularly for signs of damage or corrosion. If the switchboard components are showing significant signs of wear and tear or deterioration, then it’s time for an upgrade.
Electrical Issues
If you are experiencing frequent electrical issues like flickering lights, overheating switches, or sparks, these are potential signs of electrical hazards. These issues should be addressed promptly, and a switchboard upgrade is probably necessary to improve safety.
Planned Renovations
If you are planning a home renovation then you should consider including a switchboard upgrade. By modernising your home, there will be greater electrical needs and an older switchboard will not be able to keep up with the new demands.
The Benefits Of An Upgraded Switchboard
There are plenty of benefits to upgrading your switchboard. Some of them are:
- Increased Safety: the main advantage is improved safety for your home. New switchboards meet current safety standards and regulations which reduce the risk of electrical accidents and shocks.
- Reduced Fire Hazard: Older switchboards with outdated components like fuses may pose a higher risk of electrical fires. Upgrading to modern circuit breakers can provide better protection against overloads and short circuits, reducing the risk of a fire.
- Better Capacity: Modern switchboards are designed to handle the needs of modern homes which have a lot of appliances and technology. Upgrading your switchboard will increase your electrical capacity and ensure you are not overloading your switchboard.
- Improved Reliability: When you upgrade your switchboard, you can say goodbye to tripping, malfunctioning, and unnecessary power outages and disruptions. An upgrade will improve the reliability of your electrical systems.
- Compatibility: Newer appliances and electronic devices often have specific electrical requirements. Upgrading your switchboard ensures that your home's electrical system is compatible with modern technology, reducing the risk of damage to your devices.
- Compliance: Electrical regulations and safety standards evolve over time. Upgrading your switchboard ensures that your electrical system complies with current regulations. That is particularly important if you plan to sell your home or undertake renovations.
- Future Proofing: Upgrading your switchboard is a good future proofing solution. It allows you to prepare for future electrical demands as time goes by, reducing the need for further upgrades. You can also utilise the energy-saving features of a new switchboard to reduce your electricity bills and optimise your energy consumption.
What To Do If Your Switchboard Needs Upgrading
Upgrading a switchboard is not a DIY job. There are many electrical regulations that need to be met and set procedures to be followed. Which is why you will need an experienced and qualified electrician to undertake the job.
So, if you suspect your switchboard might need replacing, give our expert team a call and we can make the necessary assessments and upgrades for you.
Get in touch with our team now with any questions you might have about a switchboard upgrade.
