If you’re experiencing flickering lights or tripped fuses, it may be time to upgrade your switchboard. This is especially true if you have an old or faulty switchboard. Upgrading your switchboard can help solve these problems and keep your home or business running smoothly.
Your electrical switchboard is the central hub that distributes power from your electricity provider to your home’s various circuits. This includes your lights, outlets, appliances, air conditioner, and pool. Having a functional switchboard is important so that you can shut off power to certain areas of your home as needed.
Olympic Electrical offers switchboard installation and upgrades in Sydney for residential and commercial purposes.
Signs You May Need to Upgrade your Switchboard
Check that your Appliances Work Properly.
If you notice any flickering lights, tripping circuits, melted fuses, or burning smells, be sure to check your appliances. These could be signs that they are faulty or old. Another possibility is that there could be damage to your switchboards. If this is the case, you may need a quick upgrade.
System Faults & Power Outages
The power cutting out on a circuit in your home is one of the most apparent signs of a switchboard issue (e.g., your power points). There is also the possibility of flickering lights or short-circuiting appliances, which means the excess electrical current is flowing, and the device is at risk. Your electrician can find the root cause of the problem and determine if a switchboard change is necessary.
Your Switchboard Still has Ceramic Fuses
If you have ceramic fuses in your electrical system, it is at risk of causing house fires. Therefore, it is recommended that you upgrade your switchboard as soon as possible.
Upgrade Your Appliances
Have you installed any new electrical appliances recently? Your electrical circuits may be under more pressure than usual, which could cause your switchboard to overheat, damage your new appliances or may even start a fire in the worst-case scenario.
Over time, your electrical system’s pressure rises steadily, requiring new wiring, cabling, and switches. A qualified electrician is the only one who can assess your needs and provide a solution.
Don’t have a Safety Switch
To keep you safe from electric shock, all new switchboards now come with a safety switch (also known as an RCD). This will instantly turn off the power (in 0.03 seconds) if it detects a short circuit, overload, or fault in an appliance. So you can rest assured that you and your family are protected from any potential hazards.
If your switchboard lacks a safety switch, you are putting your family’s lives at risk. A safety switch can provide peace of mind even if it is not a legal requirement.
It may be necessary to upgrade a switchboard after installing safety switches.
How Much does a Switchboard Upgrade Cost?
Answering this question is challenging since it’s a tricky one. Several factors can affect the cost of a switchboard upgrade:
- Switchboard size
- The capacity of the switchboard
- Cabling requirements
- If you need to rewire your home
- Labour costs
Your local electrician can provide a detailed quote based on your home or business’s specific needs when purchasing an upgraded switchboard.
Some people may be deterred by the cost of upgrading their switchboard, but it is a worthwhile investment for the safety of your home. A licensed electrician can also ensure that the wiring in your home is up to code and secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I know if my switchboard needs upgrading?
Here are some signs that indicate it might be time to upgrade your switchboard:
- Damaged fuse box
- Rusty or corroded electrical panels
- Frequent tripping
- Discoloration or damage to your outlets
- Lights that flicker or dim
- Burning smell from switchboard
- A buzzing or sizzling sound coming from your outlets or fuse box
- Overheating of outlets
Q. Why do I need a switchboard upgrade?
You might need to upgrade your switchboard when you start making other upgrades to your home or business. This will help make sure that your existing circuits won’t overload and cause a fire.
Need Switchboard Upgrade Specialists?
If you’re wondering whether your switchboard needs an upgrade or you have questions about switchboard issues, our professional team at Olympic Electrical is here to help. We can assess your switchboard and let you know if an upgrade is necessary. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have about switchboard maintenance and operation.
