Time for an Upgrade?
The bonafide linchpin of your home’s electrical system is the electrical switchboard. It keeps power flowing safely and efficiently to every circuit in and around your home.
But like all electrical appliances and systems, they do have a shelf life. Over time, many factors can affect its ability to service your household needs. A faulty or ageing switchboard not only puts your appliances at risk but also increases the chance of electrical hazards.
Modern residential switchboards come flush with features that can better service today’s energy needs while protecting your home. Knowing when it’s time to upgrade yours means your home stays powered, safe and ready for your lifestyle. Here are 5 of the most common signs that an upgrade is well overdue.
What Does a Switchboard Contain?
But before we look at those 5 points, let’s explore the electrical switchboard itself in greater detail; what it contains and what each key part does for your home’s power system. Knowing what’s inside your switchboard helps you identify issues and when you need to upgrade. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Circuit breakers: These shut off power to your circuits when they become overloaded or faulty.
- RCDs (Residual Current Devices): Also known as safety switches, they prevent electrical shocks by switching off power in the instance of an electrical fault.
- Main switch: Controls power to the whole house.
- Busbars: A metallic strip or bar that distributes power to different circuits.
- Wiring and terminals: Connects the switchboard to your home’s electrical system.
- Meter box components: Monitors electricity usage and billing.
These bits and bobs work together to accommodate and protect your home’s electrical system. Having a modern and well-maintained switchboard means your home is powered and safe from electrical hazards.
1. Tripping Circuit Breakers
One of the most common signs that it’s time to replace your electrical switchboard is frequently tripping circuit breakers.
Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home by shutting off the power to a circuit when a fault or overload occurs. If the circuit breaker trips in this instance, it’s doing its job. But if they’re tripping a little too often, your switchboard cannot accommodate your home’s growing power demands. This typically happens more often in older systems that weren’t necessarily designed with modern appliances and technology in mind. Which is to be expected.
Ignoring this puts you and your family at risk. An upgrade means your electrical system can service your household’s power needs safely and reliably.
2. Outdated Technology and Features
Speaking of, chances are high that your old electrical switchboard lacks the essential modern technology and features to protect your home’s electrical system. In which case, time to upgrade.
Many older setups don’t come with safety switches that help to prevent electrical shocks and lower fire risks. Circuit breakers are noticeably absent too; they have old-school fuses instead. It means these older systems generally can’t handle the demands of today’s energy-hungry appliances and technology.
Over time, an outdated switchboard increases the risk of faults, overheating and system failures. Upgrading to a modern one with RCDs and circuit breakers means your system is safer and more reliable. It’s more capable of meeting your growing household’s power needs without compromising safety.
3. Burning Smells or Scorch Marks
Burning smells or scorch marks around your electrical switchboard are serious warning signs that you certainly shouldn’t ignore. These signs can indicate a number of issues, including:
- overheating
- faulty wiring
- damaged circuits
Overheating can cause melted components or burnt connections. These won’t just compromise your electrical system, they also pose a huge fire risk to your home. Scorch marks around the meter box or panel may also mean your current switchboard can’t service your household’s power demands.
In these situations, contact an electrician ASAP to replace your existing board with a modern, safer system. It’ll mean your home stays powered, stays safe, and electricity flows smoothly.
4. Overloaded or Poorly Wired Switchboard
An overloaded or poorly wired electrical switchboard is common in homes with older systems or when power demands have outgrown the board’s capacity. Common signs of an overloaded system include:
- flickering lights
- buzzing sounds or
- insufficient room to add new circuits for appliances
Poor wiring within the board enclosure can cause tangled connections, overheating and unreliable power distribution. This disrupts the smooth flow of electricity and increases the risk of electrical faults and fire hazards. Upgrading to a properly wired, modern switchboard best meets your current needs and keeps your electrical system safe.
5. Not Enough Power for Modern Needs
As homes use more energy-hungry appliances and enjoy greater access to more technology and accessories, an electrical switchboard incapable of providing enough power becomes a big issue.
If you had your board installed years ago, it may not be able to support a wide range of devices and equipment like air conditioners, electric vehicles or solar panel systems. An old switchboard can’t service today’s power demands, which leaves you and your household vulnerable to potential electrical faults.
An upgrade to a modern setup means your system is designed to service modern requirements and keep your home safe.
Always Use a Licensed Electrician for Your Upgrade
Replacing an electrical switchboard is a complex job that, by law, requires the expertise of a licensed electrician. In Australia, it’s against the law for an unlicensed person to conduct major electrical work any more complex than changing a light bulb or resetting a tripped circuit breaker.
A licensed electrician has the skills to correctly install your switchboard and wire it up safely. They’re also able to:
- Service your household’s complete power needs
- Make sure it complies with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring Rules)
- Ensure your switchboard provides reliable protection for your home
Always hire a qualified professional to do switchboard upgrades, and keep your electrical system safe, efficient and up to standard.
Call Them For Switchboard Maintenance Too!
Regular maintenance of your electrical switchboard is essential to keep your home’s electrical system running safely and efficiently.
Over time, components like circuit breakers, RCDs, and wiring can wear out or become damaged, increasing the risk of faults and power outages. A professional electrician will conduct a thorough inspection to make sure all circuits are properly wired and connections are secure. They’ll also check for signs of overheating, corrosion, or outdated technology that could pose safety risks.
Routine maintenance matters. It doesn’t just extend the lifespan of your switchboard, it also helps your system accommodate modern power demands.
Upgrade Your Switchboard for a Safer Home
Your electrical switchboard is the backbone of your home’s power supply; one that ensures your circuits and appliances run safely and efficiently.
Being able to identify the signs that you’re due for a replacement (for example, frequent tripping or outdated technology) helps protect your home from electrical risks. Upgrading to specialized switchboards with modern features and proper wiring not only services today’s power demands but also safety and reliability.
In the interests of safety and compliance, don’t forget to always use a licensed electrician for professional installation. Don’t wait for electrical issues to escalate; act now to ensure a safer home.
Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Electrical Switchboard”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.
