When it comes to your electrical system, a switchboard is key to its very functioning. This is why keeping it safe and up to date with Australian Electrical Standards is vital.
In this blog, we will cover what a switchboard is, when it is time to replace it and what is involved with installation.
The Switchboard – What is it?
The switchboard is the central control for your home’s electricity system. It is the central hub for all the wires in your house and it directs electricity to all power outlets in your home. It ensures everything receives power, acting like a ‘brain’ for your home.
Your switchboard is made up of fuses, safety switches and circuit breakers. This prevents electrical problems within the home. If you add large appliances to your home, an upgrade to your switchboard may be required to handle this and avoid electrical issues.
Why Upgrade Your Switchboard?
Upgrading your switchboard ensures it not only meets Australian Electrical Standards, it allows you to alter or add additional electrical systems.
New switchboards include features like Residual Current Devices (RCDs). An RCD is a critical electrical safety component designed to prevent fatal electric shocks and fires by instantly cutting power when leakage is detected. It prevents wires being a shock risk, making it an important safety feature for your home. Additionally, old switchboards may not send sufficient power to a powerful appliance, making it a shock or fire risk. This means upgrading will help prevent danger and keep homes safe.
Do you Need to Upgrade Your Switchboard?
As technology places more demands on home electrical systems, property owners may install new power outlets to compensate.
However, old switchboards were not designed to handle modern appliances. This is especially so for those with ceramic and porcelain fuses, which are now outdated. This is why many Australians now need to upgrade their switchboards.
Australia regularly updates switchboard and energy safety rules to ensure they maintain home safety. Under the Australian Wiring Rules AS3000:2018, you may need to update if:
- You have been sent an electrical defect notice.
- You would like new power points in your house.
- You plan to add large appliances that require electricity to your home.
Not sure if you need a replacement switchboard? Here are some signs you need a new one:
- Flickering lights when the clothes dryer or air conditioning comes on.
- Fuses blowing frequently.
- Discoloured plastic fuses or a burning smell.
- Ceramic fuses as these are outdated and pose an electrocution risk.
- You experience short circuiting of your appliances, or circuit breakers repeatedly trip.
- Your switchboard makes a buzzing noise.
- You are upgrading to high-powered appliances.
- You want to reduce the risk of home fires.
- Your power struggles when too many devices are on.
- You are adding solar panels.
This will give you peace of mind that your electrical system is safe.
Types of Switchboards
There are several different types of switchboards. These are:
- Cast Resin Switchboards: These are stronger than air-insulated switchboards. They provide great protection against fire and moisture.
- Air-Insulated Switchboards: Affordable and easy to install and maintain.
- Metal-Enclosed Switchboards: The most expensive option but they offer the best protection against electrical or physical damage.
What’s Involved in a Switchboard Upgrade Process?
Upgrading a switchboard means replacing old ceramic fuses with RCDs and circuit breakers.
Your electrician will follow these steps:
- The old circuit protection is removed.
- To keep things organised, the wires are labelled.
- To hold the new RCDs, a new enclosure is installed.
- The wires are connected to the RCDs.
- Everything is labelled, secured and ready to use.
If you wish to install more solar panels or big appliances like spas or big air conditioners, a 3-phase switchboard upgrade may be required. Using three active wires and one neutral, more power will be delivered for buildings with big power requirements.
We can Install Your Switchboard Upgrade
One Point Sydney Electricians have ample experience in advising on and installing switchboard upgrades. Get in touch today by emailing workorder@onepointps.com.au or calling (02) 9100 0384.
