7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Switchboard
When it comes to ensuring home safety, one area that shouldn’t be overlooked is electrical safety. From your power points to safety switches, there are several factors to keep an eye on to protect your home and family.
A key aspect of electrical safety is the condition of your switchboard. It may need an upgrade or replacement to keep your home secure.
The switchboard is one of the most vital components of your home’s electrical system. It distributes power throughout the circuits and outlets in your house. Think of it as the central hub of your electrical network—regular maintenance is essential.
While the cost of a switchboard upgrade may concern you, consider the potential consequences of neglecting an outdated or faulty system. Failing to update old switchboards could lead to costly damage and put your household at serious risk.
What Does an Electrical Switchboard Upgrade Entail?
During a switchboard upgrade, a licensed electrician usually reorganises the electrical wiring and replaces any hazardous components in your current switchboard. The electrician will need to isolate the power for several hours to conduct the work and relevant tests. The process often includes:
- Removal of old ceramic fuses and circuit breakers for new-type RCBOs
- Relocating old meter boxes to comply with Energex (QECM) requirements
- Checking and Installing Earth Electrodes where required.
- Upgrade mains cables
- Replace outdated back panels, including those made from materials like wood or asbestos.
- Upon completing the switchboard upgrade, the electrician will issue a certificate of compliance, confirming that all work meets the required Australian safety standards.
1. Overcrowding/No More Room For Additional Circuits
Houses aren’t built like they used to. The need for electrical equipment in a modern-day home is significantly larger than that of a home built 50 years ago when things such as Electric Vehicle Chargers and Induction Cooktops weren’t around.
Old school switchboards rarely contained more than a power circuit, a lighting circuit and one for cooking appliances.
1. Obvious Warning Signs
Flickering lights? Burning smell? Crackling/popping noises? Scorch marks? All of these could be signs of overheating and deterioration of an electrical system. Use your senses. If you think anything isn’t quite right, you should seek the help of a local electrician immediately.
Warning signs in older systems could indicate that you need a new switchboard. Modern switchboards are better equipped with safety features that detect these issues before they manifest themselves. This also allows a professional to look at the system as a whole, checking connections and performing essential testing. Anything that seems untoward, shabby, or potentially dangerous can be isolated, identified, and remedial action taken.
When it comes to electrical, it really is better to be safe than sorry!
2. Not a hinged panel meter box or contains timber/asbestos backing
Hinged panel-type meter boxes have been used in Queensland for over 25 years. Anything before this is likely due for an upgrade. Not only will you have difficulty getting Energex or an electricity retailer to work on it in its current state, but its also considerably more challenging to work on than a current standard.
3. Older Wiring
Everything has a life span, and electrical equipment is no different. Homes built pre-1980 are getting to the point where they’re due an upgrade.
Signs of black rubber twin and earth or older cabling with a bare earth pinned to the joists under the floorboards or in the roof are seriously outdated.
4. Lack of Safety Features
Older switchboards containing ceramic fuses need to be updated. There are now so many more safety features available that could save lives. Not only are these features protecting your own life, but they also serve to protect the lives of your loved ones.
Ceramic fuses are renowned for hardly tripping in the event of a fault. Furthermore, the homeowner generally replaces the wire inside it, so you’re relying on the fact they’ve put the correct sized wire back in.
6. Older Wiring/Burning Smell
When it comes to your electricity, nobody ever wants it go out. Nor do they typically keep on top of the maintenance of it.
A lot of the time, Energex refuse to change the meters until its brought up to scratch.
7. Older Wiring/Burning Smell
When it comes to your electricity, nobody ever wants it go out. Nor do they typically keep on top of the maintenance of it.
A lot of the time, Energex refuse to change the meters until its brought up to scratch.
