Switchboard upgrades

In order to comply with Australian legal electrical standards and sure safety in the home or workplace, you may need to consider upgrading a switchboard. Your switchboard is a central hub within your home or commercial space and may appear old or become faulty overtime, indicating time for replacement as it is a crucial part of ensuring safety. A switchboard upgrade should always be completed by a qualified licensed electrician. We can assess your specific needs, inspect your current electrical system, and provide recommendations based on local regulations and safety standards. If you have concerns or interest in upgrading your switchboard, give Electra Electrics a call today on 0433 057 123.

What is an electrical switchboard?

A switchboard serves as a central hub in an electrical system. Its primary function is to distribute electrical power safely and efficiently from the main power source to various circuits and electrical devices within a building or facility, allowing control to isolate the various parts and all of the installation and attached appliances. A switchboard upgrade or replacement refers to the process of replacing an existing electrical switchboard or distribution switchboard with a newer, more modern unit that meets current legal electrical requirements within Australia.

Why upgrade your switchboard?

Upgrading a switchboard in Australia to comply with Australian electrical standards is essential to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with local regulations. Some of the benefits of switchboard upgrades include:

1. Improved Safety: Older switchboards may not meet current safety standards or may have deteriorated over time. Upgrading to a new switchboard can reduce the risk of electrical hazards, such as electrical fires or electrical shocks. Modern switchboards have in-build safety switches, which drastically decreases the risk of shock.
2. Increased Electrical Capacity: Modern switchboards are designed to handle higher electrical loads and increased power demands. An upgrade may be necessary if you’re adding new electrical appliances or circuits to your home or commercial business.
3. Enhanced Reliability: Older switchboards may become unreliable due to wear and tear, leading to frequent power outages or electrical issues. A new switchboard can provide a more dependable electrical distribution system.
4. Compliance with Electrical Codes: Electrical codes and regulations change over time to improve safety and efficiency. Upgrading your switchboard ensures that your electrical system complies with the latest codes and standards in your area. For businesses, legal compliance is crucial to ensure safety of occupants within the building and to avoid legal code violations. RCBOs (residual current circuit breakers) are always installed to ensure safety in a building. RCBOs consist of MCB (miniature circuit breaker and RCD (residual current device). An RCD is a safety device designed to quickly disconnect the power supply when it detects an imbalance in the electrical current flowing through a circuit. This imbalance can occur if current leaks from the circuit, such as when a person comes into contact with a live wire or there is a fault in an electrical appliance. RCDs are sensitive to even small leakage currents and can interrupt the power supply within milliseconds to prevent electric shocks and fires.
5. Energy Efficiency: Newer switchboards often come with improved energy management features and may support energy-efficient technologies, helping you reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills. Modern switchboards provide you the ability to maintain energy monitoring.

Signs that your switchboard needs replacing

Knowing when your electrical switchboard needs upgrading is crucial for ensuring the safety, reliability, and functionality of your electrical system. Here are some signs and considerations that can help you determine if it’s time to upgrade your electrical switchboard:

• Ageing: If your switchboard is quite old, it may not meet current safety standards and could be due for an upgrade. Electrical standards and regulations evolve over time, so an older switchboard may not have modern safety features.
• Circuit Breaker Tripping: If your circuit breakers frequently trip, it could indicate that your electrical system is overloading the current switchboard’s capacity. This is a clear sign that you may need to upgrade to a switchboard with higher capacity.
• Burn Marks or Damage: Inspect your switchboard for any visible signs of damage, such as burn marks, discolouration, or melting components. These are indications of electrical faults or overheating, which are safety concerns that may require an upgrade. Noises also indicate faults in switchboards, such as any sizzling or buzzing indicates need for immediate inspection by a licences electrician.
• Flickering Lights or Dimming: If you experience flickering lights or dimming when you use certain appliances or equipment, it may be due to insufficient electrical capacity. An upgrade can help address this issue.
• Lack of Safety Features: If your switchboard does not have modern safety features such as residual current devices (RCDs) or ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), it may not provide adequate protection against electrical shocks and should be upgraded to a safer model.
• Obsolete Technology: If your switchboard uses outdated technology or lacks modern features like smart meters or energy management systems, upgrading can help you take advantage of newer, more energy-efficient technologies.
• Inadequate Space: If there is no room in your existing switchboard for additional circuits or if you plan to expand your electrical system, an upgrade may be necessary to accommodate the increased load.
• Non-Compliance with Regulations: Changes in electrical codes and regulations may require you to upgrade your switchboard to ensure compliance with current standards. Local building codes and regulations can vary, so consult with a licensed electrician to determine the specific requirements in your area.
• Safety Inspection Recommendations: If a safety inspection or electrical audit recommends upgrading your switchboard, it is advisable to follow these recommendations promptly to address potential safety hazards.
• Frequent Electrical Issues: If you experience frequent electrical issues such as power surges, equipment malfunctions, or unexplained electrical problems, your switchboard may be outdated or malfunctioning and may need an upgrade.
• Electrical System Expansion: If you plan to expand your property, add new appliances, or upgrade your electrical system in any way, it’s important to assess whether your current switchboard can handle the increased electrical load. An upgrade may be necessary to accommodate these changes.

Certificate of Electrical Safety

You are provided with a certificate of electrical safety at the completion of all switchboard upgrades at Electra Electrics. A “Certificate of Compliance Electrical Work”  is a legal requirement for switchboard safety and is as a sign of proof that the work has been properly tested and checked and aligns with the current rules and regulations. All electricians at Electra Electrics are licensed and skilled professionals who service the local Melbourne area.

With over 20 years of experience, our electricians provide professional, clear advice on safety and the process of upgrading switchboards that is customised and considered no matter the size of the electrical need from small residential jobs to large commercial projects.