8 reasons why you should upgrade your switchboard

Not sure if your home electrical switchboard needs an upgrade or full replacement? We’ve put together 8 reasons why it could definitely be time to call your electrician and book it.

1. Updated electrical safety requirements

Over the years the electrical safety requirements, wiring standards and work practices have changed in Australia. What was once standard practice is seen as being unsafe and negligent now.

2. The switchboard is the central point of your electrical systems

The switchboard is the control centre for the electrical system throughout your home, operating everything from the toaster to the complete ducted air conditioning system. If the switchboard is faulty or not coping this can affect the rest of your home’s electrical components.

3. Our homes need more power now

The current demands of your electrical system are significantly more than they would have been even 20 or 30 years ago. A standard home has more appliances, which means the system needs to supply more power. Older fuse boxes can struggle to cope with this increase in demand, which can cause problems like overheating and the danger of fires or electrical accidents.

4. No safety switches

What’s protecting family and friends from electrical accidents if you don’t have a safety switch? In Queensland and many other parts of the country, it’s mandatory to have a safety switch fitted to the power point circuit of every home to protect residents from electrical accidents. If your home is not fitted with one, or more, you are exposing your family, friends or anyone working in your home to potentially deadly electrical accidents.

5. Ceramic fuses are not very safe

Old-style ceramic fuses don’t offer the level of safety protection modern circuit breakers do. Who even knows how to change a fuse nowadays? It may seem simple, however, using the wrong size fuse wire can pose a serious overheating and fire risk.

6. Asbestos is often used for fuse board backing panels

Asbestos was commonly used as a building material from 1920 to the 1980s throughout Australia, its use was not completely halted until the end of 2003. Asbestos-containing backing panels were often used for switchboards during this period. These panels present a health risk if they are damaged or any work has to be done on the board which can expose residents to dangerous asbestos fibres.

Please Note – Asbestos must be removed by a licenced specialist to ensure all safety precautions are carried out.

Which circuit’s which?

A new switchboard will have easily identifiable circuits ensuring any use by you or any tradesperson or electrician who needs to work on your home is straightforward. Guesswork and electrical work definitely don’t mix.

Identify problem areas

If your switchboard is ageing, chances are so are other areas of your home electrical system. The process of updating your switchboard can identify any areas of impending problems throughout the electrical systems of your home.

Would you like more information on switchboards? Keep reading – Electrical Switchboard Upgrades

Think it’s time for an upgrade? Book an electrician today.

Ref: http://www.asbestoswise.com.au/information-and-resources/asbestos-in-the-home/