Switchboard Relocation in Ashgrove, Brisbane

Is Your Switchboard a Ticking Time Bomb? An Ashgrove Safety Overhaul

Is your switchboard tucked away in a cramped laundry cupboard or an old, damp wardrobe? While it might seem harmless, a poorly located or outdated switchboard can be a significant safety risk. For one Ashgrove homeowner, this exact situation—combined with non-compliant smoke alarms—prompted a call to the Fallon Solutions team for a comprehensive electrical and fire safety upgrade, ensuring their home was safe, compliant, and ready for the future.

The Problem: An Outdated and Dangerously Located Switchboard

The electrical heart of this Ashgrove property was in the wrong place and in poor health. The original switchboard was not only outdated and lacking modern safety features but was also located in a non-compliant area of the home.

Here’s a breakdown of the key risks our licensed electricians identified:

• Poor Location: The switchboard’s placement made it difficult to access in an emergency and failed to meet modern safety clearance regulations.
• Lack of Safety Switches: The board had no individual safety switches (RCBOs). This meant a simple appliance fault could lead to a dangerous electric shock or a widespread power outage, rather than tripping a single, isolated circuit.
• Improper Earthing: The system lacked a proper earth stake, a critical component that safely dissipates electrical faults into the ground, preventing electric shock.
• Non-Compliant Smoke Alarms: The home had non-compliant smoke alarms, with key areas like bedrooms and hallways left unprotected. This is a major safety failure that goes against Queensland’s strict fire safety legislation.

Wondering what to do if your switchboard needs moving? The answer is always to call a licensed professional.

The Solution: A Meticulous Switchboard Relocation in Ashgrove & Safety Upgrade

Our team of certified electricians developed a comprehensive plan to address every issue, from the switchboard relocation to the crucial smoke alarm installation.

Here’s how we transformed the property’s safety profile:

1. Safe Decommissioning and Relocation: After safely de-energising the property, we removed the old, hazardous switchboard. We then ran new, heavy-duty 16mm mains cabling from the original location to a new, modern, and weather-resistant outdoor enclosure.
2. Safety Switch Installation: Inside the new board, we installed individual safety switches (RCBOs) for every single circuit. These devices are the ultimate in electrical protection, combining a circuit breaker with a safety switch. They cut power in a fraction of a second to prevent electric shock and ensure a fault in one area doesn’t black out the entire house.
3. Installing a New Earth Stake: To guarantee the system was properly grounded, we installed a brand-new earth stake directly beneath the new switchboard. This is a non-negotiable part of any modern electrical installation and is vital for safety.
4. Achieving Full Smoke Alarm Compliance: To meet Queensland’s latest smoke alarm legislation, we supplied and installed new photoelectric smoke alarms in all bedrooms and hallways. This ensures early and reliable detection of smoke, giving occupants the crucial extra time needed to escape in the event of a fire.
5. Comprehensive Testing and Certification: Once all the work was complete, we conducted rigorous electrical testing on every circuit and the new switchboard. We also tested every new smoke alarm to confirm its operation. The homeowner was provided with a certificate confirming the entire installation was safe, tested, and fully compliant.

The Benefits for the Homeowner

This complete electrical and fire safety upgrade provides the Ashgrove homeowner with profound, long-lasting benefits.

• Greatly Enhanced Safety: The risk of electric shock and fire is drastically reduced thanks to the relocated switchboard, individual RCBOs, proper earthing, and compliant smoke alarms.
• Full Peace of Mind: Knowing your home’s electrical and fire safety systems meet and exceed all current Australian and Queensland standards provides invaluable reassurance.
• Improved Functionality: The modern, clearly labelled switchboard makes it easy to identify and reset circuits, and the new outdoor location provides safe and easy access.
• Increased Property Value: A certified, modern, and compliant electrical and fire safety system is a major asset that protects and increases the value of your property.

Why Choose Fallon Solutions?

For over 60 years, Fallon Solutions has been the trusted name for electrical services in Ashgrove and across Brisbane. Our reputation is built on a commitment to safety, quality workmanship, and thoroughness. We don’t believe in quick fixes; we provide comprehensive solutions that ensure your home and family are protected. To learn more about our switchboard and other electrical services, visit here.

Don’t Compromise on Electrical and Fire Safety

If your switchboard is old, in an awkward location, or you’re unsure about your smoke alarm compliance, don’t wait for an incident to occur. A professional inspection can identify hidden dangers and give you a clear path to a safer home.

If you require a professional Switchboard Relocation in Ashgrove or a complete electrical safety check, contact the expert team at Fallon Solutions today. Call us on 1300 054 488 or send us an enquiry here.