Your switchboard is the electrical hub of your home. It controls the distribution of electricity from power sources to your appliances via electrical circuits.
A switchboard works away in the background. Most people don’t take much notice of it. We come home, switch on the lights, and expect everything to work.
But spending a few minutes understanding how your switchboard works is time well spent. A quick check will ensure your home is correctly set up to handle your electrical loads and operate safely.
On this blog:
- What is an electric switchboard?
- How can I tell if I need a switchboard upgrade?
- What are the latest electrical safety standards for switchboards?
- Is it a legal requirement for my switchboard to be compliant?
- How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?
What is an electric switchboard?
A switchboard is an electrical device that distributes the power coming into your property to meet the electrical demand. Power is distributed to your appliances via electric circuits, and each circuit should have a circuit breaker and a safety switch.
Where are switchboards located?
Switchboards are usually located to the side of your home or near the meter box.
How can I tell if I need a switchboard upgrade? 9 ways…
1. You have an older home
Many older homes still have an original, outdated switchboard with porcelain fuses. Porcelain fuses were originally designed as a safety mechanism, but these old fuses are often faulty and can cause an electrical fire.
2. Your switchboard is in an exposed location
If your switchboard is on an outside wall and isn’t properly enclosed, this is a definite sign you’re in need of a switchboard upgrade. No switchboard should be exposed to the weather.
3. Your switchboard is overcrowded
If there is no more room in your switchboard, you won’t be able to add additional circuits for new electrical appliances or a solar power system. Attempting to add new power-intensive appliances to an existing circuit may overload the circuit which could cause a safety hazard.
4. Your appliances trip the circuit
If a fuse keeps tripping every time you switch on the toaster or the kettle, it could be that there are too many appliances on the one circuit. This can cause the circuit to short which is not only annoying – but can cause an electrical fire.
5. Your switchboard looks messy
If your switchboard looks untidy, with switches poorly labelled, it has probably been modified several times over the years. More fuses and circuits may have been added. The fuses may even have been modified with wiring that is unsafe.
6. Your lights flicker
Flickering lights can be caused by a poor quality light fitting, loose wires, or an overloaded switchboard. If changing the bulb doesn’t fix the problem, you should have an electrician come to check it immediately.
7. Not all circuits have a safety switch
Every circuit in your switchboard should have a safety switch. If that’s not the case, you need a switchboard upgrade. That’s because safety switches protect people from electric shocks and electrocution. Circuit breakers don’t protect people – they only protect electrical circuits.
8. Blackened fuses
A blackened or damaged fuse in your switchboard is a warning sign that the fuse is old and needs replacing immediately.
9. Sparks
Hopefully you never see sparks coming out of your switchboard, but if you do call an electrician immediately. This is very dangerous.
What are the latest electrical safety standards for switchboards?
New Australian standards have come into force to improve switchboard safety. New wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000) relating to switchboards have been added to prevent electrical accidents from occurring. These include new extended distances for switchboards to create greater safe working space and doorway access.
Technically speaking, all lighting and power circuits must have safety switches installed in order to prevent electrical accidents from happening. While fuses and circuit breakers protect your switchboard against electrical overload, safety switches can protect your home and your life!
In contrast, modern switchboards do host high-performance safety-switches. So if you haven’t updated your switchboard recently according to the safety regulations, you should take immediate action.
Is it a legal requirement for my switchboard to be compliant?
Yes, ensuring your switchboard is compliant with the latest Australian standards is required by law. It’s also the best way to ensure the safety of your home and your family.
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?
A switchboard upgrade typically costs $1,200-$2,000 depending on the size of the switchboard and how many circuits there are. Make sure you ask for a fully itemised quote to ensure that you are getting quality components with the highest levels of safety.
Get in touch for a quote
If you’d like your switchboard checked out properly by an accredited A-grade electrician – get in touch. We’ll assess your switchboard for free. If it needs an upgrade, we’ll provide you with a detailed quote, so you know exactly what to expect.
Specialized Solar & Electrical is a registered electrical contractor employing a team of fully accredited electricians. Don’t leave your electrical safety to chance. Talk to the professionals!
