Most people don’t think much about their switchboard because it’s tucked away out of sight. If you have an older home, your switchboard could be struggling to keep up with today’s increasing electrical demands. It might appear to be working fine, but it could be creating hidden risks that you don’t want to ignore.
Understanding and upgrading your switchboard can save you stress, money, and keep your home safer.
What Does a Switchboard Actually Do?
A switchboard controls the flow of electricity throughout your home. It receives power from the mains and distributes it to your appliances and outlets via circuits. It also contains important safety devices like circuit breakers and safety switches, which shut off power if there is a fault or overload. This helps prevent damage to your home’s wiring, appliances, and reduces the risk of electrical fires or shocks. Without a properly functioning switchboard, your electrical system is vulnerable to faults and hazards.
Why Old Switchboards Can Be Dangerous
Older switchboards were designed for simpler household electricity needs with fewer appliances, lower power demands and less advanced technology, lagging behind today’s energy demands. Now, modern households run multiple high-power devices at once, from air conditioners to dishwashers and induction cooktops.
This increased demand puts extra pressure on the electrical system and raises the risks associated with outdated switchboards, including:
Lack of Safety Switches: Many old switchboards don’t have residual current devices (RCDs), also known as safety switches. These devices cut off power immediately if there’s a fault, preventing electrocution. Without them, the risk of electric shock is much higher.
Exposed Live Parts: Older fuse-based boards often expose live terminals when fuses are removed for maintenance or replacement. This can be hazardous, especially if kids or pets are around.
Fuses and Wiring Problems: Fuses that aren’t properly fitted can cause electrical arcing and hotspots, which can damage appliances or cause fires.
Short Circuits and Hot Fuses: Wiring can degrade over time and lead to short circuits or overheating. Hot fuse bases are a serious fire risk and a common cause of house fires in older homes.
Power Interruptions: Old switchboards are more prone to faults that cause your power to trip repeatedly, which is not only frustrating but a sign that the system is struggling to cope.
Why You Should Consider a Switchboard Upgrade
Upgrading your switchboard will help to protect your home, family, and belongings. An upgraded system will help with:
Meet Modern Needs: New switchboards are designed to handle the higher loads from today’s appliances safely. They come equipped with circuit breakers and safety switches that trip quickly if something goes wrong.
Safety First: Australian electrical standards require safety switches to be installed to reduce the risk of shocks and fires. Upgrading your switchboard ensures your home meets these standards.
Insurance Compliance: Many insurance companies require homes to have compliant electrical systems, including up-to-date switchboards, to be eligible for coverage. An older switchboard could put your insurance claims at risk.
Future Proofing Homes: If you’re planning to add smart home devices, solar panels, or an electric vehicle charger, upgrading your switchboard is essential. It ensures your electrical system can safely support these new technologies without risk of overload.
Leave It to the Professionals
If you’re worried about the safety of your electrical system and, the best thing you can do is have your switchboard checked and upgraded by a licensed electrician.
The team at Absolutely On-Time Electrical offers expert, reliable switchboard assessments and upgrades in Gymea and Bangor. Our fully qualified electricians will inspect your system, explain your options clearly, and complete the upgrade safely and efficiently to ensure your home meets current safety standards.
For your peace of mind, contact your team today.
