A switchboard serves as the central hub in any building, where all electrical distribution wires converge. Think of it as the control centre for your electrical system, taking mains electricity from external sources and distributing it to every power outlet within your home or business.
This integral component incorporates safety features like switches, fuses or circuit breakers, typically situated at the forefront of a property. When making enhancements to your home or business, a switchboard upgrade becomes necessary to accommodate changes in power, preventing existing circuits from overloading and posing hazards.
Understanding switchboard upgrades
A switchboard upgrade involves enhancing the existing switchboard to meet current codes and standards whenever modifications or alterations are made to the electrical system. This ensures compliance with safety regulations and allows for the integration of modern electrical switchgear.
The need for switchboard upgrades
Advancements in technology over the past two decades have led to increased power consumption, driving a demand for more power outlets. Older switchboards with ceramic and porcelain fuses are ill-equipped to handle these technological upgrades, necessitating a shift to modern switchboards capable of meeting growing electricity demands.
According to Australia’s Energy Standards, a switchboard upgrade is mandatory under various circumstances, including upgrading to higher-powered electrical goods, receiving an electrical defect notice, making additions or alterations to the electrical system, adding a solar system or future-proofing the property.
Common reasons for switchboard upgrades
Several factors necessitate a switchboard upgrade, including:
- Outdated switchboards with ceramic fuses
- Frequent tripping of fuses or circuit breakers when multiple appliances are in use
- Random flickering lights
- Frequent electrical equipment shorts
- Buzzing noises from the switchboard
- Increased fuse blowouts
- Overheated cables due to power overloads
- A need to install more power outlets
- The need for larger electrical goods with higher power consumption
Switchboard upgrade process
The switchboard upgrade process involves replacing ceramic fuses with RCDs and circuit breakers, along with other necessary components. This includes the removal of existing circuit protection, identification and labelling of all cabling, mounting a new enclosure for safety switches, reconnecting cabling into the new RCDs and terminating and labelling the enclosure.
Cost Considerations
The costs associated with switchboard upgrades vary based on individual challenges presented by each switchboard. Each switchboard requires a unique quote from licensed electricians like Teoma.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does a switchboard upgrade take?
Switchboard upgrade installations typically take 4-8 hours for residential switchboards and 8-48 hours for larger commercial switchboards, depending on complexity. Legally, a switchboard upgrade is required under Australian standards when making modifications or additions to the existing wiring system, receiving an electrical defect notice, or installing major electrical appliances or new power outlets.
- What is an electrical defect notice?
An electrical defect notice is a notification stating that electrical installations do not comply with safety standards, necessitating correction by a qualified electrician.
- Why should I upgrade my switchboard?
The evolving nature of technology necessitates constant updates to electrical setups, rendering outdated switchboards inadequate. Upgrading ensures compliance with safety standards and accommodates technological advancements.
For more information on switchboard upgrades, contact our team today!
