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Your circuit breakers may have been tripping too frequently, and your electrician may have told you you need a switchboard upgrade. This may make you wonder what a switchboard upgrade entails. Sit tight and read on for what you need to know about switchboard upgrades.
This post explains what electricity switchboards are, signs you need to upgrade your switchboard, and reasons for upgrading your switchboard. You can also read up on factors affecting new switchboard upgrade costs and the electrical services of local electricians.
What's an electricity switchboard?
An electric switchboard is a central board that distributes electricity to your home's electrical system. It transmits electrical current from the main supply to your home or business areas.
Signs your switchboard needs upgrading
You would want to get your switchboard upgraded before electrical issues such as electrical fires or electrical shocks occur. Inviting local electricians to fix the problem is essential when you notice signs of the need for a switchboard upgrade.
Here are some signs that you can use to know when you need to upgrade your switchboard:
- You may need to install new switchboards if your power points are weirdly coloured or hot to the touch.
- Ceramic rewireable fuses or porcelain fuses in switchboards instead of circuit breakers. Rewireable fuses are a safety hazard because they contain copper fuse wires.
- Electric shock from power outlets
- Sparking power points when plugs are inserted
- Buzzing or sizzling power noises
- The presence of flickering lights, tripping circuit breakers, short-circuiting appliances
- You need a switchboard upgrade if your fuses blow or appliances struggle with power supply
Reasons to get your switchboard upgraded
A significant reason for switchboard upgrades is electrical safety. Switchboards that are too old or not of an appropriate size can cause circuit overloads or frequent circuit breaker trips. Your electrician can perform switchboard testing to confirm if you need a switchboard upgrade.
Here are other reasons why you may consider a switchboard upgrade:
Installation of smart meters
The installation of many smart meters requires switchboard upgrades to function correctly.
Solar power installations
The installation of many solar systems in homes requires switchboards to be upgraded.
Protective function of safety switches
You may decide to opt for newer switchboards as they have inbuilt safety switches. Safety switches are electrical safety devices that help reduce electrical fire and shock risks.
Reduced chances of overloads and blown fuses
Newer switchboards can better handle today's electrical workloads. As such, there will be fewer chances of fuses blowing or switchboard overload. Fuses are essential in breaking the flow of electrical current when it gets too much in our appliance.
Less chances of tripping circuit breakers
Upgraded switchboards are better able to manage your home's electrical load. As such, your circuit breakers will not trip frequently.
Electrical defect notices
Do note that you must keep yourself updated regarding Australia's energy safety standards for switchboards. According to Australian Wiring Rules AS 3000:2018, you need a switchboard upgrade if you have been issued an electrical defect notice or if you are installing heavy electrical appliances.
Your energy authority (such as Ausgrid) may issue you an electrical defect notice if it detects electrical faults or defects in your consumer mains or switchboard. For example, you may receive a defect notice if your old switchboard contains ceramic or porcelain fuses.
Upgrading to 3-phase power
Another reason for upgrading your switchboard is a 3-phase switchboard upgrade. This type of switchboard has three sets of live wires, providing greater efficiency and higher capacity. People usually go for three-phase switchboards if they have high electricity demands.
Asbestos panel replacement
If your house was built earlier than 2004 and is over 25 years old, the electrical switchboards may contain asbestos panels. This can be a reason for a switchboard upgrade because of the danger of asbestos and its associated health risks. You must have the asbestos panel removed and replaced with a non-asbestos panel.
Factors affecting switchboard upgrade costs
You need a licensed and qualified electrician to perform a switchboard upgrade. Knowing the factors that affect new switchboard upgrade costs can help you understand detailed quotes from your local electricians more easily.
- New switchboard upgrade costs depend on the type of switchboard system you choose.
- Note that the amount of house rewiring needed affects the price of switchboard upgrades. Extensive electrical wiring upgrades also increase the amount of time required to upgrade the switchboard.
- Air-insulated switchboards tend to be the most economical, while metal-enclosed switchboards tend to be the most expensive.
- On the other hand, the cost of cast resin switchboards tends to fall between the expenses of metal-enclosed and air-insulated switchboards.
- Upgrading other electrical system components, such as safety switches and circuit breakers, increases the overall cost.
Approximate average switchboard upgrade costs
Electrical switchboard upgrade costs tend to fall within the following average estimates:
- Fuse box upgrade costs around $800 and $1900.
- A new switchboard costs between $2000 and $4000.
- A 3-phase switchboard upgrade costs between $3000 and $4500.
Switchboard upgrade process
The process of upgrading your switchboard generally involves the following:
- Turning off the power to the building
- Removal of any old protection equipment and fuses
- Construction of a pole enclosure for circuit breakers and RCD switches
- Connecting existing circuits to the new safety switches and circuit breakers
- Inspecting the grounding system for complete and safe functionality
- Conducting extensive electrical tests for full functionality of all components
- The licensed electrician will naturally consider the load that will be put on your home network
Electrical services of local electricians
Here are some services you can expect from well-trained, qualified, and licensed local electricians.
Private power pole replacements
Local electricians with ASP Level 2 licences can help install and replace private power poles. Power poles link your switchboard to your consumer mains. As such, they play an essential role in power supply. Defective power poles also pose a severe electrical risk.
Electrical repairs and fault finding
You can depend on local electricians to perform LED lighting repairs and emergency lighting repairs. They also have commercial electricians who can troubleshoot and find faults in electrical components such as exhaust fans.
Switchboard installations and upgrades
Some local electricians are experienced in performing switchboard installations and upgrades to meet residential electrical needs or commercial electrical needs. Their experienced services are enough to help relieve pressure on electrical circuits to avoid circuit overloads and overheating of electrical systems.
General electrical installations
Local electrical contractors can perform power point installations, safety switch installations, and data cable installations. As such, you can rely on them for new wiring and cabling. They can also help you install your safety switch or install electrical appliances.
Installation, repairs, and upgrades of split systems
You can rely on your local electrician for multiple new split systems. They can also provide solutions for ducted air cons and other air con units.
Smoke alarm testing and maintenance
You must regularly maintain and test your smoke alarms; your electrical contractor can help.
Emergency electrician services
You may need a temporary power supply or urgently upgrade your consumer mains. Your local electrician must always be available for electrical emergencies such as short circuits. This is why it is essential to get a reliable electrician.
Electrical safety checks
You can get a qualified electrician to perform electrical safety checks on your electrical system periodically. They are also usually experienced at performing test and tag procedures.
Consult reputable electrical contractors
After reading this post on switchboard upgrades, you should take the next step to upgrade your switchboard or upgrade your consumers' mains. These are electrical projects that professional electrical contractors best perform. Besides, you may be opening yourself up to hefty fines or legal consequences if you attempt an unqualified DIY switchboard upgrade.
