Why your old switchboard might be a safety risk

You want your home’s electrical system to always function well. That is how you can ensure an uninterrupted power supply in your home. As such, you would want major electrical components, such as your home’s switchboard, to be at their best. However, old switchboards can do more than cause power supply interruptions.

This guide will consider the purpose of your home’s switchboard, the electrical safety risks of old switchboards, and reasons for upgrading your switchboard. You can also learn more about Australian electrical standards for switchboards and how to get your home’s switchboard upgraded. Read on to know why your old switchboard might be a safety risk.

The purpose of your home’s switchboard

The electrical switchboard is a vital power distribution component in your home’s electric system. It has a couple of electric panels, circuit breakers, fuses, and safety switches that help distribute and redirect electric power to several devices for further distribution.

An integral purpose of switchboards is the safety they provide.

Your home’s switchboard can stop the flow of electricity if there’s an electrical malfunction. For example, you may switch on all circuits and incidentally experience a power surge, and your switchboard can circuit out and turn off the electrical power supply.

Dangers of old electrical switchboards

It may not be wise to relax even when your old-style switchboard seems to be functioning well. Several electrical issues may arise simply because you are not using a modern switchboard.

• You should know that, unlike modern switchboards, old-style switchboards do not have enough electrical safety switches. As such, you expose live terminals when you remove the fuses. This poses serious electrical hazards.
• Old electrical switchboards may also have incorrectly seated fuses. This can lead to electrical arcing and hotspots in the electrical wiring system. In turn, this may damage your electrical appliances.
• Moreover, old switchboards tend to have a wiring system prone to short circuits. As a result, the chances of getting electrical shocks are high.
• If the fuse base gets hot, You have to upgrade your old switchboard as soon as you can. This can fry up your cables and wiring and lead to a house fire.

Asbestos in switchboards

Asbestos exposure is associated with several health diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Even though asbestos is currently banned as a substance in Australia, there’s still some risk of asbestos exposure in some old switchboards.

This is because, until the 1980s, asbestos was used to line switchboard enclosures. Some switchboard components were even made using asbestos. You must invite a licensed asbestos removalist if you notice crumbling asbestos in your home. This needs to be done before master electricians can get your switchboard upgraded.

Electrical safety risks of old switchboards

You may have an older home or have recently moved and not taken the time to check the wiring. Confirming that your switchboard is up to standard and doesn’t need upgrading is vital.

Here are some electrical safety risks your old switchboard may pose:

• Old switchboards may more easily get faulty and cause power supply interruptions.
• Your home’s electrical system can crash, leading to a lethal hazard.
• Old switchboard malfunctions are associated with a high fire risk in your home.
• Malfunctioning old switchboards cause severe injuries and even electrocution.

Reasons for upgrading your switchboard

The benefits of updating your home’s electrical fittings often include better energy efficiency and improved safety. Below are some specific reasons for upgrading your switchboard:

Blowing fuses

Consider upgrading your switchboard if your fuses keep blowing or melting. This is especially true for older fuses, like ceramic fuses, that cannot handle the higher load demands that modern homes place on them. Constantly blowing fuses or melting fuses pose serious safety risks. They are an indication of the need for switchboard upgrades or replacements.

Saving money on repairs and updates

Older switchboards tend to need more electrical services often. You often need to update a component or fix issues. Consequently, you spend more money on repairs and maintenance. However, upgraded switchboards come with circuit breakers and RCDs, reducing the need for such electrical services.

Constantly tripping circuit breakers

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping constantly, it’s a sign your home’s switchboard is malfunctioning. Usually, your circuit breaker deals with power spikes and overloads and may sometimes trip. In these cases, you only need to turn on the switch.

However, if this keeps happening, your switchboard may be faulty. In turn, this can cause an unsteady electricity supply. Upgrading your switchboard can help resolve frequently tripping circuit breakers.

Advantage of modern switchboards over older ones

While both modern and older switchboards act as the central hub for your home’s electrical wiring, modern switchboards have distinct advantages. Modern switchboards are equipped with safety switches and automatic trip circuit breakers.

As a result, electricity flow is immediately cut off when there’s an electrical fault. This means there’s minimal risk of your electrical wiring catching fire and bringing down your home. In addition, the electrical hazard of someone being electrocuted is reduced.

Meeting Australian electrical standards

The Australian Government has set up electrical standards and minimum safety levels that Australian homes must comply with. This way, switchboards in Australian homes can take up the increased electrical demands and usage demanded by modern appliances and technology.

For instance, Australian Electrical Standards recommend using modern switchboards with high-performance safety switches to help protect your home and keep your family safe. Read on for the critical Australian standards for your switchboard that you should note.

Safety switches

A safety switch protects your home from electrical faults that can otherwise cause serious danger. The standard is to have electrical safety switches in all lighting and power switches.

This is something you should consider for your lighting installations, power points installations, and switchboard installations. These safety switches isolate affected electrical circuits and shut down once your switchboard is overloaded, providing an electrical defence.

RCD safety switches

Another standard is to include RCD (Residual Current Device) safety switch protection in your switchboard and domestic final subcircuits. An RCD is a life-saving switch that protects devices from damage from power imbalances.

Upgrade ceramic fuses

Ceramic fuses and wooden panels are switchboard components that cannot cope with today’s power usage. As such, the recommendation is for you to upgrade such components quickly. This standard is particularly applicable to old switchboards that have ceramic rewireable fuses.

Steps for upgrading your home’s switchboard

The following are the steps for performing an upgrade on your home’s switchboard:

• Licenced local electricians first perform comprehensive electrical safety inspections for potential safety and electrical hazards.
• Next, head to the main switchboard and isolate your home’s power supply.
• After that, circuit protection devices/fuses are removed.
• Subsequently, your local electrician will install the new circuit breakers and RCDs.
• Then, they will reconnect your circuits to the circuit breakers. Ensure they follow the updated electrical standards and AS NZS 3000 wiring rules.
• Likewise, to meet updated electrical standards, the condition of the main earthing conductor (electrode) is inspected. You may need to upgrade the electrode so your home is electrically grounded.
• Do note that the installation process includes seven mandatory electrical tests for underlying faults or issues to ensure adequate protection.
• The process for standard switchboard upgrades usually lasts between 2 to 4 hours.

Things to note when installing bigger appliances

It would be best if you thought about getting some things right before installing a new or big appliance in your home’s electrical supply. This applies when installing ducted systems, data and phone lines, hot water systems, new power outlets, or surge protection.

• Some appliances need you to perform a switchboard upgrade or an upgrade to 3-phase power.
• Proper circuit protection and appropriately sized supply cables are essential for switchboard installations and replacements. 
• Risk assessment is also critical when testing, fault finding, or performing electrical installations.

When installing ducted systems

You need to check whether you need an upgrade of your consumer mains before installing air conditioning units or ducted systems. For instance, electrical switchboards that use consumer mains supply cables of 6mm and a maximum of 40A need to have the consumer mains upgraded. Meanwhile, a general electrical safety check is essential for all installation upgrades during home renovations.

Hire electricians for switchboard services

You have now read up on why your old switchboard might be a safety risk. It is imperative to avoid attempting DIY solutions for major switchboard problems. You need a licensed and qualified electrician to troubleshoot and fix the problem correctly.

Commercial electrical contractors often have master electricians who can not only handle switchboard installations. They can also help you with other electrical installation services, such as smoke alarm installations, power point installations, ceiling fan installations, TV antenna installations, and security lights.