Is My Switchboard Outdated? Signs You May Need to Upgrade

If truth be told, most homeowners probably don’t give their switchboards a second thought.

Until something goes wrong, that is.

Then, it’s suddenly the only thing on their mind!

If you’re concerned that your switchboard may be on its last legs, our electrician has some advice. Here are some of the signs that indicate your switchboard may need to be replaced.

Looking for a Northern Beaches Electrician?

Plateau Electrical is a community favourite, supporting homeowners across the Northern Beaches with all their electrical needs.

From new installations and repairs to replacements and general maintenance, rely on Plateau for a range of electrical services, delivered to the highest standards.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a local emergency electrician near you, we provide a true 24/7 service, so we’re never more than a phone call away.

Call our 24-hour emergency electrician on (02) 9982 8668. For non-urgent matters, feel free to get in touch online.

What does an electrical switchboard do?

Before we get into the signs that may indicate switchboard replacement, let’s first take a closer look at exactly what a switchboard is and what it does.

Think of your switchboard as the central operating system of your home. Just as the heart pumps blood around your body, your switchboard is responsible for safely distributing electricity throughout your house, allowing you to power up devices, appliances, and lighting.

Your switchboard maintains safety by dividing electrical currents throughout different circuits, hence preventing circuit overload.

When should I upgrade my switchboard?

Sign #1: Your home is more than 40 years old

If your home is more than 40 years old, it’s probably time to update your switchboard. Older switchboards can’t handle the amount of electricity that today’s homes use, and they may not have the proper grounding to protect your home from electrical surges.

Updating your switchboard is a relatively simple project that will give you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe from electrical hazards.

Sign #2: You have fuses, not circuit breakers

Sign 2 goes hand-in-hand with the previous sign, as older switchboards are more likely to use fuses rather than circuit breakers.

Fuses are much less common nowadays, so if your switchboard has them, it’s probably time for an update.

One of the advantages of circuit breakers is that they can be reset after they trip, whereas fuses must be replaced. Circuit breakers are also less likely to blow unnecessarily.

If you’re not sure what your switchboard should look like, call our electricians in the lower North Shore for advice and support.

Sign #3: Your circuit breaker is constantly tripping

If you find yourself frequently blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers, that’s another sign that your switchboard needs to be replaced.

This could be due to a number of factors, such as faulty wiring or overloaded circuits. Whatever the cause, it’s important to have a licensed electrician take a look as soon as possible to avoid any potential hazards.

An overloaded circuit can lead to potential fire hazards, so it is important to have it inspected by an electrician.

Did you know?

A tripping switchboard doesn’t always necessarily mean a problem with the device. It can also point the finger to a faulty appliance or a fault deeper within your electrical system.

Avoid the guessing game; the best thing you can do is book an electrical fault finding service with Plateau who will get to the root of the problem and provide a safe solution.

Sign #4: There is evidence of water damage

If you notice any evidence of water damage on your switchboard – such as rusting or corrosion – that’s a surefire sign that it needs to be replaced immediately.

As we all know, water and electricity don’t mix and even a small amount of water can cause serious damage to your switchboard. If you are not sure whether the damage is severe enough to warrant replacement, you should consult an electrician anyway for peace of mind.

Sign #5: Humming or buzzing coming from the switchboard

This is a bit of a tricky one to self-diagnose, as many people might overlook humming sounds, assuming this is a standard part of the device in operation.

However, any unusual humming or buzzing is usually a good indicator that something is amiss. It can mean that a circuit breaker is overloaded, causing it to heat up which can lead to an electrical fire.

What is a switchboard upgrade?

Upgrading your switchboard is designed to not only improve safety in your home but also functionality, too.

Our daily life is filled with more electrical devices than ever, and the simple truth is that homes built 40, 30, or even 20 years ago are not always equipped to handle our technology-heavy lifestyles.

Switchboard upgrades are a necessary electrical service that can help to prevent overloaded circuits which in turn reduces the risk of damaged appliances, electrical fires, and disruptions to your electricity flow.

Improve safety and functionality in your home with a switchboard inspection and upgrade

If you’re concerned about the safety of your home’s electrical system, or if you’re noticing more electrical problems than usual, it’s time to call in a professional.

Plateau Electrical are electricians in the Northern Beaches and electricians in Chatswood who can inspect your home’s switchboard and provide an upgrade if necessary.

This will help improve the safety and functionality of your home’s electrical system, and it will give you peace of mind knowing that your family is safe.

To book an inspection, give us a call on (02) 9982 8668 or get in touch online.

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