If you’re an owner of an older home in Thornlie or its neighbouring suburbs, your home may be equipped with an outdated switchboard which can be significant safety hazard. Upgrading your switchboard is not just a matter of modernising your electrical system but is crucial for ensuring the safety of your home and making sure you are complying with local building codes and energy standards in the area.
The Prevalence of Old, Outdated Switchboards
Many older homes in Thornlie and nearby areas still have their original switchboards. These dated electrical control panels are often ill-equipped to handle the demands of modern electrical appliances and systems. They may lack safety features, overload protection, and insulation, leaving homeowners vulnerable to electrical fires and other hazards.
Legal Requirements for Switchboard Upgrades
Under Australia’s Energy Standards, there are several scenarios where an electrical switchboard upgrade is not only advisable, but legally required:
Upgrading to Higher-Powered Electrical Goods:
If you’re adding high-powered appliances or electrical equipment to your home, your old switchboard will likely not handle the increased load safely.
Receiving an Electrical Defect Notice:
You may have received a notice indicating defects or safety concerns with your electrical system that need to be resolved. Addressing these issues often requires a switchboard upgrade.
Additions or Alterations:
Any time you make additions or alterations to your electrical system, such as adding new lighting or power points, your switchboard may need to be upgraded to accommodate the changes.
Adding a Solar System:
Solar panels can put added stress on your electrical system, so a switchboard upgrade for your solar system ensures that it integrates safely with your existing setup.
Future-Proofing Your House:
If you plan to stay in your home for the long term, upgrading your switchboard is a wise investment in future-proofing your electrical infrastructure.
Benefits of Modern Switchboard Replacements
Investing in an electrical switchboard upgrade offers numerous advantages, such as improved safety, increased electrical capacity, and enhanced energy efficiency. Modern switchboards come with features such as circuit breakers, residual current devices (RCDs), and surge protection to reduce the risk of electrical accidents, allowing you to add more electrical devices and appliances to your home without overloading the system, while optimising energy usage and lowing energy bills.
Signs Your Switchboard Needs Replacement
How do you know if your switchboard is due for an upgrade? Look out for these signs:
Visually: If your switchboard has a black backing panel and white porcelain fuses mounted to it then you know your switchboard was built in the 1980’s or earlier. That’s a long time ago and technology has greatly improved since then. Any board that has this old equipment needs an assessment as it has surpassed its usable life.
Flickering Lights: Frequent flickering or dimming of lights can indicate electrical issues that a modern switchboard can resolve.
Circuit Breakers Tripping Frequently: If your circuit breakers trip often, it’s a sign that your switchboard is struggling to manage your electrical load or your circuits aren’t divided properly throughout the house.
Overcrowded: If your switchboard is cluttered without clear organisation or labelling, it’s a sign that it may not meet current safety standards. Not knowing which circuits are protected from which protection device is dangerous in the event of a fault.
Unusual Sounds or Smells: Strange crackling noises or burning smells coming from your switchboard are clear indicators of problems that should be addressed promptly.
Potential Costs and Long-Term Savings
The cost of a switchboard replacement can vary depending on the complexity of your electrical system and the materials used. While it’s an investment, it’s important to consider the long-term savings and safety benefits. A domestic switchboard upgrade can prevent costly electrical problems and reduce the risk of fire, potentially saving you a significant amount of money in the future. Considering that such an upgrade is only required every 20-30 years it’s a small cost to ensure your family is safe in your home.
The Switchboard Replacement Process
Replacing an old switchboard is not a DIY project. It’s essential to hire a licensed electrician who is experienced in switchboard upgrades. The process typically involves an assessment by an electrician who will assess your current switchboard, identify any issues, and determine the best solution for your needs.
Using high-quality materials and equipment, your old switchboard will be safely removed and the new one installed, ensuring compliance with all safety standards and regulations. Once fitted, rigorous testing will be performed to ensure that the new switchboard functions correctly and safely. You will then receive a certification confirming that your electrical system meets all relevant standards and regulations.
Switchboard upgrades are essential for safety, compliance, and peace of mind in older homes in Thornlie and the surrounding areas. If you have encountered any of the warning signs mentioned above and need a switchboard upgrade in Perth, contact Prolecko today. Investing in a modern switchboard can improve safety, increase energy efficiency, and ultimately protect your home and loved ones from potential electrical hazards.
