In the modern homes of today, electricity powers nearly every essential aspect of our daily lives. From appliances to lighting and heating, all these systems rely on functioning electrical switchboard to safely and efficiently manage the flow of electricity. However, many homeowners overlook the importance of maintaining and upgrading their switchboards until an issue arises. An outdated switchboard not only compromises the safety and efficiency of your home, but can also lead to elevated risks of fire, electrical shocks and frequent circuit breaker trips.
With summer just around the corner, energy demands rise significantly as Perth households rely on cooling systems, like air conditioners and fans, to moderate the heat. This increased usage can put massive pressure on an older or outdated electrical system. In this article, we’ll explore why upgrading your switchboard is critical to maintaining the safety of your home and outline some of the telltale signs to look out for that may indicate it’s time for a switchboard upgrade.
Why Your Switchboard Matters
Your switchboard is the central hub to your home’s electrical system. It distributes power to various circuits, ensuring electricity is supplied to the areas of the home that require it. An outdated or faulty switchboard can lead to a range of safety concerns, particularly when your home experiences high electricity demand across the summer.
When a switchboard isn’t functioning as it should, it can be the cause of power outages, overloaded circuits, or in the worst case – electrical fires. In older homes, the likelihood of this occurring is increased even further. Many properties constructed in Perth decades ago are still fitted with outdated switchboards that aren’t designed to cope with the substantial energy demands of today. A switchboard that isn’t up to scratch fails to protect your home from these risks.
Key Signs Your Switchboard Needs Upgrading
Recognising some of the early warning signs of a faulty or outdated switchboard is crucial in preventing electrical accidents. Below are some common signs that indicate your switchboard needs an upgrade:
Old Ceramic Fuses
If your home still uses ceramic fuses, this is one of the clearest indicators that your switchboard is no longer suitable for use. Ceramic fuses were widely utilised in the past, but have been phased out and replaced with far safer and more reliable circuit breakers. The issue with outdated ceramic fuses is that they may no longer function correctly, leading to circuit overloads, frequent fuse blowouts and even fire hazards.
If you’re unsure whether your switchboard uses ceramic fuses, it’s worth organising an inspection by a qualified electrical technician. Making the switch to modern circuit breakers enhances the electrical safety of your home, as well as ensuring a more reliable power supply.
Cracks or Holes In The Switchboard
Visible damage to your switchboard, such as cracking or holes, is never a good sign. Not only does it compromise the integrity of your home’s electrical system, but it also increases the risk of electrical shocks or short circuits. Damaged switchboards should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration and potential accidents.
Asbestos Switchboards
Some older switchboards may contain asbestos, which was commonly used in electrical insulation in years gone by. However, we now know asbestos poses severe health risks, such as respiratory conditions and cancer. If you suspect your switchboard contains asbestos, it’s critical to contact a licensed electrician, such as Gorey Electrical, who can assess the situation and safely replace the switchboard with a modern alternative.
No RCD Protection On Circuits
Residual Current Devices, or RCDs, are essential for protecting your home against electrical shocks. An RCD detects when electrical currents are flowing along unintended paths, such as through a person, and quickly shuts off power to prevent injury. If your switchboard doesn’t have RCD units, it’s a significant safety concern. To meet modern electrical safety standards, all switchboards are required to have RCD protection installed on all circuits.
Upgrading to a switchboard with RCD protection is a crucial step to ensure the safety of your family, especially if your home is quite old or has an outdated electrical system.
Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
Have you noticed your circuit breakers tripping more frequently than they should? Regular trips may indicate that your system is overloaded or that there’s a fault within the wiring. While circuit breakers are designed to protect your home from electrical overloads, constant tripping is a telltale sign that the switchboard may not be capable of handling the energy demands of your household.
Upgrading to a more modern, advanced switchboard will not only prevent frequent circuit breaker trips, but also ensure your home’s electrical system continues to operate efficiently over time.
Fuses Too Hot To Touch
If you notice your fuses or circuit breakers are too hot to touch, this is a sign that your electrical system is under significant strain. Overheating fuses can lead to fires, so it’s extremely important to address the issue as soon as possible. An upgrade to a modern switchboard helps to distribute electricity more evenly, preventing your circuits from overheating.
Worried About Your Old Switchboard?
Why Summer Poses An Increased Risk
As the weather heats up, so do your home’s electrical systems. Summer brings increased energy demand, with many properties running air conditioning, fans and other cooling devices frequently. This surge in electricity usage places additional pressure on the switchboard and circuits in your home.
An outdated switchboard may not be suited to handling the extra load, leading to overloaded circuits, power outages and even in some cases, electrical fires. The last thing you want is to experience a major electrical issue in the middle of a heatwave. That’s why it’s essential to ensure your switchboard and electrical infrastructure is up to the task before the summer months arrive.
Electrical Problems In Older Homes
Older homes, particularly those built before the 1980s, are far more likely to experience electrical issues. Across Perth, many older properties still have original electrical systems in place, which were designed to handle much lower electricity demands than modern appliances require.
If your home is dated or the electrical system has not been upgraded since it was built, it is highly recommended that you schedule an electrical inspection. A licensed electrician can identify unsafe or outdated components, advise necessary upgrades and carry out a safe and reliable installation. By addressing these issues as early as possible, you are making your home safer, and you can avoid small issues escalating into significant problems further down the track.
The Importance of Regular Electrical Inspections
Having your home’s electrical systems inspected by a licensed electrician regularly is vital for maintaining safety. Inspections help to uncover potential risks, such as overloaded circuits, outdated switchboards or faulty wiring. By identifying these issues early, you are able to take proactive measures to protect your home and family from electrical hazards.
Upgrading your switchboard is just one aspect of ensuring your home’s safety. During an inspection, your electrician can assess all your home’s electrical components and recommend any upgrades that might be required to ensure adherence to relevant safety standards.
Preparing For The Hotter Months
As the hotter months approach, it’s important to ensure your home’s electrical system can handle the increased load. Upgrading your switchboard is a proactive way to prepare for the energy demands of summer, reducing the likelihood of electrical overloads, power outages or electrical fires.
But don’t wait until it’s too late! Schedule an electrical inspection today to ensure your home is ready for the heat and free of any major electrical issues. At Gorey Electrical Service, we specialise in switchboard upgrades to help keep you safe and comfortable throughout the summer.
Conclusion
Upgrading your electrical switchboard is a crucial step in protecting your home and family from electrical hazards. Whether you’re home has old ceramic fuses, visible signs of wear and tear in the switchboard, or frequent circuit breaker trips, recognising these warning signs early and acting on them can save you from more significant problems later down the road.
If you’re unsure whether your switchboard or other electrical components need an upgrade, contact the specialist team at Gorey Electrical Service today. Our licensed electricians can assess your home’s electrical infrastructure and recommend the best course of action to ensure safety and keep your home running smoothly this summer.
