Switchboard upgrades aren’t the most exciting topic, but they’re essential for the safety of your household. From a fire risk to constantly tripping power, old switchboards cause many problems.
They’re not designed to handle high electricity demands, leading to overloading and potential electrical fires. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, your switchboard must be upgraded ASAP.
Cost of materials
The electrical switchboard diverts electricity to the circuits in your home or business. It contains switches that redirect the current flow and supply power to transformers and panels to get further distributed around your property. It’s a complex and vital piece of equipment that you should have in your home or business to ensure no issues with electricity flowing through your circuits. For more information about the cost of switchboard upgrade, click here.
If you have an older switchboard, it might be time to upgrade to a new one. Older switchboards can’t handle the demand for electricity due to modern appliances and can often cause problems like electrical fires or electric shocks. Upgrading to a new switchboard can reduce these risks and prevent damage to your devices and wiring.
In most cases, an electrician can provide you with a quote for your switchboard upgrade. This will include the cost of materials, including fuses and circuit breakers, and labour. The exact price will vary depending on the switchboard type and your property size. The cost of materials will be higher if you choose a metal or cast resin switchboard, while air-insulated or plastic switchboards are usually less expensive.
A new switchboard will also include a residual current device, or RCD, which cuts off the power to your circuits if it detects a problem. This vital safety measure prevents electrocutions, severe injuries, and fires. You should test your RCD at least twice yearly by pressing the T or Test button on the board. If it trips, you should turn off the power and call an electrician immediately.
There are many signs that it’s time for a switchboard upgrade, including faulty connections, frequent blown fuses, and flickering lights. If you notice any of these issues, contact a licensed electrician to inspect your switchboard and determine whether it needs an update.
An upgraded switchboard will help to reduce the risk of electrical fires. It will also save you money on energy bills, as it is more efficient and will reduce your power consumption. In addition, it will reduce maintenance costs as older switchboards are prone to issues that result in more callouts than their updated counterparts. For more information about the cost of switchboard upgrade, click here.
Cost of labour
Your switchboard is the central hub of your home’s electrical distribution. It sends power from the main line to all your appliances and outlets. If your switchboard is old, it may not be able to manage the current demands of modern life. A switchboard upgrade can help to prevent overloading and ensure that your household meets the electrical safety requirements of your energy provider.
A new switchboard will be more efficient than your old one, which can help reduce your energy costs. It will also feature a circuit breaker, which will help to protect your electrical system from shorting out and prevent dangerous fires. You can also get a new switchboard with residual current devices (RCDs), providing additional protection against electrocution. These devices are mandatory for all lighting final subcircuits in new or extended homes and should be tested twice a year to ensure they are working correctly.
Many homeowners put off a switchboard upgrade because they think it’s too expensive. However, the truth is that it’s a good investment. Upgrading your switchboard will protect you and your family from electrical fires and ensure all your appliances are safe and up to code.
The first step in the process of a switchboard upgrade is to have your electrician inspect your property. They will be able to tell you for sure whether or not your switchboard needs an upgrade. They will also be able to give you an estimate of the cost.
While some homeowners choose to do their switchboard upgrades, it’s essential to have a licensed electrician complete the work. This is because it’s a dangerous job and must be completed by a qualified professional. In addition, if you don’t follow the correct steps for a safe and effective upgrade, you could have faulty wiring that leads to severe injury or death.