Switchboard Upgrades – What You Need to Know
Switchboards serve as the hub of electrical wiring in homes, controlling the flow of electricity through circuits around your house and ensuring its proper use for safety reasons. They must always function effectively for optimal results.
If your power points are flickering or there are issues with the switches themselves, a 3 phase switchboard upgrade should be undertaken promptly and completed by an accredited electrician.
Cost
Cost of switchboard upgrades will depend on several factors in each home and may depend on factors like size of switchboard being upgraded, circuit count and any replacement of cabling needed; as well as labour expenses for installation. It is worth keeping in mind that upgrading will allow your new switchboard to manage more electricity requirements than an old one, meaning it could save money over time in terms of reduced energy bills.
Due to cost concerns, many people put off upgrading their switchboard due to its cost; however it’s essential that we remember this is an investment into your family and home’s safety. An old switchboard that hasn’t been upgraded could become overwhelmed with electrical current and cause flickering lights or even house fires if left unused for too long.
Older switchboards often lack efficient wiring, brittle terminals, and changes without proper documentation. While newer designs include safety switches, larger core cables and improved circuit designs which use less energy while also decreasing health and safety risks in your workplace or home.
Your switchboard’s signs may be telling. Looking closely or consulting a licensed electrician are good ways to assess it’s age and potential problems with it, such as ceramic fuses or no residual current device (RCD). Upgrades could prevent overloading and fire risks and should definitely be made for improved safety purposes.
Safety
Electrical safety in any building is of utmost importance, and upgrading switchboards helps lower fire risks caused by outdated systems. A switchboard separates consumer mains electricity into its individual circuits with safety switches to guard against overloading or reduce the likelihood of fire – a 3 phase switchboard upgrade with RCD protection will help avoid shocks, electrocution, or fires from occurring.
Breakers that regularly trip are an indication that an upgrade may be necessary in a home or commercial setting, which means the existing switches cannot keep up with power demands placed upon them. Furthermore, it’s also essential to check whether asbestos has accumulated within the switchboard which requires the services of a qualified electrician to remove.
If your switchboard contains asbestos, then replacing it promptly to reduce fire risks and other problems in the future. Many may put off upgrading their switchboard due to perceived costs; however, upgrading can save money over time by lowering energy bills, protecting from potential fire risks, eliminating flickering lights, and making sure all appliances run at peak performance.
Efficiency
Modern switchboards feature energy-saving technologies to reduce power consumption and electricity bills, while upgrading them can increase reliability for electrical systems at your property and cut down time and money spent on callouts for faults or power outages.
An upgraded switchboard allows metering equipment to be installed, enabling business owners to keep an eye on and track energy consumption. This feature can prove particularly helpful for companies with high energy use or multiple appliances such as air conditioning units, hot water systems and ovens.
Older fuse circuits often cannot keep up with the power needs of modern electrical devices, resulting in overloading and fire risks. An upgrade could add more circuit breakers to help evenly distribute electricity load more effectively.
A 3 phase switchboard upgrade may also offer extra safety features not present on older fuse circuits, such as residual current devices (RCDs) and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), to prevent shocks or fires by immediately switching off circuits if they detect issues. When upgrading your home or business switchboard, always consult a certified electrician to ensure its completed safely and correctly – saving both money and protecting you, your family or employees from unnecessary dangers.
Performance
Upgraded switchboards enable electrical systems to manage electricity loads, meaning less chances of circuit breakers tripping and making properties safer more effectively for their occupants. A switchboard that frequently trips power can cause flickering lights or house fires so it is essential that it works efficiently.
Upgrades of switchboards provide another benefit – additional safety features like circuit breakers and RCDs (Residual Current Devices) may help to prevent electrical accidents within homes or commercial properties and protect both their occupants.
As part of the installation of solar panels, an upgrade in switchboard may also be necessary; older switchboards often can’t meet the power needs. Luckily, professional installers can easily provide suitable new switchboards to meet the demands of solar energy systems.
Many people put off upgrading their switchboards as an expensive undertaking, but it’s essential that families and employees remember that safety comes before cost savings. Looking at switchboard upgrades as investments instead of costs may help avoid issues such as power being constantly cut off during times of peak usage.