Switchboard Upgrades

People tend to get confused when talking about switchboard circuitry. Some believe that having a circuit breaker or fuses is enough to keep people safe from an electric surge or electric shock.

Not so….. It is important to remember that circuit breakers are there to protect appliances not people. A circuit breaker protects an electrical circuit by quickly cutting power when there is a high current fault in other words, an overload in the circuit that may cause a hazard. Such as you get when there is an electrical storm or a surge which can cause an electrical fire.

Circuit breakers or fuses do not protect people, only safety switches protect lives.

Safety switches are designed to protect people against electric shock. They are designed to prevent serious injury or death by turning off electricity within milliseconds when a current leak is detected. This can happen if there is faulty wiring, faulty power-points or faulty appliances.

Here is an interesting example of a switchboard we come across in recent times.

What do you think is bad about this switchboard?

Would you like to know if your switchboard is in need of Safety Switches?

Send us a photo and we will give you a brief outline

An Increase in Power Consumption Warrants a Switchboard Upgrade

Residential and commercial buildings utilise a large amount of electricity. With lighting, communications and air conditioning on for the better part of each day, there is more pressure on our switchboards now more than ever.

The problem? Most switchboards are decades-old, and inevitably will not be able to handle our increased power consumption. From power outages to electrical shocks, the problems that could stem from an overloaded switchboard are very dangerous.

Many legislations and building safety codes have been revised over the years, likely after your original switchboard was installed.

Changes to your building’s lighting, alarms and circuit breakers will warrant the need for a switchboard upgrade. You may have already seen signs that your switchboard is in need of an update. Have any of the following incidents happened in your building?

• Fuses blew when multiple appliances were used at once.
• Fuses blow out more frequently than they used to.
• Lights flickered sporadically.
• Cables overheating?

If any of the above instances happened in your building, it is time to call a certified level 2 electrician. A

licensed professional could make suggestions on how to improve your existing switchboard in order to accommodate the electricity needs of your building, as an alternative to outright replacing it.

They will ensure your switchboard meets all building code, legislative and industry safety requirements.

Certified level 2 electricians can also schedule future maintenance visits and inspections, so that you are always adhering to building safety standards.

Keep in mind that if you plan to make any updates to your building, such as the installation of solar panels or safety switches, you will likely need a switchboard upgrade.

If you live in an older building, the need for a switchboard inspection is imperative.

References
1. “How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Switchboard” by Rob Schneider, June 10th, 2015.
2. “Is It Time to Upgrade your Commercial Switchboard and Mains Power?” by PME, December 14, 2015.