Your switchboard is the control centre that manages the safe flow of electricity throughout your home or business. Updating your switchboard is essential to prevent power overloads that can lead to fires and electrocution.
Switchboard upgrade regulations are often put off because of costs, but safety shouldn’t be compromised. Consider a switchboard upgrade sooner rather than later.
Safety Switches
There are many safety switches – also called ELCBs, RCBO and RCDs (that’s just the start). They have one thing in common, though – they can save lives. They work by sensing an electricity-related accident and cutting off the power in a split second. So they’re essential in every household!
Unlike older-style fuses, safety switches are designed to handle much more load than your average home. Households use more appliances and devices than ever, increasing demand for your electrical system. Many older switchboards are not designed to cope with this increase in load and, as such, can overheat and cause damage or fire.
If your fuse box is constantly blowing or melting, it’s time for a switchboard upgrade. These outdated fuses cannot keep up with the demands of modern technology, and as a result, they often overload, melt or blow out. If you are experiencing this, contacting a professional electrician immediately is a good idea to organise a switchboard upgrade.
A faulty switchboard can pose severe health and safety hazards, so it’s essential to get it checked out by a professional electrical expert regularly. They will ensure all the components are working correctly and can identify any issues before they become dangerous. It includes looking for signs of water damage, old wiring, rusting or loose connections.
Updating your switchboard upgrade regulations is a way to avoid potential fires and safety risks; it can help prevent flickering lights, stop appliance breakdowns and improve energy efficiency. It will also mean you meet the industry standards for peace of mind.
When you are having an upgrade done, make sure your electrician is upgrading ALL the circuits in your house – not just the power outlets or lighting. It will ensure that all your courses are protected against fault and give you the best possible service. If you’re interested in upgrading your switchboard or would like to discuss your electrical needs with an experienced professional, don’t hesitate to contact the team at All Purpose Trade Solutions today.
RCDs
RCDs, or residual current devices, monitor the flow of electricity through a circuit’s live and neutral wires. When a fault or surge causes the current to leak, the RCD detects it almost instantly and cuts power before a shock occurs. RCDs can far more quickly protect you from fire and electrical shock than any fuse. Australian regulations state that homes must have RCDs in all absolute power and lighting circuits, and failure to meet this obligation carries a fine.
Upgrading your switchboard with RCDs can help reduce the risk of house fires, a common cause of injury and property damage. It can also prevent blown fuses, wire faults, and electrical surges that can cause shocks. Upgrading your switchboard to include RCDs can reduce power wastage by lowering energy bills.
In newer homes, there’s an increasing demand for power from newer appliances and electronic equipment. It puts a lot of pressure on the electrical system, and if it’s not upgraded to accommodate the demand, there could be dangerous consequences.
Modern switchboard upgrade regulations can handle the increased power usage, and they can also incorporate RCDs. It will prevent fuses from blowing and the wiring from malfunctioning or even catching fire. It will also prevent circuit overloads and ensure you have sufficient power to run all your electrical appliances.
While RCDs are extremely important for safety in your home, they can’t eliminate all risks of electric shock and fire. You’ll still need over-current protection (fuses or a circuit breaker) that can respond to over-current conditions, phase-to-neutral short circuits and three-phase electrical power faults. In responding to both states, some fuses and circuit breakers combine RCD with over-current protection.
