Why an Electrical Switchboard Upgrade Is Necessary for Your Safety?

If you live in a relatively older building and you are unsure about when the switchboard was installed,  you must consider upgrading it to make sure you and your loved ones remain safe from potential electrical hazards.

Whether you live in a house or an apartment, you are most likely to have an electrical switchboard installed on your property. This is the central point of your house’s electrical wiring, which directs the electricity to your entire house. 

A typical home in Newcastle has way more appliances than just a television, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, and a washing machine. There is an increasing reliance on electrical appliances and your older switchboards cannot keep up with the workload of your home’s electrical system. 

Though electrical switchboard upgrade is not a very exciting topic to discuss, your family’s safety is something you’d never want to compromise. 

Signs Your Switchboard Is Asking For Upgrade

Here are some other telltale signs that show your electrical switchboard needs an upgrade:

• Older wiring- If you notice your wiring has turned black or greyish, know that it’s time to call the electrician for an upgrade.

• Tripping Appliances- Frequently tripping appliances is another indicator that your switchboard is overloaded.

• Flickering Lights- While there can be many reasons behind flickering lights such as a loose lightbulb, they can be also due to an old or damaged switchboard.

• Overcrowded wiring- If the wiring in your switchboard appears to be overcrowded, call a trusted electrician to check if you need a switchboard upgrade.

• Blowing Fuses and heated powerpoints- Regularly blowing fuses and hot to touch powerpoints also indicate that your switchboard might be overloaded.  

• Sparks or shocks- When you connect an appliance to a power outlet only to find out that it sparks or gives you a mild shock, immediately get your switchboard checked. It might be due for an upgrade.

Why Is a Switchboard Upgrade Necessary?

If you want your electrical switchboard to be compliant with the current regulations, and conductive with your new smart meters, it’s high time you should go for an upgrade. 

Getting your old switchboard assessed by a qualified electrician is essential for the safety and well-being of your household. While older switchboards are more likely to get overloaded with modern appliances, newer switchboards have built-in safety switches to prevent the risk of fire or electric shock. Additionally, with a switchboard upgrade, there are lesser chances of fuses blowing and circuit breakers tripping because of overloading. 

At Integrum Power Group, our highly qualified team of electricians is available to assist you with their expertise in level 2 electrical work including electrical switchboard upgrades all across Newcastle. As part of our standard switchboard upgrade procedure, we provide the following services:

1. Removal of old switchboards

2. Installation of the new switchboard

3. Safety inspection to ensure the upgraded switchboard is safe to use

For more information, feel free to get in touch with our customer support team.