Why you need an electrical switchboard upgrade

A switchboard is the main hub for your home or building when it comes to electrical wiring. Its’ main job is to direct electricity from the main supply to wherever it needs to go in your home or commercial building.

It’s therefore a vital component for any residential or commercial property. Why? Because your home or business wouldn’t be able to use any power without one.

But when do you need an electrical switchboard upgrade for your home or business? And why? Let’s take a look.

1. If you have an older switchboard

Many homeowners and businesses don’t realise when their switchboard is old and outdated. This means sometimes your current switchboard is inadequate for your current energy needs.

Over time, switchboards become overwhelmed by the ever-increasing demand for electricity. This, in turn, can cause issues with your fuses.

In New South Wales, a lot of older switchboards are not compliant with current legislation.

2. Keeping your home or building safe against overloads and short circuiting

An older switchboard may struggle to handle the electricity you need. Some modern appliances are very energy-consuming, such as air conditioners. Older switchboards weren’t designed with these higher-consuming appliances in mind. This is before taking into account the increased use of electrical appliances around the home and at work.

When a switchboard struggles to cope, it can lead to fires and electrical shocks. This poses safety issues to your loved ones at home and your colleagues at work.

3. Smart meters and solar panels

More and more homes have smart meters and solar panels these days. And most smart meters and solar panels need newer switchboards to work properly.

4. Energy efficiency

An outdated electrical switchboard can be inefficient. This can lead to unnecessary energy waste and increased electricity bills. When you upgrade to a newer panel, you’re improving both electrical safety and energy efficiency.

Newer switchboards often come with energy-saving features. This helps you reduce wastage and also reduces your environmental footprint.

5. Supporting renovations and additions

Renovating your home or commercial building is a great time to upgrade your switchboard. Or, at least, have it inspected.

If you’re adding rooms or space to your home or commercial building, then you’ll have higher energy requirements. This is because you’ve got more space needing electricity. So, by upgrading your switchboard, you’re future-proofing your home or building. And you’re ensuring that you’re continuing to keep occupants safe.

6. Preventing circuit breaker trips

Ever experienced a circuit breaker trip when you used many appliances at once? An outdated electrical switchboard is more likely to trip frequently.

Not only is this inconvenient, but it’s also unsafe. Upgrading your switchboard will provide a more stable and reliable electrical supply. And it reduces those annoying circuit breaker trips.

7. Increasing the value and marketability of your home or commercial building

Thinking about selling your home or commercial building in the future? An upgraded electrical panel can be an attractive selling point for potential buyers.

Safety-conscious buyers will appreciate the peace of mind that comes with having a compliant and safe switchboard.

8. Safety switches

All modern switchboards have at least one safety switch, also known as a residual current device (RCD) or electrocution protection switch. They’re designed to detect even the tiniest of electricity that might be leaking out of a faulty appliance or wiring. They then shut off power to the circuit, minimising any potential harm.

Safety switches are therefore vital for both homes and commercial buildings alike, to provide protection. They are one of the biggest selling items at Lexicon Electrical and something we discuss daily with clients.

t’s always a good idea to have safety switches installed by a licensed professional. And have them checked regular to ensure they continue to work as they should.

In summary

Upgrading your switchboard can be a crucial step to ensure that your home or commercial building is:

• Safeguard you or your family and work colleagues against electrocution or electric shock
• able to keep up with your energy needs
• safeguard against overloading or short-circuiting
• compliant to current legislation and regulations
• compatible with smart meters and any solar panels you may have (or are planning to get)
• able to support any planned renovations or new rooms to your home or commercial building.

And it can help with marketing your home or commercial building when you decide to sell or lease it.