Switchboard Upgrade Sydney – Do I Need Switchboard Upgrades?
Electric switchboards, also known as fuse boxes, breaker boxes, meter boxes, or electrical boxes, direct electricity from one or more supply sources to several circuits of usage. This assembly consists of one or more panels each with its switches. Switchboards are the central hub of the home’s electrical installations and are typically inside the meter box or home. As with any other installations, electrical switchboards may need periodic switchboard upgrades to match the home or business electrical needs. Here, we look at when you should upgrade your switchboard and how to pick a qualified and licensed electrician to ensure that your switchboard upgrade in Sydney is up to code and 100% compliant.
When Should You Upgrade Your Switchboard?
There are various instances in which you must upgrade your switchboard to remain compliant and protect your home:
1. If you are installing grid-connected solar
When installing a grid-connected solar system, you will need to change your existing switchboard to a compatible switchboard that comes with circuit breakers for solar, as solar systems are not compatible with fuse switchboards.
You may also have no more additional space in your switchboard for these additional circuits, which will necessitate a switchboard upgrade.
2. If you are experiencing frequent short-circuiting
Older fuse switchboards can experience frequent short-circuit when overloaded to protect the circuit from overheating because they cannot handle modern high-wattage loads.
The simplest solution is to opt for a switchboard upgrade that can handle the said power loads. A Saunders Electricals professional should be able to help you choose the most appropriate switchboard for your home or business.
3. If your existing switchboard doesn’t have a safety switch
Safety switches prevent common electrical faults like short circuits, circuit overloads, or appliance faults. Also known as RCDs, these switches will immediately power off to help prevent electric shock and fires.
Without RCDs, you may be putting your home and family at risk. Consult one of our licensed A-Grade electricians to install a safety switch for total peace of mind.
4. If you’ve recently upgraded your electrical appliances
If you have recently upgraded any of the following home appliances, you may need a switchboard upgrade:
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- Ducted AC or mini-split AC systems
- Heat lamps or towel heaters
- Hot water systems
- Increased indoor and outdoor lighting
- Oven or cooktop
- TV or surround sound system
- Washing machine or dryer
These appliances place pressure on your electrical circuit capacity, which could overload your existing switchboard and cause overheating and even worse, an electrical fire. Ensure that you call in a licensed electrician to assess your new power load and recommend appropriate solutions.
5. Your switchboard still has rewireable fuses
If you have an older switchboard with rewireable fuses instead of circuit breakers, you will need a switchboard upgrade.
Rewireable fuses are an electrical hazard as they contain copper fuse wires that can melt in an overload. Even if the copper wires are replaced, these fuses can be dangerous and result in disasters such as electrical fires.
How to Choose an Electrician for Switchboard Upgrade Sydney
Switchboard upgrades are significant investments that add to the value and functionality of your home. Because of this, you must choose a qualified electrician to ensure a professional and safe installation.
Your chosen electricians should be A-Grade with at least 4-5 years of training, and able to sign off on electrical works on behalf of a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC). Such electricians can issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety for legal compliance within 30 days of completing the work.
You should also obtain generous warranties on electrical work with the minimum being a 2-year labour warranty and at least 5-year parts warranties. This warranty covers you if anything goes wrong, and the onus will be on the contractor to fix any problem at no additional cost to you.
Finally, if possible look for a fixed price licensed electrician. To lock in the cost of your switchboard upgrade and eliminate hidden costs in the contract.
How Saunders Electrical Group Can Help
When you need an electrician for a switchboard upgrade in Sydney Saunders Electrical Group is the electrical contractor to call.
We have a team of highly-skilled and qualified A-Grade electricians that have the expertise, experience, and certification to work on your home’s or business’s electrical panels professionally and safely. All our licensed electricians can sign off on electrical works on behalf of a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) for your ultimate peace of mind.
What’s more, all our switchboard upgrades come with a free on-site assessment and great labour and parts warranties, to a lasting and correct installation.
Contact us online today or by calling 1300 993 560 to learn more about our residential, commercial, and industrial switchboard upgrade services in Sydney or schedule your appointment.