Switchboard Upgrades
Switchboard Upgrades
Do you know how safe your switchboard is?
What is a switchboard?
An electric switchboard is an electrical device that directs electricity from one place to another. It is usually in the form of electrical panel in an enclosure, which contains switches for such purposes. From this perspective, the electric switchboard can be viewed as a way of enhancing the safety of using electricity in the operation of various appliances, machinery, and other devices.
What are the benefits of upgrading your switchboard?
- Reducing potential electrical fires
- Cleaning unsafe circuits
- Allow additional room for future renovations
- Labelling all circuits correctly for old setups
- Save on future cost for any potential accidents.
- Increased electrical safety by adding RCD protection and correctly rated circuit breakers for overload and short circuit protection
Why is it essential to upgrade your switchboard?
If you’re living in an older home, there is a chance that your switchboard is not up to ASNZ regulations. For your own safety, it’s important to have this looked at. Many older switchboards do not have RCD protection - devices that cuts your electricity when a dangerous situation is detected. These devices lower your chances of injury and are included in all modern switchboards. The more up to date your switchboard, the safer and more energy efficient your home will be.
How you should know if you need a switchboard upgrade?
There are a few ways that you can tell if your switchboard is ready for an upgrade. If it’s been a significant number of years since your last upgrade or you live in an older home, you’re probably due. Other factors include your home experiencing blown fuses, an electrical shock risk when using everyday appliances, or being unsure about whether or not your switchboard needs an upgrade. You can ask one of our experienced professionals to have a look for you.
Your electrical safety is important to us, and we’ll offer our opinion and advice when it comes to switchboard upgrades.
What are the risks of an outdated switchboard?
When your home is operating with an outdated switchboard, it poses a number of risks. Older switchboards are unable to handle the electricity demands of modern life, and when too many appliances are operating, particularly when the wiring of the home is older and not up to standard, it risks a serious shock. You also run the risk of experiencing an electrical fire when your switchboard is out of date, due to the lack of modern safety measures that are incorporated into the newer upgrades.
How much does it cost to upgrade a switchboard?
- $1000-$2000 + GST for residential switchboards
Ageing switchboards and wiring pose a risk to home safety
Kiwis’ love DIY! The increasing number of home appliances and the prevalence of aged switchboards and wiring is contributing to a steady rise in home electrical fires; Fire and Emergency warns.
Last year, 641 electrical fires were reported across the country, up 22 per cent over the preceding three years; according to the national firefighting organisation.
Christchurch Electrical managing director Rex Prebble says “our modern, high-tech lifestyles mean many homes are carrying a far higher electrical load than they were wired for. Switchboards, which direct electricity around the home, were in many cases also past their use-by date and in need of upgrading.”
On top of this, Rex says “homeowners doing electrical work themselves, or contractors going beyond their expertise when installing the likes of spa pools and heat pumps, were sometimes creating problems that remain out of sight until it's too late. Properties were also changing hands without the buyer knowing if existing work had ever involved a qualified electrician”
Rex also mentions “Electrical work is extremely important and you want to stay one step ahead because being a step behind can be disastrous. If you’ve got discoloured outlets, flickering lights, you can hear humming sounds, appliances are getting hot or there’s a faint burning smell, you should get it checked out.”
Christchurch Electrical provides inspections and installations covering all aspects of home electrical work, including switchboard upgrades and complete rewires if necessary.
Rex warns that “older switchboards may not be up to current AS/NZ regulations and probably don’t have RCD protection, which goes a step beyond fuses and circuit breakers to constantly monitor electrical flows and automatically cut power if a dangerous situation is detected.”
Christchurch Electrical offers free quotes and can provide thorough checks of wiring and switchboards to determine risk.
At Christchurch Electrical, we can provide all your switchboard checks, replacements, upgrades & installation services
If you're located in Canterbury or wider Canterbury, Christchurch Electrical are on hand for all of your switchboard checks, replacements, upgrades & installations. Contact us today to arrange a consultation (03) 366 1718.
