Residential Switchboard Safety Switches
by Admin
Posted on 08-09-2022 09:28 PM
Main switch/circuit breaker. This safety switch has complete control over your entire switchboard, once on the off position, you should not have electricity in your
home
. It has two main functions, to protect the switchboard against overload, and short circuit protection.
For homes most main switches are rated at 63amps and anything rated bigger or smaller could cause a dangerous situation. Always located as your first safety switch on the left hand side of your switchboard. If there is no main switch on your switchboard, your switchboard does not meet australian electrical standards and could be potentially dangerous. Rcd/rcbo residual current device/residual current device overload.
Safety, safety safety! did we mention safety? to ensure that your household isn’t at any risk from an old switchboard, it is very important to assess whether it is time for an upgrade. Some main reasons why you need a switchboard upgrade include : if you have an older switchboard, there is a high likelihood that it will get overloaded (it wasn’t designed to cope with all the new-age appliances!) lower fire risk, as newer switchboards have inbuilt safety switches lower shock risk, as newer switchboards have inbuilt safety switches lower risk of your circuit breaker constantly tripping lower chance of fuses blowing due to overloading.
The first step is to call 9833 9566 to book in for a free quote. Upon viewing your existing installation we will be able to determine exactly what needs to be done. Often we will remove your old fuses, circuit breakers and rcd’s and replace them with new circuit breakers and rcd’s. Rcd’s stands for residential current devices which are also known as the safety switches. The earthing system will be replaced if it does not meet electrical standards. Our staff are highly knowledgeable with switchboard upgrades and can complete the installation in just one day. Every job we complete is to the electrical wiring rules.
A switchboard is essentially a large electrical panel that contains circuit breakers, fuses, safety switches, and other devices that help to distribute power throughout a building. Switchboards are typically located in a central location, such as a utility room or basement, and they help to protect your home or business from house fires or electrical fires, power surges and other hazards, such as fatal electric shock. For example, your air conditioning unit may be on the same circuit as your fridge and freezer. If there’s a power surge or spike, the breaker will trip and shut off the power to all three appliances, preventing them from overloading the circuit and starting a fire.
Signs you need a switchboard upgrade
There are a few signs and symptoms that you can look out for which suggest your switchboard may need an upgrade – as always if you are in any way unsure, speak to your electrician and get them to check it out:
age: how old is your home? if you are unsure, or your home is older than 20
years
, it is a high possibility that your switchboard requires upgrading. Age of wiring: how old is the wiring in your home? again, if you are unsure, or your home is getting older, there is a high possibility that your switchboard requires upgrading.
Full electrical switchboard upgrade and installation service modern switchboards are available in a variety of designs. They can be surface mounted or flush against the wall with transparent or opaque doors. The dimension of switchboards also vary depending on the number of circuit breakers. At fox electricians, we always take into account the current electrical rewiring system, any potential future need for more electrical circuits and the location of the switchboard. Give the guys at fox electricians a ring to arrange the installation of a fully compliant modern switchboard at your home or office today.
So, after all this talking about getting a switchboard upgrade, how do you even know if you actually need one? there are a few warning signs that can start to pop up to show you that a switchboard upgrade should be on your to-do list (and fast), however, if you are unsure you should always speak to your local electrician : how old is your home? if your home is getting older, or you don’t know when your switchboard was installed , it is definitely time to have it inspected by an electrician the age of your homes wiring : the colour of your wiring can indicate its age and whether an upgrade of your switchboard is needed – if your wiring is grey or black than an upgrade is likely, however if it is white then it may mean you have a little time until an upgrade is needed (but still get an electrician to check).
Keep alert for signs of electrical system deterioration in your home and around your switchboard. Have your electrical switchboard inspected regularly never touch frayed or damaged wires upgrade your switchboard and have safety switches installed always use a licensed electrician for switchboard replacement or repairs.
Appliances tripping the circuit
Your switchboard is the ‘control panel’ of your home’s electrical wiring. If your switchboard is getting on in years, you need to consider upgrading it for the following important reasons: • short-circuits – older switchboard have a greater propensity to short-circuit, meaning that there is a risk of the fuses catching fire, or risk of electric shocks. If your current switchboard still uses replaceable wires on the fuses, it is a safety hazard and needs to be replaced. • insufficient power supply – our homes nowadays rely on many more appliances to run than they did in our parents’ day.
These are some of the signs to look for that will tell you if you have an outdated switchboard: fuses blow when you use too many appliances lights flicker for no apparent reason circuit breakers tripping regularly cabling in the switchboard can overheat because it is overloaded appliances short circuiting you may have an outdated fuse box with ceramic fuses we use more electricity today than in the past because we often have more appliances that run on electricity and use more electricity. Even appliances that are not in use may use some electricity. If you have a computer, for example, it will use some electricity and tvs are always ready to be turned on.
Blowing fuses or tripping switches when two or more appliances are run simultaneously electric shock when plugging things in power surges and short circuits.
Your switchboard is in an exposed location often after a renovation, your switchboard will need relocating. Your house is old an old switchboard has almost definitely been modified with more fuses and circuits added. Fuses may have been modified over the years with wire that is now incorrectly rated and unsafe. Your fuse keeps tripping every time you turn on an appliance such as a heater or an electric kettle. This means too many appliances are plugged into one circuit causing it to short. It looks like it is in a mess additions and renovations made over the years by who knows who have left your switchboard messy and unsafe.