Probably not the first thing that springs to mind when thinking about home remodelling is replacing your electrical switchboard. It is a necessary renovation, though, and it may greatly improve your home's security and efficiency. This post will go into the why, when, and how of switchboard improvements, offering useful information to enable you to make an educated choice.
Upgrade Your Switchboard for What Reasons?
Safety First
Upgrades to switchboards should mostly be done for safety reasons. Your house runs the danger of electrical fires and other problems if your older switchboards don't comply with modern safety regulations. Safety switches (RCDs) included on modern switchboards can stop electrical shocks by immediately cutting off the power in risky circumstances.
Managing Current Electrical Loads
More electrical equipment is in our houses now than it was a few years ago. Energy consumption has increased dramatically for everything from entertainment systems to high-tech kitchens. Circuits would trip often on old switchboards since they were not made to support such loads. Upgrading guarantees that your electrical system can effectively control present needs, preventing interruptions and possible equipment damage.
Regulation and Insurance
Sometimes insurance companies won't even cover houses with antiquated electrical systems. Building rules could also specify the requirements for your electrical system. Keeping your insurance current and being compliant are two benefits of upgrading your switchboard.
Upgrading Your Switchboard: When Is It Time?
Property Age
It's time for a house electrical update if it's more than 20 years old and hasn't had one. The safety of electrical systems has changed, and what was considered safe twenty years ago could not be now.
Weekly Electrical Problems
Are you often having power outages or seeing lights flicker? These can indicate that the electrical demand on your switchboard is too much for it. These needs are better managed by a contemporary switchboard.
Renovations of the Home
Arranging a makeover? The moment is right to replace your switchboard. New room additions will raise the electricity demand, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Including an upgrade to your switchboard in the renovation guarantees that your electrical system can support the higher demand.
A Guide to Switchboard Upgrades
Work with a Licenced Electrician
Switchboard upgrades are not do-it-yourself undertakings. They need an experienced, licenced electrician to install and test the new system securely. Search for electricians who have upgraded switchboards before and can offer client endorsements or references.
Select Perfect Switchboard
Features and capabilities of modern switchboards are several. Talk to your electrician about your future and present electrical requirements to select a switchboard that works for your house. Make sure it can manage every circuit, including those that may be added later.
How to Install
The procedure of installing a new switchboard, taking out the old one, and making sure everything functions as it should is called testing. Along with ensuring that the current wiring is in excellent working order, your electrician will perform any required improvements or repairs.
Renovation Inspection
To be sure the new system complies with all safety rules and regulations, it is crucial to have it checked after the upgrade. This last stage offers you piece of mind knowing your house is now safer and more energy-efficient.
Features of Switchboard Upgrades
Improvement of Safety
The added safety is the main advantage. Modern safety switches dramatically lower the possibility of fires and electrical shocks.
Timeliness
Reducing the possibility of power outages and other electrical problems, a new switchboard gives your house a more dependable electrical supply.
Raised Property Value
The value of your house might rise with an updated electrical system. Your house will be more appealing on the market as potential purchasers will value the increased safety and dependability.
Economy of Energy
Additionally helping to improve energy efficiency are modern switchboards. Maintaining the proper operation of your electrical system may help you save money on electricity.
Extra Information
Let's look at Melbourne homeowner Sarah's experience. Sarah has an original switchboard in her lovely 1950s home. She had power outages a lot, particularly while using several appliances. A power spike one day broke her refrigerator. An update was in need, she thought, frustrated and worried about safety.
Sarah engaged a licenced electrician to evaluate the electrical requirements of her house and suggest a switchboard. Smooth and finished in a day was the upgrading procedure. Sarah no longer worries about electricity problems and has since enjoyed a steady power supply. Moreover, following the change, her insurance cost even significantly dropped.
Homeowner Tips
Continual Inspections
Regular inspections by a licenced electrician can avoid any problems even if your switchboard is not too old. Wear and tear can be found early on with an annual check-up.
Maintain Knowledge
Maintain current knowledge of the most recent electrical safety regulations and procedures. Having this information enables you to choose the electrical system in your house with understanding.
Never Ignore Warning Signals
Don't dismiss any odd electrical problems you come across, including a lot of trips or flickering lights. These can be warning indications of a malfunctioning or overloaded switchboard.
All things considered, replacing your switchboard is a prudent investment in your house's efficiency, safety, and value. A switchboard update may provide you piece of mind and long-term advantages whether you're having regular electrical problems, organising a remodel, or just making sure your house complies with current safety regulations. To make sure the work is completed correctly and securely, never conduct such jobs without a licenced electrician.
JG Energy provides dependable services designed to suit your particular requirements for Australian households thinking about this update. Though it may seem like a little step, upgrading the switchboard is essential to a safer and more energy-efficient house.
