A switchboard upgrade is vital to electrical safety in residential and commercial properties. It enables you to safely integrate solar power systems, electric vehicle chargers and other technologies.
Modern switches have built-in safety features, reducing the risk of fires and electric shocks. They also offer greater capacity and flexibility to meet growing electricity demands. Licensed electricians can evaluate the state of your switchboard and determine whether an upgrade is needed. For more information about the switchboard upgrade state regulations, click here.
Requirements
Electrical safety is a critical aspect of any property, and ensuring that the systems within the property meet the required minimum standards is vital. It includes the switchboard, the central point for distributing electricity throughout the building. New minimum standards that will take effect on 29 March 2023 mandate that many switchboards must be upgraded to include additional modern features, including circuit breakers and electrical safety switches (RCD, RCCB or RCBO).
These additions will help reduce the risk of fires and other electrical faults by disconnecting power when there is a current overload or if the switchboard is faulty. Landlords must comply with these new requirements to avoid potential fines and ensure the safety of occupants. If a property is found non-compliant, tenants may have the right to terminate their agreement early without penalty.
Costs
Your switchboard is responsible for the distribution of electricity throughout your building. It also houses circuit breakers and safety switches, essential to your family’s and employees’ safety. They can detect irregularities and prevent electrical shocks and fires by cutting off the power supply.
Older switchboards can become outdated and incapable of meeting electricity demands due to new technology and growing appliance demand. These systems may also lack critical safety features such as RCDs and fuses, leading to the risk of electrocution and house fires. Upgrading to a modern switchboard will increase your home’s energy efficiency and reduce electricity bills. It will also improve your safety and boost property value.
Several indicators indicate a need for an upgrade, including lights flickering, faulty consumer mains and receiving an electrical defect notice. If you suspect your switchboard is outdated, consult a licenced electrician to evaluate its condition and walk you through the upgrade procedure.
Inspections
If you upgrade the meter box and switchboard in a rental property, ensure it meets the minimum standards. It includes the addition of circuit breakers or electrical safety switches (also known as residual current devices or RCDs) to each power outlet and lighting circuit. It helps to prevent damage to wiring and electrocution. It also helps to stop the current flowing where it shouldn’t. If the electrical work is not completed to minimum standards, it will be deemed non-compliant, and tenants have the right to end their lease agreement immediately and without fees before moving in.
Safety
Switchboards are the central point for distributing electricity throughout your property, making them a critical element of electrical safety. If your switchboard is outdated or fails to comply with new minimum standards, it may pose a fire risk, damage to appliances, and injury to occupants.
A modern, compliant switchboard contains a range of safety devices to protect your family or tenants against electrical accidents and injuries. These include residual current devices (RCDs) and safety switches. These can prevent shocks, short circuits, and electrical fires.
Frequent tripping of your circuit breakers indicates that your switchboard cannot handle the load demands from your appliances and electrical systems. It can increase the likelihood of an electrical emergency and impact the experience of customers or clients when they visit your property.
If your home switchboard has a fuse box, then upgrading it to a modern circuit breaker will make it safer for your household and boost its value in the real estate market. For more information about the switchboard upgrade state regulations, click here.