Electrical Switchboard Upgrades & Repairs

Flickering lights: Flickering lights can indicate a problem. Although it could be as simple as a light bulb that is not screwed in properly, it can also be caused by loose wiring and hot joints in old or damaged switchboards. If you have a light that flickers continuously, it could be a sign of danger and may lead to a house fire.

Appliances short-circuiting: Older switchboards tend to short-circuit or 'trip' when overloaded due to a preventative mechanism that protects the circuit from overheating and causing an electrical fire. Most older switchboards are not designed to handle the high-wattage loads of today's homes. The most straightforward solution for appliances that constantly short-circuit is to upgrade your switchboard or add a circuit to accommodate your load.

Rewireable fuses: If your house is old and your switchboard has rewireable fuses instead of circuit breakers and safety switches, it's important to upgrade your switchboard as soon as possible. Rewireable fuses, which contain copper fuse wires, can be a serious safety hazard.

When your system overloads, the copper fuse wire melts or blows, which can result in dangerous consequences for people living in the dwelling. Although replacing the blown wire may seem like a quick fix, it's important to note that regular copper wires are not equivalent to fuse wires. Suppose a replacement wire has a more significant density than the electrical cable capacity. In that case, the electrical wiring in your home can catch fire or prove fatal if someone comes into contact with live wiring.

Overcrowded appearance: If your switchboard’s wiring looks overcrowded, do not take chances. A switchboard upgrade is a sound investment in safety and peace of mind, especially if you plan to introduce additional loads and appliances. New additions, such as an air conditioner or pool pump, require dedicated circuits, so if you've installed electrical appliances recently and still need to upgrade your switchboard, talk to Positive Vibes Electrical today.

Mandatory Safety Switches: According to current legislation, all modern domestic switchboards and circuitry must be fitted with safety switches. Safety switches protect you and your wiring from potential dangers and hazards. They function by constantly monitoring the power leaving and returning to the switchboard.

For instance, if the power leaving the switchboard is three amps and only two amps are returning, the switch will trip as it recognises this as an unsafe situation, indicating a leakage of 1 amp. This trip is known as Earth Leakage. Safety switches protect against both earth leakage and overload protection. Including safety switches in all domestic electrical installations is crucial as they are the minimum standard for circuit protection. Here's a good 'safety switches FAQ PDF' if you have further questions about safety switches.

The cost of a switchboard upgrade can vary depending on several factors, including the size of your property and the complexity of the upgrade. For an average-sized home, the cost is typically between $900 and $1500.

For an accurate, free estimate that suits your specific situation, give us a quick call at 0401 265 809. Alternatively, you can send us an email through our 'Contact Us' form and attach images of your current switchboard. Remember that while a switchboard upgrade may seem expensive, it is a long-term investment in the safety and reliability of your home's electrical system.

The duration of a switchboard upgrade depends on the complexity of the specific job. Typically, a standard switchboard upgrade takes 4 to 8 hours to complete. However, more complex upgrades or additional electrical work may take longer.

The process typically involves:

• Assessing the current switchboard and planning the upgrade
• Disconnecting the power supply
• Removing the old switchboard
• Installing the new switchboard and associated components
• Reconnecting the power supply and testing the new system

We will provide an accurate estimate of the time required to complete the upgrade based on your property or business's specific needs. Please note that your premises will be without electricity for several hours during the upgrade, so it's best to plan accordingly.