A switchboard is an electrical panel that manages electricity distribution to parts of your house. As you add new things, or even as the device ages, you may need an upgrade. Whilst it isn’t particularly exciting to discuss, we have compiled some information about why home electrical systems have to be upgraded and what signs tell you that it’s already time for an upgrade.
1. System Faults and Power Outages
A faulty switchboard usually leads to a lot of problems within a household. If you notice that the lights keep blinking off, or you never actually have any lights, or you’re getting random power outages, chances are your switchboard needs to be replaced. Also, if your lights are already dim, or you’re only getting power in certain areas of the house, you may need to upgrade your switchboard.
2. Defects in the Wiring
Electrical switches have to be designed to handle a lot of electricity, and some of them have to be pretty sturdy. While it’s not common, if your switchboard is very old, the wires may be damaged and give your device a faulty stream of electricity. If you notice that some of your devices tend to overheat, or work on and off, or even blow out, there may be a problem with the wiring.
3. Age and Condition
As time goes on, your switchboard can become dirty and cluttered, which can cause lots of problems. If your switchboard looks very old, it may not be able to handle the current amount of electricity that is running through it, or it may be a fire hazard. If you notice any cables that look frayed or simply look old and dusty, you may want to upgrade your switchboard.
4. No Safety Switch
Though not very common in newer homes, some older homes did not come with a safety switch. This is a switch that cuts out the power if something faulty occurs. If your switchboard doesn’t have a safety switch, it can be a very dangerous situation if the electricity suddenly starts flowing to a certain device. You may want to switch it out for a safer one.
Replacing a switchboard is a big task, and you should not attempt to DIY it. It’s best to call an electrician to help you out.
5. Modifications to Your Home
When you add a new device to your home, you may need to upgrade your switchboard. This is especially important if you add a high wattage device, like a microwave, or a lot of smaller devices, such as computers or technology devices. Some of these devices require a more powerful switchboard, so you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got one in place.
6. New Safety Codes in Your Area
Some areas make it mandatory to upgrade your electrical system if you haven’t been keeping up with the safety codes. This is especially important if you live in an older home or recently purchased a home that has been on the market for a while. The previous owner may have owned it for years without upgrading their electrical system to the newer safety codes, and you may have to do it.
7. Faulty Circuit Breakers
If your breakers keep tripping, you may want to replace your entire circuit breaker panel. But if you’re just adding circuits to your home, you may want to upgrade your individual circuits also. If you add an electrical system to a new area of your house and don’t upgrade the panel, you may run into a lot of problems.
Conclusion
Upgrading your home electrical system is something that most homeowners don’t like to talk about, but it is something that needs to be done. It usually comes with a lot of extra work, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you could burn your house down and get injured.
Blue Electrical is your go-to company to provide quality electrical services to our clients. We take pride in our commitment to customer satisfaction and ensuring any issues with your electrical system are resolved. Contact us whenever you need a licensed electrician to your home, office, or facility.