Switchboard and Fuse Box Upgrades
Expert and fully compliant fuse box and switchboard upgrades by licensed master electricians
Don’t risk it! Upgrade your old and unsafe switchboard today,
with our highly trained, licensed electricians.
When Should You Replace a Fuse Box or Upgrade Your Switchboard?
Do you need to upgrade your electrical switchboard or fuse box? If, upon inspection, you see old porcelain fuses and unprotected circuits, the answer is a resounding yes. Old porcelain fuses and unprotected circuits are not only hazardous, but they also breach compliance with the current regulations (BS7671:2008). If your fuse box is old or has fuse wires, every electrician Sydneyside would be urging you to upgrade it. The great advantage of modern switchboards is that they have safety switches, which act as RCD (residual current device) protection or RCBOs (residual current circuit breakers with overcurrent protection). In the event of an electrical fault or power surge, safety switches can spell the difference between life and death.
Why Is Electrical Safety So Important?
Safety Switches Minimise the Risk of Electrocution
Every home, office and commercial property should have dedicated safety switches. To be exact, there should be one on each circuit to protect users against electric shock. Safety switches monitor the flow of currents running through the circuit upon which they’re installed. When the flow is normal, the switches disengage. If the switch detects a difference in power flow or a power surge, it will immediately engage, switching off the power supply in three milliseconds. This feature protects people within the property from electrocution because it switches off the power the moment anyone comes into contact with the electrical system.
Safety Switches Negate Fire Hazards
Another reason you should upgrade your fuse box or electrical switchboard is because older models can cause a fire hazard. Electrical fires can start from your switchboard if the circuits overheat without protection.
Your electrical switchboard could overheat due to one of many variables, such as loose connections, overload, excessive dust, or a vermin or ant infestation. Overheated switchboards can also slip past the radar of fire detection systems, such as smoke alarms, undetectable until excessive smoke or actual fire develops in the switchboard. On the other hand, circuits with functioning safety switches will immediately shut down in the event of overheating, negating the risk of a fire starting in the switchboard.
Old Switchboards or Fuse Boxes May Contain Asbestos
Until the 1980s, asbestos was a frequent addition to Australian switchboards due to its fire-resistant properties. As we all know, asbestos is now a banned substance due to its lethal health consequences.
If you suspect that your current switchboard or fuse box contains asbestos, it could be a serious safety hazard. To ensure a safe removal of this substance, you should get a licensed electrician in to upgrade your electrical switchboard or fuse box. At McIntosh Electrical, we have an active safety system in place to deal with asbestos and replace it with fire-resistant panelling. This is crucial for the safety of your home or office, as well as the occupants’ health and wellbeing.
Switchboard and Fuse Box Q&A
How Does a Safety Switch Detect a Problem in the Circuit?
The safety switch monitors the movement of the current. When there is a fault in the current, or if it begins to flow into a person rather than into the circuits or equipment, the safety switch will detect this shift in movement. The safety switch then engages and instantly shuts that particular circuit down.
How Long Does It Take To Upgrade a Fuse Box?
It takes approximately four hours to upgrade and change over your current home switchboard to a safer and more modern option. However, the exact duration depends on the fuse box and switchboard themselves, as they tend to vary from property to property. The duration can also differ for commercial versus residential properties.
Should You Replace Your Circuit Breakers With Safety Switches?
Fuses and circuit breakers operate in the same basic way: they detect a problem and then open the circuit to stop the current. The differences between the two devices lie in the time they take to react, the types of faults that trigger their reaction, and what it is that they protect. The modern switchboard consists of combination safety switches and circuit breakers (RCBOs). These protect single circuits from shorts, overloads and electric shocks. RCBOs are installed on each individual circuit so that any problems that occur will be confined to one circuit. This means that issues such as nuisance trips or power faults will not take out all the connected circuits and cut the power for the entire building.
If your house or commercial space still has ceramic or plug-in fuses, you should get an electrician in to upgrade your electrical switchboard. This way, you will be creating a safe environment that complies with the current standards.
Why McIntosh Electrical?
From switchboard upgrades to LED lighting upgrades, McIntosh Electrical is your go-to for all things electrical in Sydney. Our team of licensed electricians are highly skilled and knowledgeable.
