Signs to look out for when it comes to your Switchboard
The switchboard is the central control point for all electricity flowing into your home. It’s the first port of call whenever the house goes dark and the key to keeping everyone in your home safe from electrocution and house fire because of faulty wiring or a damaged appliance. Switchboards last a few decades, but they degrade with time and occasionally need replacing. It’s good to keep an eye out for the following signs telling you it’s time for a switchboard upgrade.
1. Your House is Old
Electrical standards change with technological advances, and regulations and standards enforce new methods to keep people safe. Older homes will have missed out on safety features installed with new switchboards, but you can solve this issue with an upgrade. Call your electrician Brisbane Northside service to find out how.
2. Blackened or Melted Fuses
Fuses that are black or melted are a clear indication that your switchboard is not coping with the electrical load heaped upon it by a family with a multitude of gadgets all plugged in at the same time. A damaged switchboard is unsafe and should be looked at by an Electrician Brisbane North professional as soon as possible.
3. Appliances Don’t Operate as Expected
If the vacuum cleaner suddenly doesn’t function with as much suction as it should, or the toaster doesn’t toast as well as it used to, it could be a faulty appliance. However, if it happens regularly with different devices, your switchboard is overloaded and can’t supply the amount of juice the devices need. It might be time for your electrician Brisbane North service to replace your tired old switchboard with an upgraded version.
4. Fuses Keep Blowing
Fuses protect against electrical faults, but they can also signify that your switchboard has passed its use-by date and requires upgrading.
5. It Doesn’t Have a Safety Switch
Your house would need to be quite old not to have a safety switch, but regulations require all switchboards to include one. If yours doesn’t, you should get your electrician Brisbane North service to replace it, so you and your family are protected.
6. You See Sparks When Plugging in Appliances
Whenever you see sparks while plugging in an appliance, it’s either a faulty appliance or a switchboard that needs updating.
7. You Need More Circuits for Air-Con or HVAC
An old switchboard may not have the required number of circuits you need to install additional heating or cooling appliances. Your electrician, Brisbane Northside service, will be able to inform you about the state of your switchboard and whether you need to upgrade.
8. Flickering Lights
Fluorescent lights will flicker when faulty, but if it’s happening throughout your home with all your light, your switchboard cannot supply enough power to keep the lights steady.
Contact us
Are you having electrical problems in your home and suspect it might be time to retire your old switchboard? Be on the safe side and get professional advice about the state of your home’s electrical wiring by calling an Electrician Brisbane Northside professional today. Contact our team at North Lakes & Surrounds Electrical today on (07) 3053 3118.
