Switchboard Upgrade Guide for Safe Homes – Valour Services

Is your switchboard getting in the way of your next renovation?

Are you planning to upgrade your home with new major appliances like air conditioning or adding an electric vehicle (EV) charger? If so, you need to check if your switchboard can handle these upgrades. The switchboard controls your home’s electricity, and if it’s old, it might struggle to support new, power-hungry appliances.

Ensuring your switchboard is up to date is a key step before proceeding with any home upgrades. An outdated switchboard can limit the efficiency of your new systems and even pose safety risks.

A professional evaluation can determine if a switchboard upgrade is necessary, providing you with the peace of mind that your home improvements will be both safe and fully functional.

3 reasons why upgrading your switchboard will make your home safer

Upgrading your switchboard is not just a matter of enhancing your home’s electrical capabilities; it’s a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones. Here are three reasons why an electrical switchboard upgrade can make your home safer.

Removes Hazards

Older switchboards often contain outdated components like asbestos panels and ceramic fuses, which can pose significant health and safety risks. Moreover, outdated electrical wiring can lead to faulty connections. By opting for a switchboard upgrade, you eliminate these hazards by replacing the outdated switchboard with more modern, safer components. The switchboard upgrade process involves a thorough inspection by a qualified electrician, ensuring that all electrical systems meet current safety standards.

Protects People

Modern switchboards incorporate safety switches, also known as Residual Current Devices (RCDs) or RCBOs, which provide a critical layer of protection. These devices are designed to instantly cut off the electrical supply if they detect an earth fault, significantly reducing the risk of electric shock. By upgrading your switchboard, you ensure that your electrical system is equipped with these vital safety features, protecting everyone in your home.

Protects Property

Along with safeguarding your family, a switchboard upgrade also protects your property from electrical fires and damage caused by power surges. New switchboards inclusions such as RCBOs and surge protection devices prevent overloading and shield your electrical appliances and circuits from sudden spikes in electrical current. This not only extends the life of your electrical appliances but also minimises the risk of electrical fires, ensuring your property is safer.

What should I consider before upgrading my switchboard?

When you’re looking into a switchboard upgrade, it’s crucial to consider several key factors to ensure your electrical system is up to the task. First, think about the capacity/number of circuits: your upgraded switchboard will need to handle all your electrical needs, from lighting to major appliances. You’ll also need to know the wattage and amperage requirements of your devices to ensure the new switchboard can deliver the necessary power safely.

Space is another important consideration. Your new switchboard should have enough room to accommodate all current and potential future electrical circuits. This includes considering the physical size of the switchboard to ensure it fits in the designated area in your home. Additionally, the type of enclosure is vital for protecting the switchboard from environmental factors and ensuring safety.

To make the best choice for your switchboard upgrade, consulting with a licensed electrician is essential. They can assess your home’s electrical system, consider your specific electrical equipment needs, and recommend a switchboard that meets current safety standards and regulations. This way, you can ensure your home’s electrical infrastructure is reliable, safe, and capable of supporting your lifestyle.

Contact us today to ensure your electrical setup is both safe and efficient.

Why consider upgrading to a Three-Phase Switchboard?

For homes with high electricity demands and numerous appliances, a three-phase switchboard upgrade is optimal. This type of switchboard uses three separate cables, enabling higher capacity and improved efficiency. Although three-phase switchboards come with a higher initial cost compared to single-phase options, they offer significant value for those with substantial electrical needs.

How much does a new switchboard upgrade cost?

In NSW, there have been countless implementations of ‘standard’ switchboard styles, materials and sizes. The cost of a switchboard upgrade will largely depend on the existing board and can be grouped into 3 categories.

• Basic Fuse Box Upgrade: Expect to invest between $1200 and $2000 for a straightforward upgrade, enhancing your system’s safety and capacity.
• Comprehensive Overhaul: For extensive upgrades, including mains replacement, asbestos removal or installing a completely new switchboard, costs range from $2500 to $4500.
• 3-Phase Switchboard Upgrade: Catering to homes with higher electricity demands, upgrading to a 3-phase system can cost between $3000 and $4500.

• Additional Components: Incorporating surge diverters, arc fault detection devices(AFDDs) and custom made metal switchboards will adjust the overall cost, ensuring your system’s safety and compliance.

These estimates stem from our extensive experience in switchboard upgrades adhering to the requirements of AS/NZS 3000:2018 Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules and the Service and Installation Rules of NSW.

Valour Services is committed to providing transparent, expert advice and quotes that reflect your specific electrical upgrade needs, ensuring efficiency and adherence to the latest safety standards.

For a personalised consultation and quote, contact Valour Services today.

How long does a switchboard upgrade take?

What’s involved in replacing an asbestos panel in my switchboard?

If your home is over 25 years old or was built before 2004, it’s possible that your electrical switchboard contains an asbestos panel. The removal and replacement of asbestos panels is critical for safety and must be handled by a trained worker, in compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2017 in NSW. This task is designated for a Level 2 Electrician trained in the handling and removal of asbestos containing material.

After safely removing the asbestos panel, your electrician will install a new compliant panel to securely house your RCBOs, surge diverters and arc fault detections devices (AFDDs), ensuring your switchboard is safe and up to current standards.

Enhancing Your Mains Cable Capacity

The service and consumer mains, bridging the gap between your property and the street’s electrical supply, might require an upgrade due to wear or to meet increased energy needs. This connection could be via overhead lines or underground cables.

In older homes, it’s common to find a 6mm2 main, capable of delivering around 40 amps. However, with the addition of high-demand appliances like air conditioning units, multiple refrigerators, and pool pumps, this capacity may no longer suffice. Given the complexity of consumer mains, a certified Level 2 Electrician is essential for any modifications.

At Valour Services, we often upgrade residential mains to 25mm2 & 16mm2 cables, boosting capacity to 63(or 80) amps per phase, ensuring your system can support your growing electrical demands. Should you receive an electrical defect notice from Networks like Ausgrid, Essential Energy, or Endeavour Energy, indicating a fault in your service or consumer mains, it’s crucial to address this within the stipulated 21-day period to maintain safety and compliance.

Upgrading the cables in a switchboard

Monitoring and maintaining the cables within your switchboard is vital for ensuring electrical safety in your home. Outdated or damaged wiring can pose significant risks, so it’s recommended to have these cables inspected by a professional every five years and upgraded if necessary. Cables that are not properly protected and exposed could be easily damaged, leading to dangerous situations with exposed live wires.

If you have concerns about the condition of your switchboard’s cables, don’t hesitate to seek a professional assessment. All electrical work, including switchboard cable upgrades, must be carried out by a licensed electrician. Before starting any work, you may need to obtain permission from your Electricity Network.

What are RCBOs and how do they work?

Switchboards today are equipped with advanced safety features like circuit breakers, safety switches, and Residual Current Breaker with Over-Current (RCBO)protection to safeguard your electrical systems and protect your family from electrocution risks. A circuit breaker acts as a resettable safety device, automatically switching off the electrical flow when it senses a short circuit and must be installed in conjunction with a residual current device (RCD). This helps to protect your electrical devices from damage and reduces the risk of fire.

RCBOs provide an additional level of protection by rapidly disconnecting the power when they sense an imbalance in the electrical current, which can occur during an electric shock. RCBOs are the improved version of an RCD/circuit breaker combo. These devices are crucial for preventing serious injuries or fatalities caused by electrocution, making them indispensable components of a modern, safe electrical system in any home. All residential circuits must be protected by a safety switch.

Securing Your Electrical Work Compliance Certificate

Upon completion of electrical work at your property, a qualified electrician must provide you with an electrical safety certificate, also known as a Certificate of Compliance – Electrical Work (CCEW). This document serves as official confirmation that the work has been thoroughly tested, inspected, and complies with the latest electrical safety standards and regulations. It also provides a means of accountability as it details the supervising electrician, their electrical licence number and the electrical company in charge.

Why should I install a surge protection device in my switchboard?

A surge protection device (or surge diverter) serves as a crucial defence for your electronic devices, like computers and home entertainment systems, or any other major electrical appliances, protecting them from sudden surges in electrical current. In Australian homes, where the standard voltage is 240 volts, any spike above this level can damage electronics connected to a power outlet.

Surge diverters often come in the form of power boards, providing multiple sockets to safely connect your devices. However, it’s essential to understand that not all power boards are equipped with surge protection. To guarantee you’re getting this vital feature, look for key terms such as “surge protection” or “surge suppressant” on the packaging or product description.

A surge diverter located at the main switchboard will protect every circuit and appliance in the property. Ensuring your switchboard includes this device is a simple yet effective way to safeguard your valuable electrical appliances against the potential risks of electrical spikes and surges.

Why should I use a Level 2 electrician for my switchboard upgrade?

When considering a switchboard upgrade, it’s essential to entrust this critical task to a professional who is not only qualified and licensed but also comes with a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to safety. With over 25 years of experience in switchboard upgrades, the expertise brought to your project can significantly enhance the safety and functionality of your home’s electrical system. Each job is approached with a complete understanding of the best practices to ensure your family’s safety, backed by a thorough knowledge of the current rules and regulations.

Furthermore, the importance of dealing with potentially hazardous materials, such as asbestos panels, cannot be overstated. This task requires specific qualifications, which are part of the professional skillset and experience, ensuring that every aspect of the upgrade is managed safely and effectively.

Aesthetic consideration

During home renovations, the location and appearance of your switchboard can significantly impact the aesthetic appeal of your property. Relocating switchboards, especially those that are highly visible from the street or positioned above the front door, can enhance the overall look and contribute positively to your home’s street appeal.

Moreover, the aesthetic upgrade of relocating your switchboard goes hand in hand with enhanced protection for your home and family. A thoughtfully placed switchboard is not just about aesthetics; it also considers easy access for maintenance while keeping it secure from potential external threats. This ensures that your switchboard not only looks better but also contributes to the safety and security of your home.

Transparent Pricing: Solid Service, No Surprises

We believe that transparency is essential in building lasting relationships with our clients. Our upfront pricing ensures that the quoted price covers the full scope of work with no hidden costs. Additionally, we are adaptable to any requests or alterations you may have during the course of your project.

To see how our upfront pricing policy aligns with your specific project, contact us for a free consultation and detailed quote. We aim to provide you with peace of mind and exceptional value.

Why Choose Valour Services?

When it comes to delivering your electrical project, we want you to have the best experience possible. We will:

• Take the time to understand your specific requirements
• Tailor a solution for you
• Deliver quality workmanship
• Provide exceptional value
• Be available for questions, after service and warranty

Choose Valour Services, your trusted partner for exceptional service.