Benefits of Upgrading Your Service Mains

Is your service mains getting in the way of your next renovation?

Thinking about renovating your home? Is your existing electrical system powerful enough to support your renovation? For a busy professional balancing work and family life, the last thing you need is an electrical hiccup mid-renovation.

An upgrade to your service mains gives you an increased and reliable power supply that meets your home’s growing needs. And with modern, efficient power systems, you’ll be set up for future advancements in home technology.

If you’re ready to make the change and want to ensure your home’s electrical system is up to par, reach out to us today. We’ll help you understand the benefits of upgrading your service mains and provide the professional guidance you need to make informed decisions. Contact us today for a detailed quote.

What is a service main?

Consumer mains transmit electricity from the point where a property is connected to the primary switchboard.

In contrast, service mains establish the connection between the electrical grid and individual properties using either overhead or underground cables connected to the Point of Attachment.

Both types of mains are tasked with the reception and distribution of electrical energy from the power lines to the service mains, then to the consumer mains leading to the switchboard. It may be necessary to upgrade them periodically to mitigate the risk of power outages or electrical fires.

Reasons why you should upgrade your service mains

Service mains and consumer mains are essential because they help get electrical power from the grid to your house. By making sure service mains have been installed well and are regularly maintained, you can have a steady and efficient power supply. This means less chance of blackouts, and other electrical problems.

Benefits of upgrading service mains for enhanced power supply

With more gadgets and tech at home, you might need more electricity. Upgrading your service mains ensures you can add things like new kitchen appliances or a smart home system without stressing your electrical system.

Compliance and safety: upgrading your service mains to meet modern standards

Having your electrical services set up right keeps your home safe and up to standards. This helps prevent dangerous situations like electrical fires or shocks, keeping you and your home safe.

Future-proofing your home with modern service mains technology

Thinking about adding solar panels or maybe a charging station for an electric car? Updating your service mains now makes it easier to add these later. It’s all about making sure your home can handle these new technologies when you’re ready.

What are the dangers of old service mains?

Having old service mains in your property can pose several risks. It’s important to understand these potential dangers to ensure the safety and efficiency of your electrical system.

• Increased risk of power outages and failures: Older mains might not be able to handle the current electrical demands of modern households, which include multiple appliances and devices running simultaneously. This can lead to frequent power outages or even permanent damage to the electrical system.
• Safety hazards: Old wires and components can degrade over time, leading to exposed cables or faulty insulation. This increases the risk of electrical fires, shocks, or short circuits, which are serious safety hazards for anyone in the home.
• Compliance issues: Outdated mains may no longer meet the current electrical standards and regulations. This could not only pose safety risks but also legal issues, especially during property inspections or when trying to sell your home.
• Inefficiency and higher costs: Older electrical systems are usually less efficient, consuming more power and leading to higher electricity bills. Additionally, the risk of unexpected repairs or emergency maintenance can add unforeseen expenses.

For these reasons, it’s advisable to have your service mains inspected regularly by a licensed electrician and consider upgrading if they’re outdated. This will not only improve safety and efficiency, it also ensures your home complies with current electrical standards.

Why consider upgrading your service mains with XLPE cabling?

Cross-Linked Polyethylene, or XLPE, is a top choice for your home’s main supply wiring. The conductors in these cables are 25mm2 thick, making them perfect for residential demands, and offer really good insulation and strength. This means they can handle electricity better and last longer.

XLPE also has a special trick—adding carbon black to the mix. This improves its toughness and makes it more resistant to heat changes and wear over time, making it easier to maintain as it doesn’t break down as easily.

All these features make XLPE durable and reliable, which is why it’s often used in home electrical setups.

How much does upgrading your service mains cost?

The cost of upgrading your service mains can vary, mainly depending on whether you choose an overhead or underground installation. Overhead installations are typically less expensive due to easier access and simpler setup, whereas underground installations require more labor for digging and installing protective conduits, increasing the overall cost.

Additional factors that impact the price include the length of cable needed, local regulations and permits, and professional fees for hiring a licensed electrician or authorised service provider. Costs can range from a thousand dollars for straightforward overhead setups to much more for complex underground installations. It’s advisable to seek quotes from several professionals to get an accurate estimate for your specific needs.

How long does upgrading your service mains take?

The time it takes to upgrade your service mains can vary, generally taking anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. This depends mainly on the type of installation and the conditions at your property.

1. Type of installation: Overhead installations usually take a few hours since they are less complex. Underground installations require more work, such as digging, which can extend the project to a few days.
2. Property conditions: Things like hard soil, limited access, or obstacles can slow down the work.

If you need a clearer idea of how long your upgrade will take, please contact Valour Services. Our team is ready to help you plan and complete your service mains upgrade efficiently. Get in touch today to discuss your needs.

Underground vs overhead mains cable

When connecting your property to the electricity network, you can choose between two main types of mains cables: underground or overhead. Each option has its pros and cons.

Overhead mains cables

• Advantages: Installing overhead cables is usually faster and costs less than underground. The cables also easier to access for maintenance or repairs, which can help keep costs down over time.
• Considerations: Overhead cables are exposed to the weather and potential hazards like falling branches, which might increase the need for repairs. They can also affect the look of your property and are generally more vulnerable to damage from storms or accidents.

Underground mains cables

• Advantages: These cables are hidden from view, enhancing the aesthetic of your property and avoiding the visual clutter of overhead lines. They’re also protected from weather and accidental damage, making them a safer choice overall.
• Considerations: On the downside, underground cables are more expensive to install. This process involves digging trenches, which can be disruptive and time-consuming. Maintenance and repairs can also be more challenging and costly because the cables are not easily accessible.

Your decision between underground and overhead mains cables will depend on your priorities, such as cost, safety, aesthetics, and the specific layout of your property. Assessing these factors will help you choose the best installation method for your electrical needs.

Types of service mains

Service mains are the cables that link your property to the network poles or light poles, which connect your property to the local electricity network. Depending on where you live, your provider could be Ausgrid in Sydney, Endeavour Energy in Greater Sydney, or Essential Energy in rural NSW. These mains can be set up as either single phase or three phase and are installed in a few different ways:

1. Aerial Span: This method connects your home from a network pole directly to a point of attachment on your property. It’s straightforward and can be set up to handle either single or three phase power.
2. UGOH (Underground to Overhead): A cable runs from the top of a network pole, goes underground, and then travels through a trench to your property, ending at a private pillar. This is ideal if you want to keep overhead wires away from the front of your house.
3. Underground: This involves running cables from either network pillars or street lights directly to your property, underground, and connecting them at a private pillar on your boundary. It’s a neat solution that keeps all cables out of sight.

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.