Switchboard Upgrades – Carindale Electrician
Multivolt Services has been working on switchboard upgrade throughout Carindale
New laws and the Australian standards require homeowners to have up-to-date switchboards.
Electrocutions and house fires are more likely to occur with older boards.
What is a Switchboard?
It is the electrical hub for a building receiving power from the power grid and then dispersing it through out the building where power in needed. It routes the currents to the individual circuits and the various household appliances in the house.
The presence of an up to date switchboard with a safety switch is mandatory under the Australian Wiring Rules and Laws AS3000:2018.
Do I need to upgrade my switchboard?
As technology advances, household energy consumption will also continue to increase. As a result, Australians now have more household appliances than ever before, requiring more energy.
Many home owners buy new induction stove tops and when it is time to install them, they realise they will need an electrical upgrade as well.
Reasons you upgrade your switchboard
- The electrical panel is older, and the older the system, the more likely it will experience problems.
- The circuit breakers trip regularly.
- An outdated fuse box, most likely with ceramic fuses.
- The lights flicker at irregular times
- When too many appliances are in use, the fuses blow more frequently
- Appliances are frequently short circuiting
- A buzzing or strange noise is coming from the electrical panel.
As electrical requirements and appliances have evolved, older switchboards can no longer meet today’s demands. Electrocution, fires and other negative consequences can overload older electrical panels.
Upgrading to a newer and safer board prevents these problems and protects equipment, buildings, and people.
Switchboard upgradeds
When upgrading a board, many different steps contribute to a safe and successful process.
Typically, the panel upgrade takes 2 to 4 hours and generally involves the following:
- The power in the building is turned off to ensure that the panel upgrade is safe.
- All old correct protection devices and fuses are properly removed
- An 8-12 pole enclosure is installed to accommodate the new RCD switches and breakers
- All current circuits are connected to updated circuit breakers, RCDs and more to meet standards.
- The earthing system is inspected to ensure it is still in proper condition.
- About seven electrical tests are carried out throughout the process to make sure everything is working correctly.
The updating process includes targeted measures and appropriate techniques among many other detailed steps.
Typically, the panel upgrade takes 2 to 4 hours and generally involves the following:
Turning off the power in the building to ensure that the panel upgrade is safe.
We are removing the old correct protection devices and fuses.
An 8-12 pole enclosure added to accommodate the new RCD switches and breakers.
All current circuits are connected to updated circuit breakers, RCDs and more to meet standards.
Inspect the earthing system to ensure it is still in proper condition.
To ensure everting is working, we will do seven different testing criterias.
The modernisation process includes targeted measures and appropriate techniques, among many other detailed steps. There may also be additional steps to ensure everything works well and is safe.
How much does it cost to upgrade to a new switchboard?
A switchboard upgrade is not something a house owner budgets for.
Please note these are approximate prices only for a residential electrician!
The cost of upgrading a switchboard varies from property to property. However, after years of doing upgrades this is a rough guide to the usual cost of upgrading a switchboard in Brisbane.
*These are approximate averages for Carindale and Brisbane.
A regular switchboard upgrade will cost between $800-$2000.
If you need a 3-phase switchboard, this will cost between $3000-$5000 and you may need a commercial electrician to install these.
Always be cautious of electricians who are pricing below these prices as they may not be qualified for the work.
Avoid companies that are charging well above these prices as you are paying above and beyond what you should be.
What are 3 phase switchboard upgrades?
You will need a 3-phase switchboard if your property has a relatively high power demand and uses multiple appliances.
Some households need a 3-phase switchboard for multiple air conditioners or appliances with air ducts or the construction of a granny flat.
Among the benefits of installing a 3-phase electrical system are that the power supply never drops to zero.
It is more reliable and robust, it is extremely energy efficient, and there is much less wiring involved in the installation.
Only a licensed Level 2 electrician can install, replace or upgrade a 3-phase panel.
What is an RCD?
They prevent electric shocks, fires and electrocution risks in homes.
By monitoring the current flow in the neutral and active conductors, they switch off the current immediately if an imbalance occurs.
From January 2019, safety switches became mandatory on all circuits in new homes to increase the overall safety of the home.
Electrician Carindale To do your switchboard upgrades.
Multivolt Services has been upgrading electrical switchboards all over Carindale and Brisbane
Our team of trusted emergency electricians have the experience and accreditation to carry out all switchboard upgrades.
We can work in all residential, commercial and industrial buildings and upgrade all types of switchboards.
Contact our team today for an accurate and detailed estimate.
This article first appeared on Multivolt Services – https://multivoltservices.com.au/switchboard-upgrades/
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