Electrical switchboards are one of the most crucial components in every household since there is little you can do without electricity. It’s through switchboards that we can route electricity to our convenient areas or any other place within the household. An electric switchboard, just like any other device, is prone to degradation due to aging and needs to be replaced to support the flow of electricity in your home. Old appliances may be unable to cope with the energy demands of the latest technology like appliances and lightings. An increase in the consumption of electricity in most households is one of the primary reasons old switchboards are being replaced with newer ones since they’re more efficient.
In this article, we are going to look at the signs that your switchboard needs to be replaced with a more advanced one. They include:
Malfunctioning of the appliances
If you discover that there is a decline in your appliances output/working, then this might be an indication that your electrical switchboard panel is unable to sustain the energy requirements. If you find out that your appliances are cutting out, lights are flickering, and signs of corrosion or melting around the panel, then this is an indication that your panel is overworked. If you discover that the use of several appliances trips breakers, then this is a sign that your electrical switchboard needs to be upgraded with the latest version.
Tripping of breakers from time to time
Tripping of breakers should only occur when the circuit breakers detect something ambiguous in the flow of electricity to avert dangers that may be caused to the system due to the inflow of current, which can cause fire on some occasions. Tripping is a crucial feature that is intended to protect the system, however, if you notice that your system is tripping from time to time, then this is a sign that all is not well with your electrical switchboard or your electrical switchboard is not in a position to support the amount of electricity being drawn in your home and thus the need to get it upgraded.
Renovations
If you intend to renovate your home, there is a need to evaluate whether the existing electrical switchboard can cope with the changes that have been incorporated into the circuit. You also need to access whether the new appliances you have purchased can overload the switchboard in any manner. Keep in mind that an electrical switchboard upgrade is not about convenience but your safety and should be taken seriously. Seek the advice from the electrician installing the electrical system in your place of residence to ascertain whether the existing switchboard is capable of supporting the additional appliances while functioning correctly. If so, then an upgrade will be unnecessary, but if otherwise, an upgrade will be vital.
Use of fuse rather than breakers
Most buildings erected in the 1970s and 1980s are fitted with fuses which works similarly to circuit breakers protecting your household from electrical dangers. The main concern with fuses is that they’re vulnerable to blowing and melting, which are the primary causes of short-circuiting, which can lead to fires on some occasions. Fuse is ideal for homes built in the 70s and 80s because the energy requirements were quite reduced as opposed to modern homes, which demand more energy to facilitate the running of various electrical appliances. If you think your switchboard posses a potential risk of fire or electric shock, check out Westline Electrical and get a free no obligation quote.