Your switchboard is the heart of your home’s electrical system, but if it’s outdated, it may be putting your safety at risk. Many Reservoir homes still rely on older systems that weren’t designed to handle today’s power-hungry appliances. If your lights flicker, circuits trip, or appliances cut out, it could be time to take a closer look.
Signs Your Switchboard Needs Attention
Knowing the warning signs early helps protect your home and family. Common warning signs your household should watch for include:
Flickering or Dimming Lights: This often means your switchboard is overloaded or has loose wiring. If your lights dim when you turn on heavy appliances like a kettle or microwave, your system is struggling to balance the electrical load.
Frequently Tripping Circuits: Power cutting out regularly, especially when using high-load devices like air conditioners, heaters or washing machines, usually means your switchboard cannot keep up with demand and may be nearing failure.
Buzzing or Crackling Noises: These sounds typically indicate loose wires, poor connections, or dangerous arcing. Ignoring them can lead to serious safety hazards, including fire or insulation breakdown inside the walls.
Appliances Losing Power: If devices randomly turn off or reset, it shows that circuits may be overloaded, or wiring is breaking down and no longer delivering consistent voltage.
Hot or Discoloured Components: Heat buildup, a burning smell, or scorch marks around the switchboard or outlets are all urgent red flags. These signs point to a risk of electrical fire.
If your switchboard displays any of these signs, it is time to consider a professional assessment and upgrade.
Safety-First Switchboard Upgrades
If your switchboard is showing any of these signs, a safety-first upgrade could be the solution. Modern switchboards are built to safely handle today’s electrical loads and include built-in protections that older units lack. Here are some key benefits of upgrading:
Safety Switches: New switchboards include Residual Current Devices (RCDs), which detect faults and cut power immediately to prevent electrocution and fire risks. These are now standard under Australian regulations for good reason.
Load Balancing: Modern boards distribute electricity more evenly across your home’s circuits. This helps prevent overloading, reduces the risk of blackouts and protects your electrical appliances from power surges.
Increased Capacity: Older switchboards were never built to handle the number of devices found in modern households. An upgrade makes it possible to safely run your appliances, air conditioning, and smart tech all at once without overloading the system.
Updated Wiring: During the upgrade, any damaged or deteriorated wiring can be replaced. This improves power stability and helps avoid potential electrical hazards hiding behind your walls.
Upgrading your switchboard is not just about solving current issues. It also prepares your home for future demands, like solar power systems, electric vehicle charging or smart home upgrades.
Assessments, Design & Planning
Professional switchboard upgrades start with a thorough assessment of your current system and your future electrical needs. A licensed electrician will design a solution that balances safety, compliance, and capacity, ensuring your home’s electrical system runs smoothly now and down the track.
The team at Forefront Electrical and Communications specialise in delivering tailored switchboard upgrades for homes in Reservoir. Our experienced team focuses on safety-first solutions that meet the latest Australian standards, giving you peace of mind and a more reliable electrical setup.
If you suspect your switchboard needs an upgrade, contact Forefront Electrical and Communications for a professional inspection and expert advice today.
