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Why Electrical Switchboard Upgrades Are Essential
When considering any new electrical work for your home, whether it’s installing new lighting, adding an appliance, or planning a renovation, one crucial step is often overlooked: the condition of your switchboard. For homes with older fuse panels, or only circuit breaker protection, upgrading the switchboard is essential, and required by Australian Standards, before proceeding with any other electrical upgrades by qualified Melbourne electricians.
RCD’s (residual current devices) protect you and your loved ones against fatal electric shock. They are different to circuit breakers and can be identified by the presence of a “TEST” button on the front of the device.
Case Study: Switchboard Upgrade in Malvern East
We recently assisted a homeowner in Malvern East, Mrs. S, with a full switchboard upgrade, ensuring her home was safe and compliant with modern electrical standards before any further work was carried out.
Signs You Need a Switchboard Upgrade
If your switchboard shows any of these signs, it might be time for an upgrade:
- Frequent blown fuses or tripping circuits
- No visible safety switches or RCDs
- Flickering lights or buzzing noises
- A burning smell or signs of heat around the fuse box
- Your home is over 20 years old and has never had an electrical safety check
If you’ve noticed any of the above, contact a licensed electrician for an inspection.
Step-by-Step: What Our Melbourne Electricians Did
Mrs. S contacted us to help with some planned electrical upgrades in her home. However, upon conducting an electrical safety check on her current electrical system, we determined that the existing fuse board was outdated and lacked the necessary safety features. This posed a significant safety risk to her home and family.
Before we could safely proceed with any new installations, we advised Mrs. S on the need for a switchboard upgrade. We supplied a modern switchboard equipped with safety switches (also known as RCDs or RCBOs) and an upgraded earthing system, which is critical for protecting the home against electrical faults, reducing the risk of electrical shocks, and preventing potential fire hazards.
What We Did for Mrs S.
Our team of experienced, licensed electricians carried out the following work for Mrs. S’s property:
- Tested all existing wiring for the presence of faults prior to the commencement of work
- Replaced the old fuse board with a new, 18-module switchboard, providing ample space and greater functionality for future electrical needs.
- Installed a new main switch that suited the size of the home’s power demands (ranging from 32A to 63A, depending on the household’s needs).
- Installed 9 RCBOs (Residual Current Breaker with Overload protection), which is the modern safety standard for preventing electrical shocks and fires.
- Upgraded the earthing system by installing a new earth electrode at an easily accessible location on the side of the house. This new earth system ensures that any electrical faults are safely diverted, protecting both the home and its occupants.
- Arranged an independent electrical inspection to ensure that all work was completed to the highest standards and was compliant with local safety regulations.
Once the upgrade was complete, we tested all systems, cleaned up the work area, and ensured that everything was in proper working order, ensuring long-term safety, functionality, and peace of mind.
Why Choose O’Shea Electrical for Your Switchboard Upgrade?
At O’Shea Electrical, we are committed to providing high-quality, safe, and reliable electrical services. Whether it’s a scheduled appointment or an urgent job with our after-hours electrician. With over 40 years of experience, we ensure that all our work meets or exceeds safety standards, and we take the time to explain the process clearly to every customer.
Our team is:
- Fully licensed and insured
- Skilled and professional, ensuring minimal disruption to your home
- Committed to clear, upfront pricing—no hidden costs
- Efficient and reliable, completing most switchboard upgrades in a single day
Book a Switchboard Safety Check Today
Unsure if your switchboard is up to standard? Don’t risk your safety—get peace of mind with a professional safety check.
Contact O’Shea Electrical on (03) 9900 1010 to schedule a no-obligation safety check. We’ll help you ensure your home’s electrical system is safe, compliant, and ready for whatever upgrades or renovations you have planned.