If you’ve ever experienced a power outage, you’ll know just how frustrating it can be. Thankfully, large-scale blackouts tend to be few and far between. However, this is not the only thing that can interrupt your home’s access to electricity.
Proper distribution of power to your home from the grid relies heavily on your having a functional switchboard. If you’re noticing consistent problems in your home relating to electricity that cannot be explained by problems in the grid, chances are you have an issue with your switchboard.
While some issues are simple fixes, others indicate a serious electrical hazard and may require a full upgrade of your switchboard.
So when should you be calling a licensed electrician for help? Let’s take a look.
Signs Your Switchboard Is Struggling
Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
Frequent tripping of your circuit breaker is something that should never be ignored. This can indicate an overloaded or faulty switchboard or even a faulty appliance.
If your switchboard is unable to handle the electrical load of your home or has developed a fault, there is an increased risk of electrical fires. It can also cause damage to appliances.
While this does not always mean a full upgrade of your switchboard is required, it is essential to have this checked out by your local electrician.
Age of the Switchboard
Is your switchboard more than 20 years old? If so it may not meet current safety standards and could pose a risk to your home and family. Older switchboards often feature ceramic circuit breakers, have frayed wiring, and few, if any, safety measures installed.
In this case, it is recommended to have your switchboard inspected by a qualified electrician as soon as possible. They will be able to advise on whether a full upgrade is necessary and can implement temporary safety measures until this can be done.
Flickering Lights
Lights that flicker or dim regularly can be a sign of an overloaded switchboard or loose connections. Occasionally, this can also be caused by faulty wiring to the lights or in the case of downlights, an aged transformer.
To ensure this is not caused by a potentially dangerous issue with your switchboard, an electrician needs to attend and assess the situation.
Burning Smell Or Scorch Marks
If you smell a burning odor or notice scorch marks on your switchboard, this is a sign of an electrical issue that needs immediate attention.
This could be a sign of loose connections, overheating, or an electrical fire risk, and the switchboard should be replaced immediately.
At Curran T Electrical & Solar, we offer access to an emergency electrician in Manly and the surrounding Northern Beaches. Should you need urgent support, day or night, we can attend and put safety measures in place until an upgrade can be arranged.
In the case of an electrical fire, you should always call emergency services on 000 before reaching out to our team.
Use of Extension Cords
If you are using multi-socket extension cords frequently to power your appliances or devices, it is very easy to overload your switchboard.
Your home’s switchboard was installed to supply a certain number of sockets safely. While a few extension cords shouldn’t be an issue, too many can quickly see you overloading your home’s circuits.
This can have a few different outcomes, from tripping a switch to electrical fires and shorting out appliances. If your home does not have enough existing wall sockets, you should avoid using too many extension cords to compensate.
Instead, we recommend contacting our electricians in Mona Vale and surrounds for a review of your switchboard and the possible installation of additional sockets.
If In Doubt, Contact The Experts
Ultimately, when it comes to electrical safety, it is better safe than sorry. If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to speak with a licensed professional as soon as possible to ensure the safety of your home and family.
At Curran T Electrical & Solar, we can advise whether the replacement of your switchboard is necessary. We work with you to determine the best solution based on your needs and in line with current safety requirements.
For affordable advice with zero compromises on quality or safety, call our expert residential electricians today at 0439 646 823.
