The electric switchboard is one of the first components that power reaches in the electrical system, and it controls how electricity flows through your home. If you have not replaced or serviced your switchboard to comply with the Wiring Rules, it may be a good time to schedule an appointment with a certified electrician to have it inspected.
Emergency electrician Brisbane owner Gary Hill explains that most property owners are most likely not concerned with the electric switchboards in their living spaces until there is a problem with them. And when those problems do arise, they are usually major ones. Fortunately, knowing the signs that it may be time to replace your electric switchboard can help you avoid a costly and disruptive outage.
If you notice the following electrical symptoms at home, contact a licensed electrician right away.
- If you can see or feel that your metal buttons are pockmarked with rust spots, it is time to replace your electric switchboard. This may be a sign of excess moisture exposure and requires immediate attention as a result. Check for signs of aging including cracks in the plastic housing over time as well.
- Turn off all power to the unit before beginning this project by flipping off individual breakers, not just the main circuit breaker. The reason you want to turn off each breaker individually is there could be more than one line coming into an electrical panel from outside sources such as solar panels, generators etc., and turning them all off at once might trip other circuits. It is always better to be safe than sorry. You could also use a non-contact voltage tester before touching any of the wires or hardware to make sure electricity has been completely shut down from this area.
- Check all wiring for fraying and wear, especially the hot wire which carries the most electrical current. Frayed metal is a sign that your electric switchboard has come into contact with moisture which can cause electrocution if not properly repaired. This wire also carries more volume of electricity through it than others so fraying on this piece indicates you need to take extra safety measures such as wearing heavy gloves and maybe even eye protection as well as turning off the power directly at the breaker box first instead of just setting your multimeter to “Voltage” and seeing if it is off.Â
- Inspect the terminals where the wires attach for tightness and corrosion. Loose connections can overheat and cause a fire, whereas corrosion can lead to electrical shorts.
- If any of the breakers feel hot to the touch, this is another sign that you need to replace your electric switchboard. Excess heat is a clear sign that something is wrong with the breaker and could result in an electrical fire.
- If any of your outlets or switches no longer work, this could be an indication that there is a problem with the switchboard. Outlets and switches are usually part of the same circuit, so if one is not working, it could be an indication of bigger problems with your electric switchboard.
- Check all wiring for any exposed copper core. Exposed copper can come in direct contact with flammable materials and cause electrocution. This also includes the hot wire so make sure this one is properly insulated as well.
- If you notice a burning smell or see smoke coming from the breaker box at any time, shut off the power immediately and call a professional to inspect the unit before turning it back on. You never want to take chances when it comes to fire safety! There may have been a short that ignited some kind of gas that caused the issue so do not attempt to flip any breakers back on until you have a professional take a look.
- If the breaker box is made of plastic, it might be time for a replacement. Plastic is not as durable as metal and can easily be damaged over time, increasing the risk of an electrical fire.
- If your electric switchboard is more than 25 years old, it is time for a replacement. The average lifespan of an electric switchboard is about 25 years, so if the one in your living space is older than that, there are probably some serious underlying issues that need to be addressed.
