The switchboard is the hub for the supply, protection, distribution and everything else involving your electrical system. The importance of a well installed and fault free switchboard can not be understated.

So why are regular tests and inspections so important?

With everything in your electrical system running through your switchboard, it is not something to take chances with. Even the simplest of issues can cause unwanted damage and problems, and with houses using more and more power, the higher load being put on boards can result in greater faults. 

It is an often-overlooked part of the house, but the effects of not performing general checks and tests can be substantial. Here are some tips and maintenance that we recommend:

Test your safety switches

This is as simple as pushing a button. Every safety switch will have a test button located on the front. Pushing this button tests that the safety switch is still working correctly. This test should be performed yearly to ensure proper operation. If your safety switch is not ‘tripping’ when the button is pushed, it’s time for a replacement. It's also worth considering having extra safety switch protection installed on all circuits, as most older houses were only required to have power circuits protected. 

Make sure no water is getting in

When working with exterior switchboards, time and time again we find doors that don’t close, rust in and out, holes and other problems which allow water to get into the enclosure. This can lead to obvious dangers with your electrical system. 

We recommend checking that the switchboard door still closes properly and there are no holes developing in the board itself.

Schedule regular inspections and tests with your electrician:

This is the most vital step to ensuring your switchboard – and in turn – your house are well protected and up to date. 

It is amazing how many switchboards are faulty, not up to current standards, rusted, or have defective components. 

Older houses will have switchboards which are no longer up to the current standards. With laws changing regularly it is easy to get left behind. However it has never been easier to upgrade switchboards to current standards. New protective devices make it seamless to replace outdated circuit protection with new products that not only comply with new laws, but provide full protection to circuits and electrical components.

Even switchboards which have all of the latest products need to be regularly tested to ensure they are still working as new.

A thorough switchboard check will check things like: your main earth, your main switch and consumer mains size, all circuit protection, test existing safety switches to name a few. It’s a quick process to prevent any future faults or problems, and to ensure your house/business is well protected.

By keeping these tips in mind, and scheduling annual switchboard inspections, you can ensure you will be future proofing yourself from larger problems, and ensuring your home or business is well protected. Get in touch with us today to schedule an inspection.