A man in grey hoodie upgrading a switchboard

Do You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade: Don’t Ignore These Signs!

You have a case of flickering lights at home and suspect that your old electrical panel might be the reason.

Nothing unusual for an older Perth home! Quite simply, no switchboard will last forever, and even the best one will outstay its welcome, starting to do more harm than good.

But the question of electrical panel upgrade or replacement isn’t about having to shell out a hefty sum just because someone’s telling you to. A timely upgrade is a must because of safety and energy efficiency in the electrical lines.

So how can you tell that you need one?

It’s best to take the help of an electrician to check the electrical panel to find the answer. However, here are a few telltale signs you need a domestic switchboard upgrade.

Electrical Panel Upgrade: Signs to Look Out for

Control panel of an electric switchboard

The electrical panel–often referred to as switchboard or power box–is essentially the control centre for your home’s entire electrical system. It takes the main power coming in from the utility provider and sends it off to the various circuits in your home.

Think of it like an electrical heart of your home. Just like a heart powers your body, pumping blood through to all the organs and limbs, from brain to toes, a switchboard channels electricity to circuits that power every outlet and appliance, so your lights can stay on and your devices work as they should. From your cell phone charger to your dishwasher, every single appliance is getting powered through the switchboard.

But it’s not just about distribution and connectivity either. Another role of your electrical panel is to make sure the electricity flow is steady. With time, the panel degrades due to regular wear and tear and will need replacement.

The first question you need to ask when going for an electrical panel upgrade is when, if ever, it was last upgraded.

Does your panel remember the days of “Neighbours” on TV? If the answer is yes, chances are it won’t be able to handle the load if you’re planning to add more modern electrical appliances or new circuits. Its capacity and physical space are limited and were made for another era, one with far fewer appliances.

Now, the panel’s age is still just a maybe. But there are also situations where an upgrade is a must.

For example, if you’re installing a solar panel system in your home. Most modern panel systems need a switchboard that can handle bidirectional power flows. This allows electricity to flow in the reverse direction as needed – from the panel to the grid.

Most importantly, the old technology will not meet the safety standards mentioned in the latest switchboard manufacturing standard called AS/NZS 61439. In short, it would compromise your home’s electrical safety.

A few other signs indicate that the switchboard needs an upgrade:

  • If frequent trips in the circuit breakers have become a chronic issue, then in most cases, the reason is an overloaded panel. Corroded wires and components in the panel can also be a reason. Other warning signs include visible frayed wires or strange burning odours. Sometimes the wall around the breaker can feel hot to touch.
  • While there can be any number of reasons why your lights are flickering, overload or short circuit in the power box can be the likeliest culprit. This is more likely when the issue occurs across multiple fixtures and circuits.
  • Noticeable power fluctuations can also indicate a problem with the switchboard. However, you need a professional electrician to check and confirm the exact cause.

Pros of a Domestic Switchboard Upgrade

The problems with old switchboards are many, including safety risks. As a homeowner, safety and peace of mind are two factors you cannot ignore.

Before we dive into the advantages, you should absolutely know that DIY electrical upgrades are illegal in Australia. There’s a reason why only licensed electricians are allowed to perform them: it’s far too complex and risky!

Avoid Fire Risk

An outdated switchboard increases the risk of fire. And make no mistake about it, such home fires can be devastating. In early 2024, a faulty switchboard made a Sydney home burn to cinders.

Quite simply, old wiring can cause shorts and generate sparks.

Also, such a panel may have incorrectly seated fuses or an insufficient number of safety switches. What happens then?

The lack of safety switches exposes the live terminals when the fuses are removed. This is a serious hazard. Besides, incorrect seating of fuses can result in hotspots, especially if the board is overloaded. Which, in turn, can fry the cables damage your appliances.

Residual Current Device (RCD)

A big plus of modern electrical panels is that they have residual current devices (RCD) or special safety switches added to the circuit. These are designed to protect humans and animals from electric shocks by cutting off the current in the circuit very quickly.

Well that’s what fuses are for, you may say.

Granted, but the RCDs are far more sensitive than normal fuses and circuit-breakers in old switchboards. So much so that they can be lifesavers. It’s precisely the lack of this additional safety barrier that makes old switchboards an unsafe option.

Higher Efficiency

With an electrical panel upgrade, you’ll get better energy efficiency. Modern switchboards are designed to cut down energy leaks which, in turn, results in lower your electricity bills. Even if the initial cost of a switchboard replacement can be high, it will help you to save money in the long run.

Steer Clear of Design Issues

An old switchboard that uses components like ceramic fuses and wooden panels can’t handle the load of modern electrical appliances, and that makes it fundamentally unsafe. In addition, older switchboards may contain asbestos, which is a hazardous material and needs to be removed by professionals.

Let’s assume you need to add a new smart home appliance. That calls for a wiring upgrade. For an electrician to provide you with an electrical safety certificate or a certificate of compliance for the task, the work should be as per the latest safety standards.

That means you’ll need to upgrade the old switchboard too. Remember, any failure to carry out the electrical works following the latest safety standards can hit you with heavy fines.

Insurance

Your insurance company may not agree to insure your home if the electrical panel is outdated. Most likely, with an updated switchboard, you will attract lower insurance premiums. The simple reason for that is the lack of safety features in the old switchboards as compared to the modern ones.

FAQs: Electrical Panel Upgrade

How much does it cost to upgrade an electrical panel?

The cost to upgrade a switchboard depends on multiple factors like the size, and the complexity of the electrical system in your home. Based on these, the costs can be anywhere from $900 to $2,200 in Perth.

Is it worth upgrading an electrical panel?

Absolutely! Upgrading the electrical panel will not only keep your home safe (or make it safer) but will also ensure better energy efficiency. Sometimes, however, it’s not a question of cost effectiveness, but a must. Scroll up to learn more about these situations!

What is included in an electrical panel upgrade?

During an electrical panel upgrade, an electrician will install the new RCD switches and circuit breakers. All necessary changes in the old wiring will also be done. Once the installation is complete, thorough testing is conducted to check if all the components are functioning as they should.

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