Next electrical & data guide to Safety switch upgrades.

An electrical switchboard is a distribution panel that houses various switches, safety switches, circuit breakers & other devices to control & distribute electrical power within a building or facility.

If your switchboard is getting on in years, you need to consider upgrading your switchboard to upgrading your switchboard for the following reasons:

1- Enhanced safety: Newer switchboards come equipped with advanced safety features like circuit breakers & safety switches, reducing the risk of electric shocks and fires. Old switchboards seen all through suburbs from Camberwell to Glen Iris & the entire inner east often have ceramic or porcelain fuses, which are no longer compliant in todays standards.

2- Compliance: Upgrading to meet current electrical codes and standards ensures your setup is in line with regulations, minimising legal and insurance- related concerns.

3- Better Protection: Circuit breakers in modern switchboards offer better protection against overloads and short circuits, reducing the chances of electrical disruptions.

4- Improved Reliability: Upgraded components are less likely to malfunction, resulting in fewer unexpected power outages and maintenance issues.

5- Ease of Maintenance: Newer switchboards often have modular designs that make it easier to replace individual components, reducing maintenance time & costs.

What should I look for in a switchboard upgrade?

At Next Electrical & Data we are happy to provide you with advice needed while considering a switchboard upgrade. The most important of these are they following:

1- Capacity: How many circuits does the new switchboard upgrade need to support?

2- Number of spaces: How many spaces does the new switchboard need to have

3- Surge Protection: Do you require an over voltage protective device to be installed?

4- Enclosure: What type of enclosure does the new switchboard need to have?

5- Upgrade Potential: Do you require extra room for technology advancements?

Victorian Rental Properties Switchboard Upgrades.

⇒ If you don’t have the required switchboard by the 29th March, 2023, your investment property will be deemed unsafe and non-compliant for rental.

⇒ Any necessary upgrades to switchboards are required to be fitted, by a registered or licensed electrician, by March 29, 2023. to meet Victoria’s new minimum standards with rental properties needing to have modern-style switchboards, with circuit breakers and electrical safety switches installed, known as residual current devices (RCD, RCCB or RCBO).

⇒ To lease the property, it would not meet the minimum standards & the renter can also rescind the lease or delay their move in & be eligible to claim compensation for things like hotel accommodation while the property meets required electrical standards. VCAT can also impose penalties that could cost you thousands. You may also void your insurance if you rent the property out and an accident happens. It’s just not worth the risk. Under electrical services regulations, after completing any work the electrician must issue a safety compliance certificate confirming that the work was conducted in accordance with relevant safety laws.

⇒ If you are unsure of the status of your property’s switchboard, compliance or essential safety servicing requirement please contact us at Next electrical & data & we can provide you with accurate assessment of your properties switchboard.

How much does a new switchboard upgrade cost?

A switchboard upgrade cost varies depending on the type of system you choose. Air-insulated switchboards are typically the most economical option, while metal-enclosed switchboards are the most expensive. Typically, a switch board upgrade costs between $1,000- $ 2,000.

If the mains are to be replaced this cost increases greatly. The cost of upgrading your switchboard can vary depending on the type of system you choose and the extent of the work required.

How long does a switchboard upgrade take?

This can be a varied time typically a few hours to under a working a day.

Asbestos Switch board panel replacement

Older houses built (often built till the 80’s) might have an asbestos panel in their electrical switchboards. If your home has asbestos panels, they will need to be removed and replaced with a new non-asbestos panel, these panels must be dealt with by an accredited asbestos licensed removalist in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2017.

Once the old asbestos panels have been removed, the local electrician will install a new switchboard.

For all building electrical requirements, whether it be residential or commercial within Boroondara or Melbourne's eastern suburbs, if you have many electrical appliances in your home or adding more appliances, such as air conditioning, multiple fridges, cooking appliances, hot water systems, pool pump - check that your switch board is capable of handling this load.

Make sure your current switch board is complaint with all current Victorian regulations or call Next electrical & data if you need to a safety check your switch board or be reassured.