Signs your switchboard needs upgrading

Your switchboard is the box that sends power to every circuit in your home. Most people never look at it until something goes wrong. But it often gives warning signs first.

Here are the signs to look for, and which ones mean you should call a licensed electrician straight away.

What does a switchboard do?

Your switchboard splits the power coming into your home into separate circuits, like lights, power points, the oven and the aircon. Each circuit has a protection device, such as a circuit breaker or a fuse, that cuts the power if too much current flows.

Newer boards also have safety switches. These protect people from electric shock, which is a different job to a circuit breaker.

Which signs mean call an electrician now?

A burning smell near the board, a board or switch that feels hot, scorch marks or melted plastic, and buzzing or crackling sounds are all urgent. So are sparks.

Do not touch the board. Call a licensed electrician straight away. If there is smoke or fire, get everyone out and call 000.

Which signs mean it is time for a check?

You still have ceramic fuses

Older homes often have ceramic fuses with fuse wire inside. They are much older technology than modern circuit breakers, and boards like this often have no safety switches at all.

There is no switch with a Test button

Open the switchboard door and look for a switch with a button marked T or Test. That is a safety switch. If you cannot find one, some or all of your circuits may not have shock protection.

Breakers or fuses trip often

One trip after a storm or a faulty appliance can be normal. Trips that keep happening point to a problem that needs finding. Our fault finding team can track it down.

Lights flicker or dim

Lights that flicker or dim when a big appliance starts can point to a loose connection or an overloaded circuit. Both are worth checking.

You are adding big appliances

Air conditioning, an induction cooktop, a pool pump or an EV charger can all add a lot of load. An older board may not have the room or the capacity for new circuits.

Why do older boards need extra care?

Some older switchboards were built with backing boards that contain asbestos. If your board is old, do not drill, cut or break it. A licensed electrician will know how to deal with it safely.

What does a switchboard upgrade involve?

An upgrade usually means a new board with modern circuit breakers and safety switches. Since 1 January 2019, new electrical work in NSW must follow the Wiring Rules, AS/NZS 3000:2018. These require safety switch protection on all final circuits in homes. You can read about the rules on the NSW Government website.

In NSW, switchboard work must be done by a licensed electrician. The cost depends on the size of the board, the number of circuits and what needs fixing, so an electrician needs to see it first. Learn more about our switchboard upgrades.

Common questions

Can I check my switchboard myself?

You can look. Open the switchboard door, check for the warning signs and press the Test button on any safety switch. Do not remove covers or touch any wiring. Anything past looking is a job for a licensed electrician.

What is the difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker?

Both cut the power when a circuit draws too much current. A fuse uses a wire that melts and has to be replaced. A circuit breaker is a switch that trips off and can be reset.

Think your switchboard needs a look?

Oztech Sparks has licensed electricians who check and upgrade switchboards for homes and businesses across Sydney Metro and the Illawarra. Send an enquiry below, or call 1300 698 324.