Switchboard maintenance | Why you need to upgrade your switchboard
The switchboard is where the electric current is disseminated to all the other parts of the house. From the main power, electricity hits the board and is then transmitted to the various devices connected to the switchboard. That makes it a very important part of your electric circuit, and maintaining it should be one of your top priorities. The board needs to be cared for and improved to match the ever growing needs of the modern home. Upgrading it will keep your home safer, and here are reasons why your switchboard needs the upgrade.
Reduce short circuiting
Old switchboards have an increased probability of short circuiting. This is because they use rewirable fuses that could easily go up into flames whenever the current exceeds the normal threshold. Newer switchboards use circuit breakers as opposed to fuses, which make your home a lot safer. If you've got any fuses in your switchboards, then you need to upgrade the board. A good way to know if you need an upgrade is when you see fuse wires sticking out of the fuse holder.
No safety switches on older boards
Another major reason why you may need to upgrade your switchboard is if you don't have safety switches in your current one. Safety switches monitor your electric current and then quickly switch off the power whenever it goes above normal. These switches also monitor any presence of leakages of current and turn the power off. They go a long way in protecting your home and guarding against electric shocks. You can identify these devices from a button named 'TEST.' Other switches normally don't have this test button.
Ceramic fuse boxes don't comply with standards anymore
Older boards are normally designed with ceramic fuse boxes. They are outdated and don't meet current safety standards. If you've home was built a very long time ago, there's also a probability of having an asbestos backing plate behind the fuses. Asbestos is dangerous when interfered with and can lead to a number of respiratory infections.
Frequent power tripping
One easy sign that your switchboards are crying for an upgrade is when the power frequently trips. This is perhaps due to the growth of your home. You may have upgraded your switchboard to the modern ones that use circuit breakers, but if you've got too many circuits and power hungry devices, then you'd better make another upgrade. If you've recently purchased new electrical devices that need their dedicated circuits, such as air conditioners, stereos or spa heaters, then a switchboard upgrade is necessary. Contact a switchboard maintenance company for more info.