Switchboards and safety switches
Switchboard and safety switch installations and upgrades
A switchboard is the central hub of a property's entire electrical distribution. When the power reaches the switchboard, the current is then directed through the various circuits to where the electricity is required e.g. hot water system, kitchen appliances. As your switchboard becomes older or your electricity needs increase, you may require a switchboard upgrade.
A safety switch shuts off the electricity supply when a current leakage is detected. This stops the current flowing through a person's body, therefore avoiding a serious electric shock and / or electrical burns.
Can anyone install or upgrade a switchboard or safety switch?
You cannot install or upgrade a switchboard or a safety switch yourself as it is dangerous and illegal to do so – only a licensed Electrician can carry out this work. If you do undertake this work yourself, as well as risking your life and the life of any other occupants at the property, your insurance provider potentially will not cover your property for damage e.g. if it causes a fire.
Source:
https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/electrical-safety-home/dont-do-your-own-electrical-work
What can happen if I do my own electrical work?
In Queensland, electrical safety inspectors investigate and prosecute unlicensed work.
Aside from being illegal, people who perform unlicensed and DIY electrical work risk contact with electricity, which can have deadly consequences for them as well as for the users or anyone else who comes into contact with the electrical installation or equipment which may accidentally be left in an unsafe state. This danger may not be immediately apparent and often only becomes evident in a fault situation, or may even develop over time.
Major property damage from an electrical fire is also a risk and if it was the result of illegal electrical work, your insurer may refuse the claim.
What are the penalties?
DIY electrical work is regarded as unlicensed electrical work, which is illegal, and has penalties of up to $40,000 for individuals.
A breach that exposes an individual to a risk of death or serious injury or illness attracts a maximum penalty of $600,000 for an individual ($3,000,000 for a corporation) or five years imprisonment.
Why would a switchboard need upgrading?
Along with an increased demand for electricity at your property, reasons to upgrade a switchboard include:
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Signs that indicate there is a problem with the switchboard – Read more
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Safety switches – A new switchboard will have 'life-saving' inbuilt safety switches
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Age of the switchboard – If the switchboard is over 20 years old, there is a very good chance that it is not adequate for your electricity demands and is not compliant with current regulations.
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Fuses and overloading – New switchboards are designed to cope with the many appliances (particularly large appliances) that we have in our properties today. A fuse may still blow but it won't be a regular occurrence and your switchboard will not be dangerously overloaded.
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Solar – Solar systems require newer switchboards to run efficiently and effectively.
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Smart metres – To work properly, most smart meters require newer switchboards.
If you are concerned about the 'health' of your switchboard or safety switches, please contact us straight away!
Signs that indicate there is a problem with a switchboard
If you experience any of the below signs, it means that your switchboard needs to be investigated for a problem:
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a buzzing or sizzling sound (electricity should not make a noise) – please contact an Electrician straight away!
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you receive an electric shock when you insert a plug into a power point (or when you flick the switch)
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a power point sparks when you insert a plug (or when you flick the switch)
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a power point is discoloured and / or is hot to the touch
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the switchboard keeps tripping when you turn on an appliance
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lighting is constantly flickering
Please don't put off having your switchboard inspected, as there could be a real danger to yourself and any other occupants at your property.
What is a safety switch?
A safety switch shuts off the electricity supply when a current leakage is detected. This stops the current flowing through a person's body, therefore avoiding a serious electric shock and / or electrical burns.
To check if you have a safety switch/s, go to your property's switchboard and you should see a 'T' or 'Test' on the front face of a button.
It is recommended having a safety switch for each of the different circuits you have e.g. a separate circuit for lights, a separate circuit for swimming pool equipment – Watch video
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you would like a quotation for us to install additional safety switches (or a new safety switch if you don't currently have one) at your residential, commercial or industrial property.
How to test a safety switch
It is recommended, by the Queensland Government Electrical Safety Office, that safety switches be tested every 3 months (watch video) – an easy way to remember, is the first day of each season (first day of Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring).
To test safety switches, all that is required is to simply push the button marked 'T' or 'Test'. If the safety switch is working correctly, it will flick off and cut the power to the circuits associated with it. If the safety switch does not flick off, this may mean that there is a fault on the circuit and it should be made a priority to have an Electrician investigate and correct the issue.
Switchboard & safety switch installations & upgrades
Brisbane Northside, Moreton Bay region, Pine Rivers Shire & Samford Valley
PEK Electrical and Data Services carry out safety switch and switchboard installations and upgrades throughout the Brisbane Northside, Moreton Bay region, Pine Rivers Shire and Samford Valley. Our service areas include Brendale, Geebung, Virginia, Armstrong Creek, Campbells Pocket, Dayboro, King Scrub, Kobble Creek, Laceys Creek, Mount Glorious, Mount Mee, Mount Pleasant, Mt Samson, Moorina, Ocean View, Petrie, Rush Creek, Samford, Samsonvale and Wamuran.
If you don't see your suburb in the above list, please don't hesitate to contact us as we still may be able to carry out your switchboard and / or safety switch requirements.
Whether at your residential, commercial or industrial property, no matter how small the job requirement, we are happy to help.