Having an uninterrupted electrical supply in your home is something you regard quite highly, but most likely don’t give much thought to. That is, until your electrical switchboard starts acting up or you notice sudden issues with your outlets.
When this happens, your first call should be to the emergency electrician Canberra locals rely on for all electrical issues. If you think your electrical switchboard may need some attention, then this post is a must-read.
Understanding What Your Electrical Switchboard Is
Electrical switchboards are installed in every residential or commercial property that uses electricity from the main power grid. This board of electrical components serves to redirect electricity to various outlets in your home.
A series of circuit breakers, switches, relays, and contactors make up the switchboard. These components need to be in 100% working order for your switchboard to function properly and safely.
Knowing How to Spot a Faulty Switchboard
One of the key reasons the average person doesn’t give their switchboards much thought is that they can last for years without needing to be repaired, replaced, or upgraded. However, the older your switchboard gets without being assessed or upgraded, the more likely it is to develop an issue.
This happens when components eventually become worn or overloaded, when the demand for power in your home increases. Since there’s no specific time frame to know when this will happen, it’s essential to look out for the signs that indicate an issue. Here are the top ones to look out for.
- Your Circuit Breakers are Tripping Often
The occasional trip on your switchboard is normal and happens when your circuit breaker overloads or the power spikes. A trip temporarily switches the power off and will require you to turn the power back on manually. This usually isn’t something to stress about.
However, if the power keeps tripping, it’s an indicator that there may be an issue bigger than a once-off overload. Frequent power trips indicate that one or more components are leading to an unsteady electrical supply, and your board is tripping as a safety measure.
- You Notice a Burning Smell Coming From the Switchboard
Your switchboard should never have an odour, so noticing a burning smell coming from it is a clear indicator that there’s a problem. Many homeowners have reported the smell resembling that of burning plastic.
The smell can be attributed to any of the following reasons:
- Loose wiring in the circuit breaker can burn the wiring’s insulation
- An electrical overload that causes the circuit breaker to melt
- There’s a Buzzing Noise Around the Switchboard or Power Outlets
If you hear a buzzing noise coming from your switchboard or any of your power outlets, it’s a sign that you may be dealing with a malfunctioning circuit breaker or burning wiring.
In some instances, the buzzing sound may also be accompanied by discoloration around the switchboard. If the sound is at or near an outlet, be sure to switch it off and refrain from using it until you’ve had an electrician assess the situation.
- Lights are Continuously Flickering
As with the occasional power trip, a random flickering light is not much to be concerned about. However, if the lights are flickering more than usual, you may be dealing with a wiring malfunction on your switchboard.
A Few Common Causes of a Faulty Switchboard
There are several reasons why your switchboard could be malfunctioning. A few of these include the following:
- Poor wiring: Over time, faulty wiring can cause extensive damage to the switchboard. This can be a dangerous fire hazard and should never be ignored. Avoid this issue by always having a professional electrician work on your switchboard.
- Faulty appliances: If your electricity issue seems to be happening around the same time a specific appliance is acting up. The issue could be related. An electric fault in your dishwasher, washing machine, kettle, or toaster can result in continuous trips on the switchboard. Unplug all your appliances and plug each one back in one at a time and test it. This will help you identify which one is causing the issue.
- Circuit overloading: Modern homes have an increased demand for electricity. More appliances and devices are continuously being plugged in, and this can overload the circuit breaker and cause frequent trips. If you live in an older home or you have many appliances, gadgets, and devices being used, it’s a good idea to ask your electrician for an assessment.
An electrician will easily be able to perform an assessment of your switchboard versus your current and future electrical demands. They may then recommend an upgrade, which will see new, energy-efficient components being installed. This will ensure that your switchboard can handle your home’s modern energy demand.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what signs to look for will ensure that you can have an electrician resolve any issues before they escalate into a much bigger issue. Not resolving electrical issues urgently can lead to electrical shocks and fires, putting your family and home at risk. Having any issues assessed and resolved will give you peace of mind that your home is electrically safe!