An electrical switchboard is central to your home’s electrical system, but older switchboards or poorly maintained units can become a serious fire hazard. Issues like overheating, outdated parts, or missing a safety switch or residual current device increase the risk of electrical fires, electric shock, or appliance damage. Signs of an electrical fault—such as flickering lights or a tripping circuit breaker—should never be ignored.
To protect your home, always have a licensed electrician inspect and carry out any required electrical work in line with current safety standards.
Risks Associated with Switchboards
Overheating
A poorly maintained switchboard or one that’s over 20 years old can overheat due to ageing electrical components or an excessive electrical load. This can cause a fire, especially in older homes that haven’t undergone a switchboard upgrade. In cities like Sydney, where electrical use is high, this is a significant risk for both older properties and renovations using outdated panels.
Faulty Wiring
Damaged or worn electrical wiring, loose connections, or electrical arcing inside the switchboard panel can lead to electrical hazards. These faults may not be immediately visible but can quickly escalate, start a fire, or cause a risk of electric shock if not addressed. This is why regular inspections by a local electrician are essential.
Old Age
An old electrical switchboard is more likely to fail under pressure from modern electrical appliances. Many homes in Sydney still operate with switchboards installed decades ago, well before modern electrical standards. These older units lack protection in your switchboard such as RCDs or RCBOs and do not comply with Australian electrical safety regulations, increasing the risk of failure or fire threats.
Improper Sealing
If a switchboard panel is not properly fire sealed, it can allow flames to escape should a fire start within the box. Holes from poor electrical installation, unsealed cable entries, or damage from pests all contribute to a possible fire spreading quickly through the property.
Environmental Factors
Dust, moisture, and pests are common in areas like basements or garages where many switchboard installations are located. These factors corrode internal electrical components, deteriorate insulation, and eventually lead to faults or live electrical exposure, all of which can lead to electrical fires.
Human Factors
DIY fixes or hiring unlicensed individuals for electrical work done on your home’s electrical wiring can create new safety risks. Misconnected electrical circuits, bypassed fire protection, and poor workmanship are all dangerous. Only a qualified electrical contractor should carry out electrical services to ensure your home is protected.
Steps to Prevent Switchboard Fires
Regular Inspections
Have your switchboard inspected by a licensed local electrician at least once every few years. They can detect electrical issues early, test for electrical faults, and recommend whether you should consider upgrading your switchboard to meet Australian electrical standards.
Proper Sealing
Make sure your switchboard panel is properly fire sealed with appropriate materials. This reduces the risk of fire spreading beyond the panel and helps contain fire threats that may occur due to a fault or short circuit.
Address Age and Damage
If your switchboard is outdated, damaged, or lacks residual current devices, it’s time for a switchboard upgrade. A modern switchboard provides better protection, supports higher electrical load, and complies with australian electrical safety codes—helping you prevent electrical fires.
Avoid Overloading
Avoid plugging too many appliances into a single circuit. Excessive electrical load on old circuits can lead to electrical overheating and arcing. Use appliances correctly and ensure each circuit is matched with the right fuse or breaker to avoid electrical shock or catching fire.
Professional Repairs
If lights flicker, breakers trip, or you hear buzzing, call a qualified electrician. These are warning signs that your home electrical system may be compromised. Prompt response by professionals can prevent a switchboard fire risk and ensure your electrical equipment is functioning safely.
Keep Flammables Away
Store items like cardboard boxes, paper, and cleaning products far from the switchboard panel. Should a fire start, nearby flammables can worsen the situation, turning a small fault into a house fire.
Proper Installation
Only a certified electrical contractor should handle switchboard services or any electrical installation. Following Australian electrical safety regulations ensures your home’s electrical system is compliant, efficient, and most importantly—safe.
When Does Switchboard Upgrade Necessary
- Your switchboard is over 20 years old: Older units may not support modern electrical loads and often lack essential safety features like residual current devices, increasing the risk of electrical faults and fire hazards.
- Fuses blow or breakers trip frequently: This can indicate that your home’s electrical system is under strain or that circuits are overloaded, both of which are signs it’s time for an upgrade.
- You’re installing new or high-powered appliances: A switchboard upgrade is necessary to safely handle additional load and avoid overheating or damaging other electrical components.
- There’s no safety switch installed: Safety switches are required under Australian electrical safety regulations to protect against electric shock and prevent electrical fires.
- You notice flickering lights or burning smells: These are warning signs of faulty wiring or overheating circuits within the switchboard that could start a fire if ignored.
- You’re renovating or extending your home: Any changes to your home’s layout or increase in power usage should include upgrading your switchboard to meet current safety standards.
- The panel shows visible signs of damage or overheating: Signs like scorch marks, buzzing sounds, or a warm switchboard panel suggest internal faults and pose a significant safety risk.
- You want to comply with Australian electrical safety regulations: Upgrading ensures your electrical installation meets current standards, reduces hazards, and may be required for insurance compliance.
Keep Your Electric Switchboard At Bay, Call Our Electricians Now
A faulty or outdated switchboard can put your home at serious risk of fire or electric shock. Don’t wait for visible signs of damage—get ahead of the problem with a professional inspection or upgrade. Our licensed electricians in Sydney are ready to handle your electrical needs safely and efficiently.
Contact Calibre Connect today for expert switchboard services, fast response, and reliable workmanship across Sydney. We’ll help you keep your home safe and compliant with the latest Australian standards.