Your switchboard is the heart of your home's electrical system. It controls the flow of electricity to every light, appliance and power point. When a switchboard is old, damaged or fitted with outdated protection, it can become a serious fire hazard.
Many homes across Bayside and South East Melbourne still have older setups that are well past their safe working life. Here is how to tell if your switchboard may be unsafe and why an upgrade is worth considering.
1. Old or Failing Safety Switches and RCDs
It is not only ceramic fuses that cause problems. A lot of older homes still have early style RCDs and circuit breakers that no longer trip fast enough, or sometimes do not operate at all. These older devices can develop faults over time from heat, moisture, or simple age.
Warning Signs
- Your safety switch trips regularly
- The switch feels loose or gets warm
- Part of the switchboard looks discoloured or brittle
- Your home still has the old style brown or beige RCDs that are known for poor performance
If a safety device cannot react quickly, the circuit is left exposed to overheating and possible fire.
2. Overloaded Circuits
Modern homes use far more electricity than older boards were designed for. Air conditioners, induction cooktops, EV chargers, fridges and entertainment systems can push old circuits to their limits.
Signs of an Overloaded Board
- Lights dim when appliances start
- Frequent tripping
- Buzzing or sizzling sounds
- Noticeable heat coming from the switchboard
An overloaded circuit is one of the most common causes of switchboard fires.
3. Old Wiring Behind the Scenes
Even if the switchboard itself looks fine, the cabling that connects to it may not be. Houses with older black rubber or cloth cabling can experience insulation breakdown, exposed conductors and overheating.
What to Look For
- A burning smell near a powerpoint or switch
- Brittle or crumbly cable insulation
- Flickering lights
- Melted powerpoints or discolouration around fittings
Your switchboard should be equipped to protect this wiring. If the wiring is old and the protection is outdated, the risk increases.
4. No Safety Switches on All Circuits
Current standards require safety switches on every circuit in a home. Many older switchboards still only have one or two. Without complete protection, the risk of fire and electric shock rises.
If your lighting, power, cooktop or air conditioning are not individually protected, it is time to consider an upgrade.
5. Physical Deterioration and Heat Damage
Heat, moisture and age can all cause the internal components of a switchboard to weaken over time.
Visible Warning Signs
- Rust
- Cracks in the enclosure
- Scorch marks
- Loose cables
- A board that feels warm to touch
Once a board starts to physically break down, the risk of arcing and fire increases.
Why Upgrading Your Switchboard Matters
A modern switchboard is designed to give you fast, reliable protection and peace of mind. Upgrading will provide:
- Safety switches on all circuits
- Faster reaction times to faults
- Space for future electrical additions
- Protection from overheating and fire
- Compliance with current Victorian regulations
Most importantly, it keeps your family safe and avoids the stress of electrical faults, outages and costly damage.
Unsure About Your Switchboard?
If you are in Bayside or South East Melbourne and are unsure about the condition of your switchboard, we can complete a safety inspection and give you honest advice. Haven Electrical specialises in tidy, professional switchboard upgrades using high quality gear that keeps your home safe for many years.
Get a Free Quote Call 0437 376 562