Switchboards and RCDs/Safety Switches
What is an Electrical Switchboard?
A switchboard is like the engine for your business or home. All the power runs through your switchboard while it distributes mains electricity around the building. All electrical circuits are controlled by the switchboard, so this is where electrical safety begins.
What is an RCD or Safety Switch?
An RCD (residual current device) is exactly the same thing as a safety switch, so this article will refer to them as RCDs.
An RCD is a switch in your switchboard which protects you from electric shock. Each RCD monitors one or more electrical circuits. It constantly monitors the electrical current running through these circuits, and if it detects a change in current it will shut the electricity to that circuit in 0.03 seconds. This is fast enough to prevent injury or death
When Should I Upgrade My Switchboard?
1. Your switchboard has old style fuses
Old ceramic fuses are not compliant with Australian Wiring Rules. They pose a safety risk and should be upgraded as soon as possible.
2. Your switchboard has no RCDs
RCDs can cut power in 0.03 seconds, which is faster than it takes to electrocute a human or animal. They are mandatory by Australian regulations in every new switchboard, and the reason is self explanatory. They are the number one opportunity to protect everyone from electric shock.
3. If your switchboard displays any of the following behaviours:
- Burning smell
- Sparks
- Humming or fizzing sound
- Power regularly tripping
- Lights flickering
Call an electrician immediately. Your switchboard may need upgrading, and even if it doesn't, you certainly need an electrical safety check. The most common fault in outdated switchboards is overheating - of the switchboard itself, and of the cables inside. The circuit breakers will be tripping regularly which causes a constant nuisance. But more than a nuisance, a major breakdown, or even a fire might occur if the situation is left unchecked.
4. You live a modern lifestyle with an outdated switchboard
Older switchboards were made when people relied less on electricity. Now we have more appliances, with higher power consumption, and the expected load for a building is much greater. When you upgrade, your new switchboard will carry a much higher load, and much more safely.
Why should I upgrade my switchboard?
- Install RCDs or RCBOs to protect you from electric shock
- Install circuit breakers to protect your home from fire
- Bring your switchboard up to current safety standards
- Carry a higher load of electricity, in line with modern life
- Keep loss of power to the one circuit, rather than losing power to the whole building
- Prevent nuisance tripping
At DJD Electrics, we can carry out an Electrical Safety Inspection at your commercial property or home. We will then report any issues and recommendations to you. Call DJD Electrics on 03 8819 1596 for a free quote and advice on your switchboard.
Why is my power tripping?
Faulty appliances make up the majority of tripping occurrences. As this is a nuisance, particularly in a commercial or residential building shared by many, most businesses and tenancies have appliances Test and Tagged every 6-12 months. This helps catch any faults before nuisance tripping can occur.
Other causes of tripping:
- Moisture or water in power outlets
- Moisture or water in lights
- A faulty RCD
- Disused wires not thoroughly terminated
Call DJD Electrics on 03 8819 1596 for all your switchboard needs.