Switchboard Installation

Understanding your Switchboard, Fuse Box and Circuit Breakers

If you’re experiencing regular blackouts and power outages, it’s time to do something about it. Domestic electrical issues should never be ignored and that means checking out your switchboard. Metropolitan Electrical Contractors specialises in electrical switchboard installation and can provide you with the essential service you need.

To the untrained eye, knowing what a switchboard is can be a touch confusing. It’s not an isolated piece of equipment, but rather a part of your home’s entire electrical system.

When something goes wrong with the power, you can trace it to the source at the fuse box, or electrical meter box. This houses the switchboard, main switch, RCD safety switches and circuit breakers. The fuse box is typically near the front of a house, on an internal or external wall. It may contain the electricity meter, too.

Inside your electric meter box you’ll find the following key components:

1. Switchboard: This is the overall unit that houses the main switch and circuit breakers. Think of it like the control panel for the power supply to household circuits.
2. Main Switch: The electrical main switch is the overall master control. When it’s switched off or is tripped the whole home loses power.
3. Circuit Breakers: Circuit breakers provide protection for fuses. They prevent short circuit and excess electrical current distribution and will trip and turn off to stop the power supply. There are often individual circuit breakers for lighting, hot water systems, air conditioning, etc, to prevent any one circuit from overloading.
4. RCD Safety Switches: Designed for human safety by preventing electric shock, residual current devices (RCD) cut off the power instantly when an imbalance is detected in the circuit. Although they essentially work the same as a circuit breaker, RCD safety switches react to more sensitive changes in current.

Each element of your electrical switchboard can be broken down and assessed individually when you’re having issues with power. However, Metropolitan Electrical Contractors will always look at testing your entire electrical system for a thorough fault-finding analysis.

We pay attention to the fine details so you can receive a detailed assessment. This will help you understand the best course of action and long-term management. So if you’re dealing with any electrical switchboard woes, contact us to book a local licensed electrician.

Electric Switchboard Upgrade

Average power usage needs have drastically evolved over the years. Once there was a time when it was a luxury to have a washing machine, telephone or TV. Now, it’s the norm. Homes are also filled with slow cookers, air fryers and countless chargeable devices like smartphones and tablets.

But as our demands have increased, the characteristics of older homes haven’t changed. Yes, new builds are tailor-made for a 21st-century world, but many existing houses have not experienced that same evolution.

Old and inadequate residential electrical switchboards can be dangerous. Ceramic fuses are not designed with the same level of safety as modern fuses. There’s less protection against high voltage frequencies that can damage valuable appliances. Your home itself could even be at a high degree of risk if an electrical fire sparked.

Signs It’s Time To Upgrade Your Switchboard

A switchboard upgrade is highly recommended if you:

• Have old ceramic fuses
• Do not have a safety switch or RCD protection
• Experience regular power outages
• Suffer from frequently blown fuses
• Have damaged wiring or a damaged switchboard

Upgrading to a brand-new switchboard is the best way to avoid potential threats to your home. You can be sure that it is wholly compliant with modern regulations, including appropriate RCD protection. The various electrical circuits and connections will also be neatly organised in a clutter-free environment.

If you’re unsure about the quality of your existing electrical switchboard, contact Metropolitan Electrical Contractors. We can discuss all replacement and upgrade options to ensure you receive the most appropriate solution.

Interest Free** Electrical Switchboard Installation

Let’s face it, something like an electrical switchboard upgrade isn’t on most to-do lists. It’s not a planned expense. Often it strikes unexpectedly, forcing us to dig into some savings or the weekly budget.

Metropolitan Electrical Contractors is here to alleviate any potential concerns you may have regarding residential switchboard costs.

We offer a range of interest free** payment plans for eligible customers. For example, you could have a switchboard upgrade and not worry about the initial cost. You can spread out the job payments over manageable instalments. It’s quick and easy.

Just choose a payment plan with one of our providers – Zip or Humm. You have the flexibility of weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments. Some plans even accept a $0 deposit, so you pay nothing upfront. Your electrician can take you through the easy application process on-site and approval usually takes only a few minutes.

Most importantly it means any and all of your electrical concerns can be addressed without delay. Safety concerns will be fixed promptly with the best possible solution enacted. Your residential switchboard and electrical wiring will be undeniably up to standard.

If you would like to know more about our switchboard installation and maintenance services, contact Metropolitan Electrical Contractors today. We’re here to help with all of your electrical questions and concerns.