Switchboard, meter and fuse boxes: what do they do?

When it comes to the electrical system in your home or business, the switchboard, meter, and fuse box each play a distinct role in ensuring safe and reliable power distribution. While they may sound similar, they are separate components that work together to manage the flow of electricity. Understanding how each one functions is not just beneficial, but empowering, as it helps you appreciate their importance in maintaining electrical safety and gives you more control over your electrical systems.

Let's start with switchboards:

Everything You Need To Know About Switchboards

Your switchboard is arguably the most vital component of your property’s electrical system.

Every property relies on a switchboard, which distributes power through electrical circuits to all devices—power points, lights, fans, switches, and basically everything that requires electricity. It ensures that your home’s electrical system works instantly when needed. The switchboard also houses circuit breakers, which are designed to automatically cut off power to a circuit when it becomes overloaded or if there's a fault, thereby preventing electrical fires and other hazards.

However, because your switchboard handles large amounts of electricity, it must be regularly updated and properly maintained.

An outdated or faulty switchboard can be the root cause of dangerous electrical issues in your property, swiftly escalating into serious problems that demand immediate attention.

Switchboards are often overlooked during electrical upgrades, mainly because upgrading them can be expensive.

However, an upgrade becomes a necessity if your switchboard has faults or you’ve recently purchased heavy-duty appliances (like a new washing machine, refrigerator, or air conditioning system) that your current switchboard can’t support.

Ignoring faults or overloading your switchboard could lead to hazardous situations, including electrical fires, power outages, or even electrical shocks—consequences far more costly than upgrading your switchboard. An overloaded switchboard can cause the circuit breakers to trip frequently, leading to inconvenience and potential damage to your electrical appliances. It can also cause the wires to overheat, increasing the risk of fire.

So how does your switchboard work? And how can you determine if it’s time for an upgrade?

Let’s break it down.

How Does A Switchboard Work?

The switchboard is responsible for distributing electrical power throughout your home.

It takes the main power supply and splits it into 240-volt circuits, directing electricity to various household appliances.

Each circuit is made up of coloured wires that connect to outlets, switches, and other electrical points around your property.

When you turn on a device, like a lamp or heater, you complete the circuit, allowing power to flow.

Inside the switchboard, you'll find fuses or circuit breakers, which protect the circuits and wiring from damage due to electrical overloads.

The switchboard is connected to your home's service wires, which run underground from the street's transformer, passing through the meter box to reach your switchboard.

Do You Need To Upgrade Your Switchboard?

It depends on several factors. Here are a few reasons why you should have your switchboard checked by a professional electrician:

• If your switchboard was installed before the year 2000 Prior to this, regulations did not require safety switches to be installed, and these switches are essential for protecting your property and preventing electrical hazards.

• If your switchboard is mounted on unsafe or non-compliant materials such as asbestos panels or chipboard. These materials can be dangerous, especially as they degrade over time, and may even pose a fire risk.

• If your switchboard is showing signs of wear and tear. Over time, circuits can become loose, creating potential hazards.

• If you've recently completed, or plan to start, a home renovation or extension. These upgrades often increase your power requirements, which could overload your existing switchboard.

• If your switchboard still uses old circuit breakers or ceramic fuses. These can crack or stick, preventing them from functioning properly. This issue is especially common in switchboards older than 15 years.

Upgrading your switchboard is a proactive step you can take to prevent electrical fires and shocks. It also ensures that your power supply meets current Victorian safety standards, putting you in control and minimizing risks.

What Could Go Wrong If My Switchboard Is Outdated?

Power Outages

Old or faulty switchboards can quickly become overloaded, leading to power outages. As modern homes rely more on appliances, older switchboards may be unable to handle newer, energy-hungry devices like refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and heaters. This can result in circuit overloads, tripping switches, and exposing you to dangerous shocks or electrical fires.

Higher Risk of Electric Shock

Improper installations or deteriorating electrical wiring can lead to electric shocks. To avoid this risk, it’s critical to seek the expertise of a licensed electrician for any installations or repairs. Exposed or faulty wiring due to poor installation or aging components can pose a danger.

Electrical Fires

Old or malfunctioning switchboards and wiring are a common cause of electrical fires. Many older systems are wired with electrical cables, unlike modern switchboards that use metal tubing for added safety. This outdated wiring increases the risk of overheating and fires.

Metal tubing is a better conductor of electricity and provides a more secure installation, reducing the risk of sparks that could potentially lead to electrical fires.

An electrical fire in a wall cavity can cause severe damage to both property and individuals.

If you suspect any of the issues mentioned earlier with your switchboard, it’s crucial to seek professional advice immediately. Remember, neglecting to do so can result in serious injury or even death. Your safety is our top priority, and professional advice can provide the reassurance you need.

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What Can You Do To Protect Your Switchboard?

There are several ways to help prevent damage to your switchboard and reduce the likelihood of faults, extending the lifespan of your system and minimising the need for frequent replacements.

Replace Older Wiring

Old wiring in your switchboard and throughout your property becomes more prone to damage as it deteriorates. Upgrading to modern wiring that meets today's electrical requirements will help protect your entire electrical system.

Regular Testing

Regular electrical system testing can alert you to minor issues before they escalate into major problems. For instance, it can identify overloaded circuits, loose connections, or worn-out wiring, allowing you to take corrective action and prevent damage.

Install Modern Circuit Breakers and Safety Switches

Modern circuit breakers are your first line of defense against system damage. They prevent dangerous overloads, ensuring your system remains secure. Safety switches further enhance this security, protecting against electric shocks and other risks, making your switchboard safer for everyone using it.

Use Safe Appliances

Old or incompatible electrical appliances can cause faults within your system. Appliances over 20 may have degraded wiring, increasing the risk of electrical fires or shocks. Additionally, appliances designed for higher voltage systems (from countries with different standards) could damage your electrical system, leading to costly repairs or even system failure.

If you're unsure whether an appliance is contributing to your electrical issues, a qualified electrician can test and tag all your appliances, ensuring they are safe to use.

What happens if my electrical appliance blows one of my electrical circuits?

When you connect an appliance to an electrical circuit, the manual will specify the power requirements. If the circuit can't handle the power needed, the fuse box or circuit breakers will trip to prevent further damage, cutting off power immediately.

What Is A Fuse/Fuse Box?

A fuse box is similar to a switchboard in that it distributes electrical power. However, while the switchboard directs electricity around your home, the fuse box (or circuit breaker) protects your circuits from electrical overloads. These are critical components in safeguarding your electrical system, and it is important not to touch them unless you're a qualified professional.

It's not just about safety, it's about responsibility. It's recommended that your fuse box and safety switches be kept up to date to ensure that your electrical system and its users are protected from accidents. By staying on top of these updates, you're taking an active role in maintaining a safe environment.

What Is A Meter? (And Is It The Same Thing As A Meter Box?)

The meter connects your property to the street power lines. It records how much electricity you use and channels that power into your home. The meter is housed inside the meter box, which connects the power supply to your switchboard. While they work together, the meter and meter box are different.

The meter box is the large enclosure near the entrance of your home that houses all the essential components of your electrical system, including the meter, switchboard, main switch, fuse box, and safety switches. It serves as the central hub for managing and distributing electrical power throughout your property.

What Could Go Wrong With My Electrical Meter?

In certain situations, issues with your electrical meter could cause power outages. For instance, if the cable connecting it to the street power lines or your property is damaged, you could lose power. In such cases, a qualified electrician will be needed to repair the issue and restore the supply.

Additionally, if you notice an unexplained increase in your electricity bill, it could indicate a fault with your meter, such as it drawing too much power, or a problem with an appliance. A licensed electrician can diagnose and resolve the issue if it's related to the meter.

How Can Electrical Demand Increase?

The electrical needs of the average home are continuously rising, largely due to the growing use of modern appliances and technology. An older switchboard may struggle to keep up with these demands, leading to frequent trips of the circuit breaker and an elevated risk of electrical accidents.

Renovations or new construction projects may also require more electricity than your existing system can handle, potentially causing overloads. Additionally, commercial environments may use heavy-duty electrical equipment (e.g., large fridges, air conditioners, ovens) that demand their own circuits. Failing to accommodate these needs can overload your switchboard, increasing the risk of electrical fires, blackouts, and fuse trips.

Contact Us Today To Book A Licensed Electrician

At TNG Electrical our professional electricians specialise in maintaining and upgrading electrical switchboards, meters and fuse boxes.

Our number one goal is to provide an efficient service that will ensure reliable electricity supply and reduce the risk of electrical accidents.

Our team will identify whether you need a few components of your electrical system fixed or you need the whole unit replaced and recommend only the work required to keep you, your family, workers or patrons safe.

Is it time for an upgrade? Make sure you get a licensed electrical contractor to do the electrical work.

Contact us electrical safety inspections and all required electrical upgrades including installing your new switchboard!