WHAT IS A SWITCHBOARD?
The main purpose of an electrical switchboard in your home or commercial property is to distribute electricity from one electrical source to another electrical source. It is a major component used in a power distribution process and is commonly made up of several electric panels. An electrical switchboard can be a single large panel or a combination of electrical panels on which switches and other power control equipment are mounted to redirect electricity. The main purpose of the board is to redirect and control the flow of power. It divides the main current supplied to it into several smaller chunks and distributes it to multiple devices. In precise, switchboards supply power to transformers, panels, and other equipment and from there power gets distributed further.
ELECTRICAL FAULT HAZARDS
Faulty electrical switches and wiring can cause dangerous situations to an electrician attending and the property itself and is a major, potentially lethal hazard. It can cause fires, electrocutions, and serious injuries. Faulty wiring is a common cause of electrical issues and if left for too long, it can result in damage to your home, or pose a safety hazard. In the event that you suspect a wiring issue, it’s essential that you call an electrician as soon as possible.
The pictures below show bad connection practices where the insulation has been stripped too far back and has left exposed wires at the Residual Current Device (RCD). This is why it’s important to make sure you engage a Fully Licensed Electrician to install extra power points or equipment that may have a large current rating such as Pumps, Compressors or box Air Conditioner units.
SPOTTING FAULTY WIRING
Signs of Faulty wiring include:
- Scorch marks around connections
- Electrical smell or burning plastic
- Equipment turning itself on/off randomly
- Cracking or popping sounds
- Exposed wires
- Damaged or loose connections
ELECTRICAL HAZARD SAFETY
If you suspect faulty wiring:
- Do not touch the faulty wiring or use the faulty equipment
- Switch off at the power source and disconnect equipment
- Call an Emergency Electrician as soon as possible
We recommend you schedule a Thermographic Imaging Assessment and Residual Current Device (RCD) Test on your properties switchboard each year as this will pick up any defective faulty breakers and RCD’s as well as any circuits that may be overloaded leading to future faults and potential hazards.
At the minimum we recommend an RCD test and visual inspection of your Switchboard every 12 months by a fully licensed Electrician.
NEED A FULLY LICENSED ELECTRICIAN IN MACKAY?
Jayden Enterprises Pty Ltd are your one stop Emergency Electrical contractors in Mackay. We provide a full range of electrical services for residential, commercial and industrial premises. Call us on (07) 4952 6011 or contact us online for all of your electrical needs.
