Electrical Switchboards

The Heart of Your Home’s Electrical System

Your electrical switchboard is the central hub of your home’s or business’s electrical system, managing and distributing power to every circuit in the building. It ensures that your electrical appliances, lighting, and outlets receive a safe and reliable electricity supply. Benchmark Electrical specialises in installing, maintaining, and upgrading electrical switchboards to keep your property safe, efficient, and compliant with the latest electrical standards.

What is an Electrical Switchboard?

An electrical switchboard, often referred to as a fuse box or circuit breaker panel, is a device that distributes electricity from the main power supply to individual circuits throughout your home or workplace. It protects your electrical system by regulating the flow of electricity. In the event of an overload or fault, it automatically cuts off the power to prevent damage or potential hazards like electrical fires.

Switchboards are essential for:

• Managing Power Distribution: The switchboard distributes power to different areas of your property, such as lighting, appliances, and HVAC systems. It ensures that each circuit receives the correct amount of electricity.
• Protecting Against Overloads: When circuits are overloaded, the switchboard detects this and trips the circuit breaker or blows a fuse to prevent overheating or potential fires.
• Ensuring Safety: A properly functioning switchboard is key to maintaining electrical safety. It prevents electrical faults and minimises the risk of hazards such as short circuits and electric shocks.
• Compliance with Electrical Codes: Modern electrical switchboards are designed to meet strict safety standards, ensuring that your electrical system complies with local codes and regulations.

Signs Your Switchboard May Need an Upgrade

If your switchboard is outdated, overloaded, or not functioning correctly, it can pose significant safety risks. Here are some common signs that your switchboard may need upgrading:

• Frequent Tripped Circuit Breakers: If your circuit breakers are constantly tripping, this could indicate that your switchboard is struggling to handle the electrical load. An upgrade may be necessary to ensure it can manage your household’s power needs.
• Fuses Instead of Circuit Breakers: Older switchboards may use fuses instead of modern circuit breakers. While fuses were once common, they are now considered outdated and less reliable. Upgrading to circuit breakers offers better safety and performance.
• Burning Smell or Scorch Marks: If you notice a burning smell, scorch marks, or signs of overheating around your switchboard, it’s critical to call an electrician immediately. These are indicators of a serious electrical problem that needs immediate attention.
• Overloaded Circuits: If you’ve added new appliances, extended your home, or renovated, your switchboard may need more capacity to handle the additional load. Upgrading ensures that your electrical system can support modern appliances without overloading.
• Flickering Lights or Power Surges: Flickering lights or frequent power surges can indicate an electrical fault, often related to an overloaded or malfunctioning switchboard. Upgrading can resolve these issues and provide consistent, reliable power.
• No Safety Switches (RCDs): Modern switchboards come equipped with Residual Current Devices (RCDs) or safety switches, which immediately cut the power if they detect a fault or potential shock. If your switchboard lacks RCDs, it’s time to upgrade to enhance safety.

Our Switchboard Services

At Benchmark Electrical, we provide a range of switchboard services to ensure your electrical system is safe, reliable, and up-to-date with the latest technology:

• Switchboard Installation: Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading an outdated electrical system, our electricians can install a new switchboard that meets all safety standards. We’ll ensure your switchboard is designed to handle your current and future electrical needs.
• Switchboard Upgrades: If your existing switchboard is old or unable to handle the electrical load, we offer professional upgrade services. We’ll replace outdated fuses with modern circuit breakers and install safety switches (RCDs) to enhance protection against electrical faults.
• Safety Switch Installation: Safety switches, or RCDs, are crucial to modern switchboards. They detect electrical leaks and immediately cut off the power, preventing electric shocks and protecting your family. If your switchboard doesn’t have safety switches, we can install them to ensure compliance with the latest safety regulations.
• Switchboard Maintenance & Repairs: Regular switchboard maintenance is essential for preventing electrical faults. Our team can inspect your switchboard to ensure it’s operating correctly and safely. If any issues are found, we provide efficient repair services to restore functionality and prevent future problems.
• Circuit Breaker Replacement: Circuit breakers can wear out over time, especially if they’re frequently tripping due to electrical overloads. We can replace faulty or outdated circuit breakers with new, reliable models to ensure your system operates safely and efficiently.

Why Choose Benchmark Electrical for Your Switchboard Needs?

At Benchmark Electrical, we understand the importance of a well-functioning switchboard for the safety and efficiency of your electrical system. Here’s why you should trust us for your switchboard installation, upgrades, and maintenance:

• Licensed & Experienced Electricians: Our team of fully licensed electricians has extensive experience working with all types of switchboards. We follow the latest safety regulations and ensure that every installation or upgrade is done to the highest standards.
• Safety First Approach: Your safety is our top priority. We ensure every switchboard we install or upgrade includes safety switches and meets current electrical codes to protect your property from electrical hazards.
• Custom Solutions: Every property differs, and we provide personalised recommendations based on your specific electrical needs. Whether you’re upgrading for safety or capacity, we’ll ensure your switchboard is tailored to your home or business.
• Quality Products: We use only high-quality materials and trusted brands to ensure your switchboard is durable and reliable. Our installations are designed to withstand time and handle future electrical demands.
• Transparent Pricing: We offer clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what to expect. Our switchboard services are competitively priced, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

Whether dealing with an outdated switchboard or planning a renovation, Benchmark Electrical is here to help. We provide professional switchboard installation, upgrades, and maintenance services to ensure your electrical system is safe, efficient, and compliant with current regulations.