Category: Switchboard
Why a Switchboard Upgrade Is Cost-Effective When it Comes to Replacing Your Fuse BoardsWhy a Switchboard Upgrade Is Cost-Effective When it Comes to Replacing Your Fuse Boards
An electrical switchboard is an extremely important piece of electrical equipment. Due to its highly sensitive nature, it is essential to maintain a clean switchboard and its various components. It can reduce the risk of electrical shock, prevent accidental shocks and cut down on the frustration associated with confusing signals and broken electrical connections. Although an electrical switchboard replacement is not a required component of a modern business, most companies still upgrade them when the time comes. It is important to choose a reputable company to do this job for your company.
Cost
The electrical switchboard upgrade cost may seem quite high. However, you need to look at the bigger picture. Replacing an old switchboard with a new and modern one can save hundreds, maybe even thousands, of dollars on your annual electrical bill. The high initial cost of the switchboard may appear quite excessive, but you need to look at the total cost over its lifetime. Over the years, you may find that the amount you pay in terms of electricity, is less than what you would have paid for brand new equipment.
It is important to remember that the electrical switchboard upgrade cost does not just include the cost of the new switchboard. It also includes the cost of the electrical wiring, the labour to install the wiring and any parts or accessories that need to be added or replaced. Most importantly, when changing your electrical wiring, you need to make sure that it is lead-free. Lead-free wiring has been a requirement since the ’60s. If your wiring is not lead-free, you run the risk of electrical shock and poisoning yourself or others.
Fuses
If you plan on replacing your old fuse boards, you must get the same fuse ratings as you currently do. The cost of the electrical switchboard upgrade will be much higher if the current fuses are not sufficient to handle the electricity load you are currently generating. Keep in mind that if you decide to replace your existing fuse boards, you must ensure that the new ones are FPA rated. If you don’t, the electricity you generate could be higher than the maximum safety rating, causing severe damage to property and injuries to personnel.
Checks and Inspections
You must check your electrical switchboard upgrade regularly to make sure that all fuse boards are up to code. If you notice any damaged fuse boards, call out immediately and have the area vacated while you address the problem. If you find that all of the fuse boards are up to code, and there is no sign of damage or aging, you may want to consider replacing all of the fuse racks as well. Call the local fire department to let them know that there were electrical issues and they will assist you in getting out the damaged equipment.
As you can see from the above example of why you must check your electrical switchboard when necessary, it is cost-effective to have the panel replaced even if you don’t need to replace all of the fuse racks. In most instances, it costs less to have everything on site replaced rather than calling in an expert to do the job. Even when you do call an expert to replace your mains or fuse boards, you will almost always be able to save money on the overall cost by having your switchboard upgraded when necessary.
There is one more reason that you must perform a thorough electrical switchboard upgrade when necessary; namely, older homes have been found to have more asbestos in their wiring system than newer homes. It has been proven that up to 80% of older homes contain at least some level of asbestos. When this is the case, it is not only unsafe to the occupants but is also an extremely dangerous situation for anyone who comes into contact with it. The only way to be certain that you do not come in contact with any asbestos is to have a thorough switchboard replacement performed.