How to Tell If Your Switchboard Needs an Upgrade

Your switchboard is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It’s what sends power to all your lights, appliances, and devices. But just like anything else, switchboards can get old, worn out, or just not keep up with modern life. And when that happens, it can lead to some serious problems even safety risks.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the signs that your switchboard might need an upgrade, why it’s important, and what you can do about it.

What is a Switchboard?

Before we jump into the warning signs, let’s quickly explain what a switchboard does.

A switchboard (also called a fuse box or electrical panel) is the box, usually found in your garage or outside wall, that controls the electricity flowing to different parts of your home. It holds circuit breakers (or old-school fuses) that cut off power if something goes wrong,  like a short circuit or overload.

Older switchboards weren’t designed for the kind of electricity we use today, dishwashers, air cons, home theatres, EV chargers, and even just heaps of power points. That’s why many Aussie homes need an upgrade.

1. Your Switchboard Uses Fuses (Not Circuit Breakers)

One of the easiest ways to know if your switchboard is outdated is if it still uses ceramic fuses. These fuses blow when there’s too much current — and you have to physically replace the wire or fuse each time. That’s a real pain and definitely not up to modern safety standards.

Why it’s a problem:

Fuses don’t offer the same safety as modern circuit breakers.

• No RCD (safety switch) protection, which is now required by law in many cases.

• They can overheat or fail without warning.

• If your home still has fuses, it’s time to seriously consider an upgrade.

2. Lights Flicker or Appliances Trip

Do your lights flicker when you turn on the kettle or microwave? Do appliances trip the power randomly?

This usually means your switchboard is struggling to handle the load. Older switchboards weren’t built for today’s power-hungry devices, and they often trip when things get too much.

Signs to watch for:

• Lights dimming or flickering

• Frequent power outages in one part of the house

• Appliances turning off suddenly

• Buzzing noises coming from the switchboard

3. Your Home is Over 20 Years Old

If your home is more than 20 years old and hasn’t had an electrical upgrade, there’s a good chance the switchboard is outdated too.

Building standards have changed a lot over the years. What was fine in 2005 might not be safe or legal today.

Things have changed, like:

• Safety switch (RCD) requirements

• Wiring standards

• Load capacity to suit modern appliances

Just because the lights are still turning on doesn’t mean your system is safe or up to code.

4. No Safety Switches (RCDs)

A Residual Current Device (RCD), also known as a safety switch, is a must-have in modern homes. It cuts the power in milliseconds if it detects a fault — like if someone touches a live wire or if water gets into a socket.

If your switchboard doesn’t have RCDs protecting your power and lights, you are taking a big risk.

Why they matter:

• They can literally save lives

• Prevent serious electrical shocks

• Now required by law in most renovations and new builds

• Upgrading your switchboard will ensure your home is protected with proper safety switches.

5. Burning Smells or Scorch Marks

If you ever smell burning around your switchboard, or see any scorch marks, call an electrician straight away.

This is a major warning sign. It could mean the wiring is overheating, there’s a loose connection, or something more dangerous is going on.

Don’t ignore these red flags:

• Burning smell

• Scorch marks on the board or wall

• Crackling or buzzing sounds

• Warm to the touch

• A fire risk is not something to take lightly, better to upgrade before anything bad happens.

6. You have Renovated or Added New Appliances

Have you recently built an extension, added a granny flat, or installed big appliances like a pool pump, oven, or air conditioning system?

If yes, your switchboard might not be able to handle the extra demand. Without enough capacity, your power will trip more often or worse — cause overheating.

You may need an upgrade if:

• You have added new power circuits

• Installed solar power or a home battery

• Started charging an electric car

• Have more people using more power than before

• Upgrading ensures your system can handle your current and future needs.

7. You are Selling or Renting Out the Home

If you are planning to sell or rent out your property, having an old switchboard can be a deal-breaker. It could delay inspections, fail compliance checks, or even make it harder to get home insurance.

In most states, rental properties are required by law to have safety switches. So if you are renting, upgrading the board might be a legal must-do.

A modern switchboard helps with:

• Property compliance

• Faster sale process

• Peace of mind for buyers or tenants

• Better insurance coverage

Why You Shouldn’t DIY a Switchboard Upgrade

Switchboard upgrades are not a DIY job. They are complex and potentially dangerous, and only a licensed electrician can legally and safely do this work in Australia.

• Trying to do it yourself or hiring someone dodgy can result in:

• Serious injury or death

• House fires

• Voided insurance

• Legal trouble

Always hire a qualified, licensed electrician to do the job right.

The Benefits of a Switchboard Upgrade

✔ Improved safety: Protects you and your family from electrical shocks or fires.

✔ More capacity: Handles modern appliances and future upgrades like solar or EVs.

✔ Legal compliance: Meets Australian safety standards and rental laws.

✔ Peace of mind: No more flickering lights or random power trips.

✔ Increased property value: A selling point for buyers and investors.

Final Thoughts

If your switchboard is old, overloaded, or just doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. An upgrade isn’t just about convenience, it’s about safety and future-proofing your home.

Whether you have noticed flickering lights, still have fuses, or just want to be sure your home is protected, get in touch with a licensed local electrician for an inspection. A small investment now can save you from major problems down the track.

Need a Switchboard Upgrade or Electrical Help?

Don’t wait for a power outage or safety issue to catch you off guard. Get in touch with Mick Adamson Electrical for expert switchboard upgrades, safety checks, and all your electrical needs, done right the first time.

Call us today