Here at Protec Security and Electrical I often get asked why would anyone ever require a switchboard upgrade, what is the benefit for it and if everything is working currently, what could need fixing?
Switchboard upgrades can mean different things to different installers. Some like to advertise to their customers that they’re quoting on a switchboard upgrade in Perth then end up using all the same existing switchgear and slap it in a new enclosure with existing earth connections. Why complete a full switchboard upgrade to only leave the same existing 4mm2 corroding earth connection to a star picket. In Perth we need a good solid earth connection and to make sure our plumbing is earthed.
Switchboard upgrades are not all the same from each Electrician in Perth. It’s one of those services where if you’re going to do it you may as well install the latest equipment, make sure you have future proof space in the new board and re-terminate earths and electrodes to make the whole installation safe. I like to use Clipsal ResiMAX products paired with Clipsal single pole RCBO’s.
RCBOs are combination single pole (take up one space) circuit breakers that provide 2 functions, cable protection and electric shock protection. A cheap way to do this is to install a double pole RCD (shock protection only) and use that to protect up to 3x MCB’s for 3x final circuits (providing cable protection). In this option if you were to have 2 circuits you end up using 4 spaces of your new switchboard (4x poles) opposed to just 2 poles. If you had 6 circuits this would mean using 10x poles opposed to just 6 if RCBO’s were used. Space saving may not sound like a big deal but ask any Perth Electrician what the most frustrating part is about working in old switchboards? It will always be limited space, messy workmanship and redundant switchgear. If you were to do a good quality switchboard upgrade in Perth then there will be ample space for your future Perth Sparky and also using new switchgear you ensure all your circuits are protected with RCD’s (safety switches)
As of 1st Jan 2019 it became a requirement when doing switchboard upgrades in Perth to provide RCD protection to all final sub circuits. This is a great leap in legislation as was the introduction of lighting RCD’s over 10 years ago. I have no doubt in the coming years this will become a requirement of sale and rentals to provide full RCD protection to all circuits.
Using Clipsal ResiMAX busbars can make your new switchboard upgrade in Perth look better and easier to work on in the future. Using a busbar removes the need to loop a cable from the main switch into each circuit. They’re available in 3 phase and single phase options and for a small price addition to your upgrade they offer a much better result.
Remember to check the work of your Perth Electrician and double check the quote to ensure new switchgear is provided as many cheap, rushed and unqualified electricians in Perth take the easy way out and re-use old equipment to lower the cost of the quote and in exchange are not providing the service you have asked for. We’re always happy to discuss the pros and cons of each electrical product, their best applications, options and endless other questions here at Protec Security and Electrical. If you’re researching your electrical project then ensure you get knowledgeable installers with experience.
Protec Security and Electrical 