Your home’s electrical system works quietly behind the scenes every day, powering everything from lights and appliances to computers and entertainment systems. At the heart of that system is your switchboard — the central hub that distributes electricity safely throughout your home.
But just like any part of your home, switchboards don’t last forever. If yours is outdated or overloaded, it could put your family and property at serious risk. In fact, many homes across Perth — especially older properties in areas like Fremantle, Victoria Park, and Como — are still running on switchboards that no longer meet today’s safety standards.
At Power Path Electrical, we regularly upgrade old switchboards and see firsthand how much safer and more reliable a home becomes afterward. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five biggest warning signs that it’s time to upgrade your switchboard.
Why Your Switchboard Matters
The switchboard is essentially the traffic controller of your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity from the mains supply to various circuits — lighting, power points, hot water, and more.
A modern switchboard includes circuit breakers and RCD (Residual Current Device) safety switches that protect your home from overloads, short circuits, and electrocution. Older boards, however, may rely on ceramic fuses that simply aren’t designed for the power demands of modern living.
1. Frequent Tripping of Circuit Breakers
One of the most common signs of an overloaded or outdated switchboard is frequent tripping. If your power cuts out regularly when you use multiple appliances — for example, running the dishwasher and the air conditioner at the same time — your board may be struggling to cope.
Why it happens:
- Modern households use far more electricity than homes did 20–30 years ago.
- Old switchboards weren’t designed for today’s appliances, entertainment systems, and air conditioning units.
Local example: We often get calls from families in Canning Vale and Willetton experiencing constant tripping when running their pool pumps alongside household appliances. An upgrade fixes the problem and allows for smooth, reliable power.
2. Flickering Lights or Power Fluctuations
Do your lights flicker when you switch on a large appliance? Or does your TV or computer reset unexpectedly? These are signs that your switchboard may not be distributing electricity evenly.
Possible causes:
- Loose or damaged wiring in the switchboard.
- Overloaded circuits unable to cope with demand.
- Old fuses struggling to regulate power flow.
Ignoring these signs can increase the risk of electrical fires or damage to sensitive electronics.
3. No RCD Safety Switches Installed
By law, all Perth homes must have RCD safety switches installed. RCDs monitor the flow of electricity and instantly cut power if they detect a fault, protecting you from potentially fatal electric shocks.
How to check:
- Open your switchboard and look for switches labelled “RCD” or a test button.
- If you only see old ceramic fuses, your switchboard is outdated and unsafe.
Why it matters: Without RCDs, you’re not only putting your family at risk — you may also be in breach of WA regulations if you rent or sell your property.
4. Old Fuse-Style Switchboard
If your switchboard still uses ceramic fuses instead of circuit breakers, it’s time to upgrade. These old systems were common in Perth homes built before the 1990s but are now considered unsafe.
Problems with ceramic fuses:
- They don’t provide the same level of protection as modern breakers.
- They can overheat and cause fires.
- Homeowners often replace blown fuses incorrectly, creating further hazards.
An upgrade to a modern switchboard ensures your home meets today’s electrical safety standards.
5. Renovations, Extensions, or New Appliances
Even if your switchboard seems to be working fine, you may need an upgrade if you’re making major changes to your home.
Examples:
- Installing ducted air conditioning.
- Adding a new kitchen with multiple high-energy appliances.
- Building an extension or granny flat.
- Installing solar panels or an electric vehicle charger.
All of these increase the load on your electrical system. Without an upgraded switchboard, your home may not be able to handle the extra demand safely.
Why Upgrading Your Switchboard Is Essential
A switchboard upgrade isn’t just about convenience — it’s about safety and compliance. Here’s what you’ll gain:
- ✅ Improved safety: Protection against shocks and fire hazards.
- ✅ Capacity for modern living: Power your appliances without constant tripping.
- ✅ Compliance with WA laws: Meet safety requirements for homeowners and landlords.
- ✅ Peace of mind: Confidence that your electrical system is safe for your family.
The Upgrade Process
When you call Power Path Electrical for a switchboard upgrade, here’s what happens:
- Inspection: We assess your current board and wiring.
- Recommendation: We explain what upgrades are needed and why.
- Installation: We replace your old board with a modern, safe unit.
- Testing: We test every circuit to ensure everything is working properly.
- Certification: You receive proof that your home is compliant with Australian standards.
The process usually takes a few hours and immediately improves your home’s safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a switchboard upgrade cost in Perth?
On average, between $800 and $1,500 depending on the size and condition of your existing system.
Q: How long does the upgrade take?
Most upgrades are completed within half a day.
Q: Can I upgrade my switchboard myself?
No. Electrical work in WA must be carried out by a licensed electrician. DIY switchboard work is illegal and highly dangerous.
Q: How often should a switchboard be checked?
We recommend a safety inspection every 5–10 years, or sooner if you notice warning signs.
Final Thoughts
Your switchboard is the unsung hero of your home’s electrical system — but if it’s outdated, it could be a hidden danger. From frequent tripping to missing safety switches, the signs of an overloaded or unsafe board shouldn’t be ignored.
At Power Path Electrical, we’ve helped countless Perth families upgrade to modern switchboards that provide safety, reliability, and peace of mind. Whether you’re renovating, adding new appliances, or just concerned about your old system, we can help.
📞 Call us today on 0499 586 948 for a free quote on a switchboard upgrade — and protect your home the right way.
