Your switchboard is the heart of the home's wiring, and an old one quietly does less and less to protect you. Most people never look at it until something goes wrong. These are the signs worth acting on before that happens.
The signs to watch for
If one or two of these sound familiar, it is worth having the board looked at. If several do, an upgrade is usually overdue.
- Ceramic or rewireable fuses instead of circuit breakers.
- No RCD safety switches on the board.
- A switchboard more than about 25 years old.
- Fuses that blow or breakers that trip often.
- Scorch marks, a buzzing sound, or a burning smell at the board.
- You are adding an EV charger, heat pump or another big appliance.
Why RCD protection matters
An RCD cuts the power within milliseconds when it senses current leaking to earth, which is exactly the situation that causes a fatal shock. Ceramic fuses simply cannot do this. For most homes an RCD is the single biggest safety improvement an upgrade brings.
What an upgrade involves
A registered electrician inspects the board, meter and circuits, then replaces the old fuses with circuit breakers and RCDs or RCBOs. The power is off only during the changeover, usually a few hours, and every circuit is tested before you get a Certificate of Compliance for the work.
Switchboards and your insurance
Many insurers now expect a modern switchboard, and some ask about it directly. Bringing the board up to date is not only safer, it also helps keep your cover valid. If you are unsure, it is worth checking your policy wording.
Related services
Got an electrical question? Ask a registered electrician.