5 Signs Your Home Might Need a Switchboard Upgrade

Auswire Team Member
Apr 14
2 min read

Your switchboard is the heart of your home’s electrical system—but most homeowners rarely give it a second thought until something goes wrong. If your switchboard is outdated or struggling to keep up, it could pose a serious safety risk and impact the performance of your entire home.

Here are five signs it might be time to upgrade your switchboard:

1. Your Safety Switch Trips Regularly

Frequent tripping can be more than just annoying—it’s often your switchboard’s way of saying it’s overloaded or detecting faults in your wiring. Older switchboards weren’t built to handle modern power demands from things like air cons, multiple TVs, and high-wattage appliances.

2. You Still Have Ceramic Fuses

If your switchboard has ceramic fuses, it’s definitely time for an upgrade. These older systems don’t offer the same protection as modern safety switches and circuit breakers, putting your home at risk of electrical fires or shock.

3. Lights Flicker or Power Points Buzz

Flickering lights, buzzing power points, or burning smells near your electrical panel are serious red flags. These can all be symptoms of loose connections, overloaded circuits, or degraded wiring—and they shouldn’t be ignored.

4. You’ve Recently Renovated or Added New Appliances

Renovating your kitchen? Adding an air con or EV charger? New appliances mean more power draw. Your old switchboard might not have enough capacity to safely support it all.

5. Your Home is Over 20 Years Old

If your home hasn’t had an electrical upgrade in two decades or more, there’s a good chance your switchboard is outdated. Even if everything seems to be working fine, the technology may not meet current electrical safety standards.

The Bottom Line

A modern switchboard protects your home, your family, and your appliances. If you’ve noticed any of the signs above—or just want peace of mind—it might be time to chat with a licensed electrician.

At Auswire Electrical & Air, we specialise in switchboard upgrades for Brisbane homes. We’ll assess your current setup, talk you through the options, and make sure your home is safe and future-ready.

Need a quote or a quick check-up?