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Electrical Switchboard Upgrades in Auckland
There are several issues with older style switchboard setups, primarily revolving around outdated circuit protection measures and potential risks associated with incorrect fuse wire installation. Here’s a breakdown of the concerns and potential solutions
Poor Protection Against Short Circuits, Overload, and Electric Shock
Outdated switchboards found in many older Auckland homes lack adequate protection against these common electrical hazards. This is due to the older style of circuit protection, which may result in slower fuse trip times and increased risk of fire, equipment damage, or electric shock.
Risk of Incorrect Fuse Wire Installation
The design of the fuse holders makes it easy for them to be plugged back into the wrong base or rewired with the wrong fuse wire. This can lead to serious safety hazards, as the incorrect fuse rating may not provide proper protection for the circuit.
Difficulty in Verifying Correct Fuse Wire Rating
It's challenging to verify whether the correct fuse wire is fitted to each circuit by simply eyeballing it. This method is not reliable and may lead to incorrect assessments of the fuse rating.
Labeling Confusion
Considering the photographic example, the labeling on some fuse holders indicating "5A" may cause confusion, This is not a concern by itself as these fuse holders are all rated at 32a. The label on the fuse holder is simply to assist users in installing the correctly rated fuse wire and plugging it back into the correct ceramic base. The real concern is whether the correct fuse wire is fitted to each circuit.
Recommendation for Upgrading the Switchboard
The best course of action is to upgrade the switchboard to address these concerns effectively. By upgrading, you can eliminate the risks associated with outdated circuit protection measures and enhance safety by installing RCDs (Residual Current Devices) for electrocution protection and faster trip times under fault or overload conditions.
Current RCD Installation
While there is one RCD already fitted in this example, it's advisable to ensure that it's functioning correctly and consider adding more RCDs as needed for comprehensive protection. While there is one RCD already fitted in this example, it's advisable to ensure that it's functioning correctly and consider adding more RCDs as needed for comprehensive protection.
Contact Alex at 022 108 1177 or email alex@legacyelectrical.co.nz to discuss your Electrical Switchboard Upgrade needs in the greater Auckland region.
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