How To Use Your Switchboard & Switch Box?

A switchboard or a switch box is a small box located in properties and contains numerous different systems. Most switchboards will contain:

• Safety Switches – these are specific switches with the main focus of turning off the power supply to specific systems. They will do this when an electrical surge or spike has been detected in the specific system they govern. 
• Circuit Breakers – these each have their own circuit which they will constantly inspect and protect from power spikes. When the circuit breaker has detected an electrical overload then it will immediately shut off power to the certain circuit. Other circuits will still be able to be used while the specific circuit has been tripped.
• Fuse Box – the fuse is similar to safety switches where they will stop large amounts of electrical currents ruining appliances and hurting people.

Electrical switchboards are also the main or central point where electrical power is distributed. As it contains the circuit breakers it is where electricians set up different circuits for the home. Such as one circuit will be for the lights and another might be for outside. The electricity meter is also connected to the switch box where it will read the amount of electricity consumed for the electrical provider to use.

As the electricity meter needs to be easily accessible by electricity meter readers the switchboard is often at the front or side of the building. The meter is connected to the switch box which is why they are located in simple areas. It is also more efficient if the switch box is located outside and with proper ventilation to prevent the systems inside from becoming too hot. Most switch boxes will be on the side or front of the building but in rare cases in the basement or hallway.

People who are not trained in the electrical field will most likely not need to touch or work on the switchboard. It is dangerous and risky because the switchboard has many electrical components and systems connecting to it. There are some cases in which a person might need to work on the switchboard or switch box.

Power Outages

When there has been a power outage most people will examine their switchboard to see why the power has gone out. It is important to check with neighbours to see if it is affecting multiple people and not from the switchboard. When multiple properties are affected then waiting for the electric to be properly restored is the only option.

If the power has gone out in just the home or in one section of the house then the switch box should be inspected. The main power switch might have been turned off or an electrical fault could have tripped the circuit breakers. If the power still fails to return then a fully qualified electrician should be contacted to find the source of the concern. 

We recommend reading our blog ‘how to plan and prepare for a blackout’ if these instances are a common occurrence. 

Circuits Not Working

When one part of the home or circuit has no power then there might have been an electrical surge. Such as the lights or appliances in the kitchen not working, the systems in the switch box might have stopped potential electrical dangers. 

Inspect the switchboard to see if the circuit breaker switches, safety switches or fuses have tripped. Often switching the tripped breakers back into the on position will restore the power. If the system keeps tripping or power fails to be restored then a licensed electrician is needed.

If you want to know how to find a good electrician we encourage checking our blog with more detailed tips.

The most common issues regarding the electrical switch box and switchboard are:

• Rust – being exposed to elements and not being properly maintained can lead to the switchboard becoming rusted. When this happens there is a high chance that the components within will fail. Rust will eat at the metal as well which can lead to holes forming and rain potentially falling through.

Old Age – older switchboard will most likely need a switchboard upgrade due to not being able to handle today’s electrical demand. It is important that a healthy, working switch box is installed to decrease the chance of electrical fires or shocks.