Steps In Making A Switchboard Connection

The switchboard is the power distribution of the building, directing the electrical currents around the place. Redirecting electricity from the main supply, when an appliance is in need of use, the switchboard will provide the electrical power. The flow of electricity is controlled and managed by the electrical switchboard fitting, which is why it is really important.

Instead of purchasing and installing a whole new switchboard, which can be expensive, you can upgrade your current switchboard with new wiring, RCD switches, fuses and circuit breakers. While saving the number of resources needed, the time and money spent are drastically reduced. If the switchboard is not damaged itself but more so the wires, following these steps can be extremely useful. However, as mentioned earlier this process can be extremely dangerous and should only be undertaken if you have the proper electrical licensing and training.

• Wire cutter
• Copper wire
• Switchboard
• Circuit Breakers
• Screwdrivers
• If a switchboard is not currently available, you can purchase one from a switchboard manufacturer. For example, we always use Hager for all our switchboard materials.

When dealing with the electrical wires and alike, it is important that protective gloves are worn. Even though the switchboard will have no power connected to it, it is a safety practice. For instance, as the wires are exposed due to insulation being removed the chance that the switchboard is connected to power may lead to shocks. Moreover, with the other sharper tools, gloves will also help, as well as safety glasses.This is the same when connecting the switchboard to the main power supply, ensure to be extremely safe. The sharp tools and electrical wiring can lead to severe and life-threatening injuries if handling any of the steps incorrectly.

1. Grab the copper wire and measure it across the switchboard
2. With this measurement, peel off the insulation of the wire according to what measurement was recorded with the wire cutters
3. Roll the copper wires around to add some strength to them. Also rolling them makes sure they do not separate while connecting in the switchboard
4. Use the screwdriver to unscrew the screws in the ‘phase-in’ of the switches. They are located on the bottom of the switch
5. Have the ‘phase-in’ inserted into the switches, which gives up one common face for the copper wire
6. Tighten the screws back up again with the screwdriver to then cut with the wire cutters the remaining wire

1. Using the wire cutters, cut the copper wire insulation according to the measurement of the ‘phase-out’ of the switch measuring it to socket’s line terminal
2. Unscrew with the screwdriver the ‘phase-out’ part of the switch
3. Roll the exposed wire so when feeding it through the line terminal of the socket it is much easier
4. Using the screwdriver, tighten the screws back up again so the ‘phase-out’ section is secured

1. With the regular wire, trim off the insulation after measuring it with the distance from it to the ‘phase-out’ section
2. Roll the exposed wire to strengthen it
3. Unscrew the ‘phase-out’ part of the switch to then insert the ire into there
4. Screw the part back in, with the ‘phase-out’ terminal helping the regular to support the fan

If curious on if the current switchboard of your home might need replacing, here are a few signs which may indicate this:

• Older homes and older wiring often means that the system is either outdated, not working or is of older technology
• If fuses are regularly blowing or appliance short circuit more than often, the switchboard can be malfunctioning
• When lights flicker, power points are hot or even spark or if there are buzzing noises around the home, the switchboard may be the reason
• When plugging in appliances and revising shocks that is an urgent reason for replacing the switchboard

For more information on when to upgrade to a new electrical switchboard, visit our insight providing the necessary information on the topic.