Your switchboard is the central hub for all the electrical circuits in your home. Just like any type of equipment, however, switchboards eventually reach the end of their usable life, at which point they require upgrading.

If you live in an old house, chances are that your switchboard is not just outdated but also overloaded and highly unsafe.
The way we’re using switchboards is changing over time. Thirty or forty years ago – when many switchboards were installed – people only used a fraction of the appliances they do today. Over the years, though, electricity demands have increased substantially, yet switchboards have remained the same. Most homes are using the same number of circuits as they were decades ago and they are now unable to cope with the increased load.
The problem with outdated switchboards is they have both aging components and increased demand – a potentially hazardous combination.
“Besides causing annoying blackouts, degraded wiring, faulty fuses, and overloaded electrical circuits can also cause fire and shock hazards,” says Lewis Rudall, master electrician and director at Lake Road Electrical.
“If you have old and non-compliant switchboards, the chances of the fuse base getting extremely hot and almost ‘frying up’ the cables are very high. This can result in a house fire. So, the sooner you get your old switchboards replaced by new ones, the better it is for your personal safety and the security of your property.”

Did you know that old switchboards don’t have RCD protection?
An RCD, or residual current device, is a life-saving device that is designed to prevent you from getting a fatal electric shock if you touch something live, such as a bare wire, or any metallic electrical appliance that has come in contact with a live wire. They will shut down electricity when a change in the electrical current is detected. RCDs offer a level of personal protection that ordinary fuses and circuit-breakers cannot provide.

Do you also know that the back panel of many old switchboards are made of asbestos?
Another reason to upgrade your switchboard don’t you think?
With the winter months approaching, there’s no perfect time than now to upgrade your dangerously ancient switch board. So don’t wait - call Lewis and the friendly team at Lake Road Electrical today.

Switchboard special offers
“At Lake Road Electrical, we are passionate about educating home owners of the importance of electrical safety – which we believe is paramount but often overlooked. A common cause of house fire is bad electricals. That’s why the team have two special offers for you:
Get a free Home Electrical Safety Inspection, usually priced at $99. And for a limited time, you can also take advantage of our Autumn/ Winter special, allowing you $200 off your switchboard upgrade. This promotion is valid until the end of June, so contact us today and upgrade your switchboard in time for winter.”
The team at Lake Road Electrical are Master Electrician members with the values: There is no substitute for quality; reliability, honesty and integrity are key performance indicators and customer satisfaction is paramount.
Clients rave about the can-do attitude of this practical, down-to-earth team.
“We’re extremely personable and easy to talk to. We will work with you to find the best solutions for your electrical problems and needs, whether planned or as an emergency. We’re passionate in sharing our expertise with customers and educating the community, so chat to us today about your needs.”

Lake Road Electrical is located in Takapuna. Call 0291287494, email  lewis@lakeroadelectrical.co.nz or go to www.lakeroadelectrical.co.nz
Opening hours: 8.30am to 5pm