Switchboards route electricity around a building, and contain a number of elements including safety switches, fuses and contact breakers. These are safety features designed to protect people from electrocution as well as isolating faulty appliances and wiring. Switchboards do need replacing or upgrading periodically, especially if your home or premises is an old building, where old fuses and poorly insulated cables can be a health and safety hazard. Electricians are by law the only personnel who can install or indeed work on any electrical equipment, so must be consulted for installing, replacing or repairing your switchboard.

The following tasks should not be carried out by anyone but an accredited electrician:

• replacing or rewiring a plug, switch or power point
• repairing or maintaining any electrical appliances
• installing or rewiring fixed electrical wiring in the home

Follow these guidelines for enhanced safety around electricity:

• water and electricity to do not mix, so keep the two apart
• do not overload power points or extension cords unnecessarily
• educate your family to the dangers of electricity
• refrain from touching anyone who is receiving an electric shock
• call emergency services immediately in the event of an electrical accident

Find a licensed electrical contractor to install a switchboard in your home on the pages of this site.