Signs Your Switchboard Needs Repair

The switchboard, the fuse box, the humble “place with all of the switches”; no matter what you call it or how familiar you are with it, the switchboard is a vital part of your home’s electrical makeup. It’s the brain that distributes your power, making sure your lights, appliances, and everything else can work at the same time.

For most Aucklanders, the switchboard doesn’t look that interesting. It’s a dull grey box, usually tucked in a cupboard or behind the front door. Most of the time, you’ll ignore it until something goes wrong… which is why switchboard upgrades usually happen so much later than they should.

The reality is, most classic Kiwi villas and mid-century bungalows were wired for a different era. Back then, a “heavy load” was a toaster and a radio running at the same time. Today, we’ve got air conditioners, induction hobs, EV chargers, and a dozen “always-on” devices. If your power system is struggling to keep up, it can become a genuine fire hazard.

But how are you supposed to know you need to upgrade an electrical switchboard? We’ve got your back. Here are the signs it might be time to consider switchboard upgrades for your home.

You’re seeing frequent trips in your power.

A ‘trip’ is a drop in power, usually after your breaker throws itself to prevent overheating. A trip every once in a while is normal, but it shouldn’t be happening weekly.

If your breakers are constantly flipping, it’s a sign that your current board is likely being pushed beyond its intended capacity. This is usually the primary motivator for electrical switchboard upgrades. While modern circuit breakers are much more sensitive and reliable than old-fashioned fuses, even they have their limits.

Constant trips are a sign you’ve outgrown your home’s original electrical design. Generally, the safest way forward is to upgrade electrical switchboard components to handle the modern load.

You’re noticing flickering lights and dimming.

If you notice your lights dimming momentarily when your fridge’s compressor kicks in, or when additional electric loads hit your home’s system, there might be something afoot. Additionally, if you’ve noticed a subtle flickering somewhere in your home that seems to have no rhyme or reason, you might need your switchboard looked at.

Sometimes this can be a utility-side issue, but it’s also frequently a symptom of loose connections or ageing switchboards.

When your connections are poor, the electricity in your home has to arc across large gaps, creating more heat and inconsistent voltage. That’s what causes the flickering. Over time, this can damage your sensitive electronics (think computers and smart TVs), and the building’s heat is a fire hazard.

If your lights are acting up, it’s a clear signal that switchboard upgrades should be on your immediate to-do list to protect your appliances (and your home).

The smell of “hot plastic” near your electric cupboard.

If you notice this sign, call an electrician immediately. Never, ever ignore this.

If you catch a whiff of a pungent, chemical smell near your electrical cupboard (similar to burning plastic or ozone), you are likely looking at a situation where wires are literally melting from built-up heat.

Often, this happens where you can’t actually see it, so your nose has to be your guide. Old terminals in your switchboard can become brittle and heat up under excessive load, causing your insulation to smoulder.

If you smell burning plastic, turn off your main power immediately and call an expert. This is a high-risk scenario, so electrical switchboard upgrades are a critical safety intervention that could help prevent a serious structural fire in your home.

Your home still has ceramic fuses.

Take a peek inside your board. Do you see neat rows of switches, or porcelain “wedges” with thin fuse wire wrapped around them? If it’s the latter, you need electrical switchboard upgrades soon.

Ceramic fuses are an outdated technology that offer absolutely no protection against electric shocks. In fact, many insurance companies in Aotearoa are now increasing premiums for homes that haven’t taken the time to upgrade their electrical switchboards.

You’re noticing unusual sounds from your electric system.

Electricity should be silent. If you hear a faint buzzing, humming, or “sizzling” sound coming from your board, it usually indicates a loose connection or a failing component. This sound is the audible result of electricity struggling to flow through a high-resistance point. It creates immense heat very quickly.

When you decide to upgrade electrical switchboard systems, you replace these aged, noisy components with silent, high-efficiency switches that provide a smooth, uninterrupted flow of energy throughout your home.

These signs are vital to pay attention to, but here’s the truth: if you are in an older Auckland home and you haven’t had your electrical system looked at in a while, you should have a professional come to check out your switchboard. It’s the heart of your home’s electrical health, and keeping it in top condition is essential for the safety of your family and the longevity of your appliances.

If you’ve noticed any of the above signs, or you simply haven’t had your electrical system checked out in a while, then now is the time to bring your home into the 21st century.

Get a professional electrician to check out your switchboard.

It’s time to make sure your electrical system is safe and sound. If you’re ready to upgrade your electrical switchboard, find a qualified Auckland electrician to perform a health check on your current switchboard.

Use the PERL Electrician Finder to find a local professional who can help you get your work done safely and within compliance standards now.