Stephen Skec
Latest posts by Stephen Skec (see all)
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Electrical Switchboard Upgrade
Your electrical switchboard is the backbone of your electrical system. Many people ask “Why do I need to upgrade my switchboard” well there are a number of reasons why you need to upgrade your electrical switchboard. Today I would like to show you one reason. A local customer in Brunswick was nervous of her switchboard and was keen to replace the electrical box.
When arriving to the Brunswick switchboard replacement job and looking at the board I could see it had come close to its end of days. I first noticed no safety switch installed on the electrical switchboard. Looking closely and placing the back of my hand on the porcelain fuses I could feel one particular circuit fuse was very warm to touch.
Old Electrical Porcelain Fused Switchboard
Old Electrical Porcelain Fused Switchboard
At closer inspection and removing the black panel of the switchboard I could also see a group of power cables with black burn marks on the insulation. This was a clear indication of over heating behind the power circuit fuse.
Burnt Porcelain Fuse Base
Burnt Porcelain Fuse Base
Why Porcelain Fuses Get hot
The reason for this particular fuse had been old age and build up of carbon in the fuse base wedge thus bad connections creates high resistance and over heating. Over time the fuse base clamps become loose and therefore creates heat and melts the cable insulation.
Burnt Insulation On Power Circuit
Burnt Insulation On Power Circuit
If this power circuit had a heavy power load with common appliances as portable electric heating, dishwashers and clothes dryers, the electric cable would beak away from the fuse base and you will loose power on that circuit. If electrical cables don’t break away clean then sparking would occur and this could cause a possible fire hazard.
If you ever feel after looking at your electrical switchboard that something is just not right then a small investment in an electrical inspection would be a wise decision.