Switchboard Upgrade and Fireproofing in Rose Bay

Project Overview

A new property owner in Rose Bay reached out to us with concerns about their switchboard, which had outdated fuses in a timber enclosure. Our inspection revealed significant fire hazards and the absence of mains protection for the dwelling. Given the urgency and potential risks, especially with the customer having a young daughter and pets, we swiftly moved to address these issues.

Challenges

• Old fuses in a timber-lined switchboard, posing a severe fire risk.
• Lack of mains protection on the dwelling.
• Customer's concern for safety, especially with a young daughter and dogs in the house.

Our Approach

1. Inspection and Assessment

• Confirmed the presence of old HRC fuses in a timber enclosure.
• Identified the need for a complete overhaul due to the high fire risk and lack of protection

2. Removal and Fireproofing

• Removed the old fuses and the entire switchboard while leaving the timber board in place.
• Fireproofed the timber board using cement sheeting to mitigate fire hazards.

3. Installation of New System

• Installed a new plastic distribution board (DB) load center.
• Added mains limit protection devices to safeguard against overload and fire risks.
• Implemented Residual Current Devices (RCDs) on all sub-circuits to ensure rapid response in case of electrical faults.

4. Testing and Verification

• Thoroughly tested the new system to ensure it meets safety standards.
• Verified that the dwelling’s electrical system now trips in 0.4 seconds, significantly reducing fire risk compared to the previous three full cycles.

Results

• Enhanced Safety: The upgraded system ensures immediate response to electrical faults, vastly improving safety for the household.
• Fireproofing: The switchboard is now protected with cement sheeting, minimizing fire hazards associated with timber-lined enclosures.
• Customer Satisfaction: The customer now has peace of mind knowing that their home is safe, with robust protection for their young daughter and pets.

Customer Feedback

The customer expressed relief and satisfaction with the swift and professional handling of the upgrade. Knowing that their home is now significantly safer, they can rest easy, especially with young children and pets in the house.

Conclusion

This switchboard upgrade and fireproofing project in Rose Bay demonstrate our commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. By identifying risks and implementing effective solutions, we ensure that homes are not just up to code but also provide a safe environment for all residents.