What Happens When You Don't Maintain Your Electric Switchboard

Electric power has to be shared among many users or appliances within your home or business facility. It is not possible to have each of these components connected to the main source of power. This is where electric switchboards come in handy. The switchboards are connected to the external power lines, and they enable you to distribute the power to different rooms in the building. Therefore, the switchboards carry a high amount of voltage to keep the equipment in the house running. It is important for you to keep them in good working condition to minimise the problems associated with electricity. The following are a few problems you will encounter if you fail to maintain your switchboard:

Short circuits

The complexity of the cable connections varies among different electric switchboards. Large switchboards supplying power to several equipment in a factory will have more complex cabling than a switchboard in a house. These cables must be in good condition to avoid the risk of short circuit.

Short circuits often result from exposed wires. Wires are exposed after physical damage to the coating of the electric cables in the switchboards. At times, the high current flowing through the cables in the switchboard can cause heating, which melts the coating on the cables. Often, this occurs when there is a low power supply from the source, yet the switchboard has to supply much power to the appliances in the house. When a short circuit occurs, it can damage the equipment in the house or lead to a fire breakout.

Frequent power outages

Failing to maintain your switchboard can lead to frequent power outages. This is inconvenient for business operations and homes as well. Some switchboards are designed in a way that they turn off in case of any mechanical problems, leading to a power outage. This is meant to reduce further damage to the switchboard or the appliances receiving power from it. A good maintenance schedule will enable you to avoid power outages because the electric switchboard will be in optimal operating condition.

Frequent replacement

Poorly maintained switchboards often damage circuit breakers and fuses in electrical appliances. This is because of poor regulation of the amount of current flowing through the cables, which damages the fuse or the circuit breakers. If you have replaced these devices several times, it is an indication that your switchboard has a problem.

Switchboard maintenance has to be done by a professional who understands the connections. However, you can assist by keeping a record of the maintenance schedule, a list of the items that have been inspected, and a record of the results of previous switchboard maintenance records.