In most Australian homes, powerboards are the unsung heroes of our electrical systems—jammed behind entertainment units, hidden under desks, and overloaded with gadgets. But what many homeowners don’t realise is that these everyday devices can become serious fire hazards if misused or neglected.

Worse still, an overburdened powerboard is often the first sign that your home’s switchboard upgrade is long overdue. In this article, we’ll uncover the hidden dangers of powerboard misuse, explain how it relates to your home’s electrical capacity, and reveal the critical signs that you need a professional switchboard upgrade before disaster strikes.

Powerboards seem harmless, but they’re frequently the weakest link in home electrical safety. Here’s why:

Most powerboards are rated for 10 amps, but the average Australian household plugs in far more than they can handle:

Result: Overheating, melted plastic, and potential fires.

Plugging one powerboard into another (called “daisy-chaining”) bypasses safety mechanisms, increasing fire risks.

Modern boards have surge protection and overload cut-offs—older ones often don’t. Red Flag: If your powerboard is more than 5 years old or feels warm, it’s time to replace it.

While powerboard issues are concerning, they’re often symptoms of a bigger problem—an outdated or overloaded switchboard. Here’s how to tell if yours is due for an upgrade:

If your power keeps cutting out when multiple devices run, your switchboard can’t handle modern electrical demands.

This suggests unstable power flow—often due to ageing wiring or an overworked switchboard.

Moisture damage is a major red flag; it can lead to short circuits or electrical fires.

Homes built before the 1990s often have outdated ceramic fuses that fail to protect against overloads.

Modern homes need upgraded switchboards to support heavy loads safely.

An outdated switchboard isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. Here’s what a professional switchboard upgrade provides:

✅ Safety Switches (RCDs): Cut power in milliseconds if a fault is detected, preventing electrocution.

✅ Circuit Breakers That Actually Work: Modern breakers respond faster than old fuses.

✅ Capacity for Future Needs: Solar panels, EVs, and smart homes require robust electrical systems.

✅ Compliance with Australian Standards: Older boards often violate current AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules.

Did You Know? Many home insurance policies void claims if fires start from non-compliant switchboards.

Putting off a switchboard upgrade can lead to:

Usually found in the garage, laundry, or hallway.

3. Test Your Circuits

Try running multiple appliances—if breakers trip often, your system is struggling. Important: Never open the switchboard yourself—always call a licensed electrician.

A professional upgrade typically includes:

Timeframe: Most upgrades take 4–8 hours.

Some homeowners try to save money by:

Risks of DIY Electrical Work:

❌ Voided insurance

❌ Electrocution hazards

❌ Non-compliance fines (up to $30,000 in some states)

Only a licensed electrician can legally perform a switchboard upgrade.

If your powerboards are overheating or your switchboard looks outdated, don’t ignore it. Book a professional inspection today.