Is it time to consider an electrical meter upgrade?
Despite being one of the most critical components in a home or business, people usually don’t pay much attention to electrical meter upgrades. A meter box not only measures the electricity consumption, but also protects other electrical components, such as the main switch and circuit breakers.
However, like any other device, your electrical meter box can also become outdated. It can develop several issues, especially if you have an old house and the box was installed a long time ago. So, it’s not better to take such issues lightly, as they can be disastrous anytime.
5 potential hazards associated with an outdated electricity meter
The electricity meter is the unsung hero of your home. You should change or upgrade it depending on the validity period of its certification. An old electricity meter box can pose several dangers, such as:
1. Fire hazards
An outdated electricity meter with faulty wiring can pose a significant fire risk. Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires in Australia. This is because the wiring can easily become exposed and overheated in an electrical system, which may result in sparks.
2. Inaccurate readings
Outdated meter boxes may provide inaccurate readings that can impact your ability to monitor energy consumption. These inaccurate readings often lead to billing discrepancies, such as overcharges or undercharges.
3. Power surges
If your electricity meter doesn’t have built-in surge protection, it can leave your home vulnerable to power surges. These surges can damage your electronic appliances and devices, leading to costly repairs and replacements.
4 .Electrocution issues
Worn-out or old wiring is often responsible for improper distribution of the electric current that passes through the meter box. As a result, it can damage the insulation and pose a major risk of electrocution or electric shocks.
5. Regulatory non-compliance
As electrical safety rules and regulations evolve, outdated meters may not comply with the latest standards. This non-compliance can lead to legal issues. To mitigate the risk, you need to inspect your electrical meter with the help of qualified residential electricians.
How to upgrade your meter box and electrical system?
Upgrading your meter box is a crucial step in ensuring the safety, efficiency and reliability of your home or office. It ensures there is enough power supply to have all your electrical appliances, hydronic systems and EV chargers running smoothly. Here are the ways to go about electrical meter upgrade:
- Upgrade the panel to ensure your electrical system has more power to distribute without affecting the home’s internal wiring. Make sure you hire electricians to replace your current circuit breakers and panels.
- Add extra circuits to distribute power to your appliances and rooms. This will limit the dangers of overheating and fire hazards in your home.
- Replace used cables and receptacles to update the electricity box. Consider replacing worn-out cables and wires that are inefficient and pose various risks.
- Replace your traditional meter with a smart meter that offers real-time monitoring of energy consumption, allowing you to make informed decisions about your electricity usage.
- You can also install a surge protector to protect your meter box and connected electrical devices from power surges. This additional layer of defence helps safeguard against voltage spikes caused by lightning or other electrical issues.
Please note that electrical meter upgrades should be conducted by professional electrical contractors to ensure the safety and compliance of your home. Such projects involve a considerable amount of risk, so you must not attempt to handle them using DIY methods.
Need help with your electrical meter upgrade?
As a leading provider of professional electrical services, Electrica Co. is qualified in handling a wide range of electrical projects, including electricity meter upgrades, oven repairs and safety switch installations. We take pride in holding various electrical safety and quality accreditations that guarantee the excellence of our suppliers and team.
Our team will promptly address any signs of wear or malfunction in your meter box. Plus, we encourage you to become completely electric and use only a single power source. This will help you get rid of complicated gas appliances and connections in your house. For more info, please contact us.
