A Guide for Industrial Sites in Townsville
Across industrial facilities in Townsville and North Queensland, electrical safety and capacity are non-negotiable. Your switchboard is the core component of your site’s electrical infrastructure. If it’s outdated, overloaded or non-compliant, you’re exposed to shutdowns, fines or risks such as unplanned downtime, equipment failure or safety incidents.
For industrial facility managers and operators in Townsville and North Queensland, identifying the right time to upgrade can improve safety, compliance and operational efficiency.
What Does a Switchboard Actually Do?
The switchboard controls and distributes electricity throughout your facility.
It houses circuit breakers, safety switches and metering equipment. In industrial settings, it must support high-load equipment, sensitive machinery, HVAC systems, automation systems and often backup power sources.
An industrial switchboard must be robust, well-labelled and compliant with AS/NZS 3000 standards. If your board hasn’t been assessed in the last decade, it’s likely underperforming.
7 Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Industrial Switchboard
1. Frequent Tripping or Power Interruptions
This often signals a board that can’t handle current demands or has faulty protection devices.
2. Old Equipment (Ceramic Fuses or Rewirable Fuses)
These are no longer compliant and pose a serious arc fault and contact hazard.
3. No Room for New Circuits
If you’re expanding operations and can’t safely add circuits, a new board may be required.
4. Visible Signs of Deterioration
Rust, heat marks, melted wiring insulation or a burning smell are urgent red flags.
5. Non-compliant Earthing or Bonding
Especially in older plants, grounding systems may not meet current standards, risking equipment and worker safety.
6. Additions of High-Load Equipment
Machinery upgrades, EV chargers or new automation may exceed your board’s design capacity.
7. Your Insurer or Auditor Raises Concerns
Modern, compliant boards are often a prerequisite for coverage or compliance approval.
Benefits of an Upgraded Industrial Switchboard
- Improved Electrical Safety. Reduces the likelihood of arc faults and contact-related incidents.
- Capacity for Growth. Accommodates equipment expansion without major rework.
- Compliance with AS/NZS 3000 & AS/NZS 61439. Ensures adherence to national standards.
- Compatible with Energy Systems. Ready for solar, EV charging and energy monitoring.
- Operational Continuity. Reduces risk of unplanned outages.
- Easier Maintenance Access. Well-labelled layouts allow electricians to identify and isolate faults with minimal downtime.
Is Your Switchboard Compliant with Queensland Regulations?
In Queensland, all electrical work must comply with the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and associated regulations.
Industrial switchboards must meet standards for installation, labelling, access, RCD protection and arc fault containment.
If your switchboard was installed before 2000, it is unlikely to comply with current Queensland electrical standards.
The Upgrade Process with GAP Industries North Queensland
1. Site Assessment & Load Study.
Our electricians inspect the existing board and power usage.
2. Compliance & Risk Report.
Identify non-conformities and safety risks.
3. Custom Switchboard Design.
If you’re expanding operations and can’t safely add circuits, a new board may be required.
4. Installation & Testing.
Minimal disruption and work certified to Queensland Electrical Safety standards.
5. Handover & Documentation.
Compliance certificates, testing records and updated single-line diagrams or as-built documentation.
Ready for a Safer, Smarter Switchboard?
Managing an industrial facility in Townsville or North Queensland comes with high electrical demands. A modern switchboard ensures your site runs safely, efficiently and in full compliance.
Contact GAP Industries North Queensland today for an expert assessment.
View Our Industrial Switchboard Services in Townsville