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Modern electrical switchboard with circuit breakers and RCD protection ready for winter peak demand

5 March 2025South Island Electrical Team

How to prepare your switchboard for winter

Winter peak demand across Canterbury can double your electrical load, especially if you are running heat pumps, panel heaters, and electric blankets simultaneously. Older switchboards with ceramic fuses or early circuit breakers may struggle with this sustained high demand, leading to nuisance tripping or potential safety issues.

If you are adding heat pumps this winter or have noticed your circuit breakers tripping frequently during cold weather, it is worth having your switchboard assessed by a qualified electrician. Modern switchboards with appropriate circuit capacity and RCD protection ensure safe operation even during peak winter loads.

Canterbury's winter temperatures can drop to -5°C, so having a reliable electrical system is critical. Contact South Island Electrical for a free switchboard assessment before winter peak demand arrives.