When Is a Switchboard Upgrade Needed?
Structures built before the 1990s often experience recurring electrical issues like fuses blowing and circuit breakers tripping — signs of potential switchboard or wiring problems that need professional assessment.
- Domestic — older fuse-based systems are inadequate for modern appliance loads.
- Commercial — overcrowded switchboards may need upgrading to provide capacity for expansion.
What's Involved in Upgrading?
The process includes inspection, material assessment and a detailed estimate, followed by replacement of ceramic fuses with modern circuit breakers and residual current devices (RCDs) — all meeting Australian Electrical Standards.
- Power safely disconnected during the upgrade
- Outdated protection devices removed
- New 8–12 pole enclosure with RCDs and circuit breakers installed
- Full compliance with AS/NZS 3000:2018
- Main earthing conductor inspected
- Field testing for faults on completion
Typical timelines are 2–4 hours for domestic upgrades and 4–8 hours for commercial. The average switchboard upgrade costs around $600 AUD, depending on switchboard size, number of circuits, consumer mains and labour.
Is Your Switchboard Due for an Upgrade?
Give us a call or request a free quote and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.