Switchboard Upgrades
A robust and up-to-date switchboard upgrade is not just about keeping the lights on; it's about ensuring the safety of your property and the efficiency of your electrical system. Upgrading your switchboard is essential for safety, compliance, and supporting modern electrical demands.
This page is designed for Sydney homeowners and businesses, providing a comprehensive guide to why you should upgrade your switchboard, the signs that indicate an upgrade is needed, an overview of the upgrade process, and the areas we service across Sydney. Whether you own a home or manage a business, understanding the importance of a switchboard upgrade can help protect your property, meet legal requirements, and future-proof your electrical system. Prioritising electrical safety through regular upgrades protects your family and property from potential hazards.
Why Upgrade Your Switchboard?
Fire and Electrocution Risks
Older switchboards, often referred to as fuse boxes with ceramic fuses, are a recipe for disaster – they often have no safety switches and can overheat or catch fire. Upgrading brings your system up to today’s strict safety standards, drastically cutting fire and electrocution risks. All our upgrades comply with AS/NZS 3000:2018 wiring rules for maximum safety and insurance compliance.
Switchboards can include safety devices like RCDs (Residual Current Devices) to protect against electrical hazards.
Compliance with Modern Standards
In NSW, businesses are required by law to have RCD safety switches installed – if your current switchboard isn’t up to code, you risk fines and insurance issues. Our team ensures every upgrade is fully compliant and certified.
Handling Increased Electrical Demand
In decades past, a few appliances sufficed; today’s homes run dozens of devices. Outdated boards weren’t built for this – leading to flickering lights, overloaded circuits, and tripped fuses. A modern switchboard upgrade equips your property to handle increased electrical demand safely and prevents inconvenient power outages while extending your system’s lifespan.Think of a switchboard upgrade as an investment in your family’s safety or your business’s continuity. It’s far cheaper than dealing with electrical fires, damaged appliances, or downtime from a major outage.
Many older Australian switchboards even contain asbestos panels – a serious health hazard requiring professional removal. Our licenced Level 2 electricians handle such issues safely during an upgrade.
Now that you understand the importance of upgrading, let’s look at the signs that indicate your switchboard may need attention.
Signs You Need a Switchboard Upgrade (Checklist)
It is important to consult with a licensed electrician to assess your switchboard and determine whether an upgrade is necessary. Watch out for these warning signs that your switchboard needs immediate attention:
- Frequent Fuse Blows or Trips: Modern boards with circuit breakers protect against overloads more safely than old rewireable fuses.
- Flickering or Dimming Lights: Lights flicker or dim when you use appliances? Loose connections or overloaded circuits could be to blame – an upgrade fixes this.
- Overheating or Burning Smells: Hot switchboard to the touch or a faint burning smell? This often means wiring or fuse holders are overheating – a serious hazard that calls for immediate replacement.
- Old Switchboard with Ceramic or Porcelain Fuses: If your home still has an old-style ceramic fuse box or outdated switchboard, it’s likely well past its use-by date. These provide inferior protection and don’t meet current standards, so upgrading is strongly recommended. New boards use circuit breakers and RCDs which trip faster and more safely.
- No Safety Switch (RCD): No visible safety switch (Test/RCD button) in your switchboard? Modern Australian standards require RCDs to prevent shocks. If you don’t have one for each circuit, it’s time to upgrade. All power outlets and lighting circuits in rental properties must be protected by either a residual current device (RCD) or a Residual Current Breaker with Over-Current (RCBO) that complies with AS/NZS 3000.
- Overcrowded or Messy Wires: Crowded wiring or messy additions in the panel? Older boards that have had circuits added over time can become a tangle, increasing fire hazard risk. Outdated electrical wiring can increase the risk of electrical problems. A new switchboard will be neatly laid out and safer.
- Electrical Shocks or Sparks: Ever felt a mild shock plugging in an appliance, or seen sparks? That should never happen – it can indicate serious faults in the switchboard.
Note: If you notice any of these issues, do not ignore them. For your home safety, have a licensed electrician inspect your switchboard promptly. We offer free switchboard inspections across Sydney to check for these warning signs.
Receiving a defect notice from an inspector or authority is a clear sign that immediate action is required to address safety hazards and ensure compliance with electrical safety regulations.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consider whether a residential or commercial upgrade is right for your property.
Residential vs. Commercial Switchboard Upgrades
There are different types of switchboards available for homes and businesses. AP Electrical Group specialises in switchboard upgrades for both residential and commercial clients. We understand that the needs of a family home differ from those of a large business or industrial site – and we tailor our solutions accordingly. Property owners have a legal and safety responsibility to comply with switchboard upgrade regulations, which vary by state and are designed to ensure safe electrical installations and avoid penalties. If you’re unsure which type of upgrade is right for you, the following sections will help clarify the differences and guide you toward the best solution for your property.
Home Switchboard Upgrades
The best switchboard for your home or business depends on your needs and budget. Older suburbs of Sydney feature many homes with aging switchboards or fuse boxes – often with outdated fuse wires or no RCD protection.
The main switch is a critical safety component inside your meter box. It acts as the primary control point for all electrical circuits in the home. Modern switchboards should also include built-in safety devices such as RCDs, which automatically cut power to reduce the risk of electric shock and electrical fires.
If you’ve just moved into an older home or are renovating, upgrading an outdated fuse box or switchboard should be at the top of your home safety checklist.
Safety Features
A modern switchboard safeguards your family against electric shocks and house fires by instantly cutting power in the event of a fault. It also protects your valuable appliances from damage due to power surges or overloads. Upgrading also means updating power outlets and lighting circuits to meet current Australian electrical safety standards standards, ensuring RCD protection and compliance throughout your home.
Modern Appliance Demands
From air conditioners to home offices, today’s lifestyle demands more from your electrical system. Upgrading ensures you can run all your appliances without tripping the power – no more choosing between the washing machine and the air conditioner!
For homes with large air conditioners or other high-power appliances, a 3-phase switchboard upgrade may be required. A 3-phase switchboard upgrade has three active wires and one neutral wire, providing more power for large homes and buildings with high-power appliances.
Preparing for Future Upgrades
If you’re planning to install solar panels or an electric vehicle charger, your switchboard may need to be upgraded to safely handle the additional power load. The upgraded switchboard should include spare slots for future additions, such as EV chargers or solar panels, ensuring your electrical system remains flexible, compliant, and future-proof.
Commercial & Strata Switchboard Upgrades
Commercial properties often require 3-phase switchboards or have complex setups with multiple distribution boards and metering equipment. AP Electrical Group offers comprehensive electrical services, including switchboard upgrades, for offices, restaurants, factories, and more—ensuring your system can handle heavy loads safely.
3-Phase Switchboards
For commercial properties, it’s important to note that panelboards can handle up to 1200 amps and are typically mounted on a wall, while switchboards are larger, can be accessed from both the front and back, and are suited for higher-capacity, more complex installations.
Minimizing Downtime
We know any downtime costs your business money. Our electricians can work after hours or in stages if needed to swap over your switchboard, so your operations aren’t severely interrupted. During the upgrade, all wires are checked and labeled to ensure organization and make future inspections easier.
Compliance and Maintenance
For businesses and strata, electrical compliance isn’t optional – it’s mandatory. We ensure your new switchboard meets all WorkCover NSW and Australian Standards requirements, including installation of the required safety switches (RCDs). It’s essential to hire a qualified and reputable electrician for commercial upgrades to guarantee compliance, safety, and reliability. This protects you from liability and keeps your occupancy certifications up to date.
Planning an expansion or adding new equipment? We design upgrades with future capacity in mind – adding extra circuits or room for expansion, so your switchboard can accommodate growth. Please note, extra costs may apply if you need mains upgrades, new cabling for appliances, or a full switchboard replacement.
We also offer scheduled maintenance checks for commercial switchboards, per NSW regulations requiring periodic RCD testing, to keep your system safe long-term.
If you receive a quote for a switchboard upgrade that is much lower than others, be cautious—this may indicate the electrician is not fully qualified. Always choose a reputable electrician to ensure your electrical work is completed to the highest standards.
Asbestos Panel Replacement in Switchboard Upgrades
Identifying Asbestos
Asbestos panel replacement is a crucial step in the switchboard upgrade process, especially for properties built before the late 1980s. Many older electrical switchboards and meter boxes were constructed using asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), which are now known to pose serious electrical hazards and health risks. Disturbing or damaging these panels during electrical work can release dangerous asbestos fibres, making it essential to handle any upgrade with extreme care.
When our licensed electricians assess your existing switchboard, one of the first steps is to check for the presence of asbestos panels or backing boards.
Safe Removal Procedures
If asbestos is detected, we follow strict safety regulations and industry best practices to ensure its safe removal and disposal. This includes using protective equipment, sealing off the work area, and engaging qualified asbestos removal professionals when required.
Compliance After Replacement
Replacing asbestos panels with modern, non-hazardous materials not only eliminates a significant safety risk but also ensures your new switchboard meets current electrical standards and compliance requirements. This process enhances the overall safety of your home’s electrical system, protecting you from both electrical dangers and long-term health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
By choosing AP Electrical Group for your switchboard upgrade, you can be confident that every aspect of the process—including asbestos panel replacement—is handled with the highest level of care and professionalism, ensuring your property is safe, compliant, and future-proofed against electrical hazards.
Why Choose AP Electrical Group for Your Switchboard Upgrade?
When it comes to something as important as your electrical safety, you want electricians you can trust. Choosing local electricians who understand regional requirements ensures your switchboard upgrade meets all local standards and regulations. Here’s why Sydney residents and businesses choose us: We use only the highest quality components for every switchboard upgrade, which helps enhance safety for all electrical devices in your property.
Certified & Experienced Local Experts
Our team consists of fully licensed electricians with 10+ years of experience in Sydney. We've upgraded switchboards in all types of properties – we know the local wiring systems and regulations inside out. Wherever you are, we're nearby and ready to help.
5-Star Service & Honest Pricing
We're proud of our reputation – backed by 5-star customer reviews – for honesty and quality. We'll never oversell you; if your switchboard doesn't truly need a full replacement, we'll tell you. And if it does, our pricing is transparent and competitive. No call-out fees, no hidden costs, ever.
Safety and Compliance Guarantee
Every switchboard upgrade is tested and certified. We issue you a Compliance Certificate and notify relevant authorities if required. Your safety is our guarantee – if any issue arises, we'll return and fix it promptly.
Quality Components & Workmanship
We use only high-quality, Australian-approved switchboards and parts from trusted brands. Our workmanship is top-notch – neat, organised boards that make future maintenance easy. We treat your property with respect, cleaning up and ensuring everything is done right the first time.
Our Switchboard Upgrade Process
A typical replacement takes only a few hours, usually between 3 to 5 hours, and will result in a complete power outage during the process. We understand losing power is inconvenient, so we work efficiently to minimise downtime. In most cases, your power will be back on the same day. We follow proper lockout/tagout procedures and use protective equipment to ensure the upgrade is completed safely. All materials we install are fully certified and include manufacturer warranties.
To ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements, we follow a switchboard safety compliance checklist throughout the process. The switchboard is typically located in the meter box near the front door, which also houses the main switch, fuse box, and safety switches.
We believe in transparency, so here’s exactly what happens when you choose AP Electrical Group for your switchboard upgrade:
Step 1 – Expert Assessment
Our certified electrician visits your site to evaluate your current switchboard. We identify any issues (like undersized cabling, presence of asbestos, lack of RCDs) and determine the optimal upgrade solution. You'll receive a clear, upfront quote – no surprises, no unnecessary work.
Step 2 – Installation
On the scheduled day, we'll safely isolate power and carefully remove your old fuse or outdated switchboard box or switchboard. Our team then installs the new electrical switchboard – complete with modern circuit breakers and safety switches (RCDs) for each circuit. All connections are done to Australian standards with quality materials. We take care of any required upgrades, like mains cabling or meter panel adjustments, to ensure everything is compliant.
Step 3 – Testing & Handover
Once installed, we rigorously test every circuit and safety device in the new board. We ensure power is balanced, connections are secure, and importantly, that safety switches trip as intended. Our team will then restore your power and provide you with a Certificate of Compliance for the work – proof that your new switchboard meets all NSW safety regulations. We'll walk you through the new setup and even show you how to test your safety switches regularly.
Step 4 – Cleanup & Follow-Up
We pride ourselves on leaving your premises as tidy as we found it – all old equipment and debris will be removed. Before we go, we double-check everything and answer any questions. Your peace of mind is our priority, so don't hesitate to reach out afterwards if you have any concerns – we stand by our work with a satisfaction guarantee.
Serving All Sydney Neighbourhoods with Switchboard Services
AP Electrical Group provides switchboard replacement services across all Sydney suburbs – no matter where you are, our local team is likely servicing an area near you.
- Eastern Suburbs: Bondi, Coogee, Maroubra
- Inner West: Strathfield, Marrickville
- North Sydney & North Shore: Chatswood, North Sydney, Hornsby
- Northern Beaches: Manly, Dee Why
- Western Sydney: Parramatta, Penrith, Blacktown
- Southwest Sydney: Liverpool, Bankstown, Chipping Norton
Wherever you’re located in Sydney, our electricians arrive promptly to ensure your electrical switchboard is safe and up-to-date.
See our service areas.
0426 235 234
Get Your Switchboard Upgraded Today
Ready to enjoy peace of mind with an upgraded, safe switchboard? Don't wait for an electrical incident to make the change – contact AP Electrical Group today. Our friendly Sydney electricians are here to answer your questions and provide a free, no-obligation quote.
With reliable 24/7 service across Sydney, we’ll ensure your electrical system is up to scratch and your family or business is protected.
Call us on 0426 235 234 or book online to schedule your switchboard upgrade!
Frequently Asked Questions About Switchboard Upgrade Services
Got questions?
Find your answers quickly in our handy FAQ section below.
Costs vary depending on the scope – factors include the number of circuits, need for a new enclosure, mains upgrade, or resolving any compliance issues.
A standard switchboard upgrade typically ranges from $800 to $2,000+ AUD.
We provide transparent, competitive pricing with a firm quote after inspection.
Remember, it’s an investment in safety that’s often covered by insurance and can increase your home’s value.
A fuse is an old type of protective device that melts when overloaded – common in old boards.
A circuit breaker is a modern switch that trips off during overloads and is resettable.
A safety switch (RCD) detects earth leakage (like a shock or faulty appliance) and cuts power to prevent electrocution.
In an upgrade, we replace fuses with circuit breakers and add safety switches for each circuit, drastically improving safety. Installing RCDs and safety switches ensures home safety and helps prevent electrical accidents.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, a fuse box typically refers to older electrical panels using fuses, whereas a switchboard is a more modern system utilising circuit breakers and safety switches.
If your switchboard is more than 20 years old, has ceramic fuses, or frequently trips, it’s likely time for an upgrade.
Signs include flickering lights, burning smells, or lack of safety switches (RCDs).
Replacing old fuses with modern circuit breakers and safety switches
Updating wiring connections
Ensuring compliance with current Australian electrical standards
Most switchboard upgrades are completed within 3 to 5 hours, depending on the complexity of your existing setup and any necessary repairs or rewiring.
A replacement typically takes 3 to 5 hours, resulting in a complete power outage during the process.
Absolutely – by law in Australia, only a licenced electrician (often a Level 2 electrician for mains work) can upgrade a switchboard.
It’s not a DIY job.
Our team is fully qualified to handle it safely and issue the compliance certificate. We also provide detailed inspection reports to document any issues found, such as loose wiring or electrical failures.
Attempting it yourself is extremely dangerous and illegal.
Yes. A Level 2 electrician is licensed to handle main service connections, disconnections, and metering work, which are often required for full switchboard upgrades.
Typically about 2-4 hours for a standard residential switchboard upgrade.
We plan the work to minimise downtime – often we can have you back up and running by midday or do the work after hours for businesses.
We’ll give you a time estimate upfront and keep you informed throughout.
Yes, in most cases. Flickering lights, frequent circuit trips, or blown fuses are often due to an overloaded or faulty board.
A new switchboard with properly rated circuits and safety switches provides adequate protection and should resolve those issues.
We’ll also inspect your wiring during the upgrade to address any other problems contributing to those symptoms.
