Switchboard Upgrades
A robust and up-to-date switchboard is not just about keeping the lights on; it's about ensuring the safety of your property and the efficiency of your electrical system.
Why Upgrade Your Switchboard?
Safety & Performance
Older switchboards 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.
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 Outdated boards weren’t built for this – leading to flickering lights, frequent short-circuits, and tripped fuses.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.
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.
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.
Signs You Need a Switchboard Upgrade (Checklist)
Watch out for these warning signs that your switchboard needs immediate attention:
- Frequent Fuse Blows or Trips: Short circuits or circuit breakers tripping often? This is a red flag that your switchboard is struggling. Modern boards with circuit breakers handle overloads more safely than old rewireable fuses.
- Flickering or Dimming Lights: Lights flicker or dim when you use appliances? Loose connections or an overloaded fuse box 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 Fuse Box with Ceramic Fuses: If your home still has an old-style ceramic fuse box, 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.
- 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 risk. 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 safety, have a licensed electrician inspect your switchboard promptly. We offer free switchboard inspections across Sydney to check for these warning signs.
Residential vs. Commercial Switchboard Upgrades
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.
Home Switchboard Upgrades
Older suburbs of Sydney feature many homes with aging switchboards – often with outdated fuse wires or no RCD protection. If you’ve just moved into an older home or are renovating, upgrading the fuse box should top your safety checklist.
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.
We perform residential switchboard replacements with minimal fuss – we’ll schedule work at a convenient time, and typically have your power back on in a few hours. Our team is friendly, punctual, and cleans up – you’ll hardly know we were there except for your safer new switchboard!
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 con!
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 has expertise upgrading and installing large switchboards – from offices and restaurants to factories – ensuring your system can handle heavy loads safely.
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.
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). 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.
We also offer scheduled maintenance checks for commercial switchboards, per NSW regulations requiring periodic RCD testing, to keep your system safe long-term.
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. Here's why Sydney residents and businesses choose us:
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 switchboard replacement takes only a few hours. 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 use proper lock-out/tag-out procedures and protective gear, ensuring the upgrade is done safely, and all materials we install are fully certified and come with manufacturer warranties.
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 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 upgrade 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. 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.
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.
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. Attempting it yourself is extremely dangerous and illegal.
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 should resolve those issues. We’ll also inspect your wiring during the upgrade to address any other problems contributing to those symptoms.
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.
