Boronia Park Switchboard Upgrade Services

Signs that your switchboard needs upgrading include the presence of old ceramic fuses instead of modern circuit breakers, frequent circuit breaker tripping especially when using multiple appliances, flickering lights or dimming when appliances start, burning smells or discoloration near the switchboard, visible rust or corrosion on the board, lack of RCD protection on circuits, inadequate capacity for your electrical needs, and if your home was built or last renovated before current safety standards were introduced. If you're planning renovations, installing air conditioning, adding an electric hot water system, or considering solar panels, a professional switchboard assessment is highly recommended to ensure your existing board can safely handle the additional electrical load.

The switchboard upgrade process begins with a thorough assessment of your current electrical system, load requirements, and future needs. We then coordinate with your electricity distributor to safely disconnect power at the appropriate time. Our electricians remove the old switchboard components, install the new board with appropriate circuit breakers, RCDs, and labelling, reconnect all circuits with proper isolation and protection, test each circuit thoroughly for correct operation and safety compliance, and restore power once all checks are complete. We arrange any necessary electrical inspections, provide documentation of the upgrade for your records and insurance purposes, and demonstrate the operation of your new switchboard including how to reset safety switches if they activate. Throughout the process, we maintain clear communication about timing and keep disruption to an absolute minimum.

Yes, Residual Current Devices (RCDs), commonly called safety switches, are mandatory for residential properties in New South Wales under current electrical safety regulations. These devices detect electrical leakage and disconnect power within milliseconds to prevent serious electric shock or electrocution. Current standards require RCD protection on all power and lighting circuits throughout your home, not simply on individual power points. If your switchboard doesn't have RCDs installed or only has partial protection, it needs to be upgraded to comply with Australian Standards. Our Boronia Park electricians can assess your current setup, explain which circuits require protection, and recommend the appropriate safety upgrades to bring your electrical system into full compliance with regulations.

While a switchboard upgrade primarily improves safety and reliability, it can contribute to energy efficiency in several ways. Modern switchboards provide more stable power supply, reducing voltage fluctuations that can cause appliances and electronics to work harder and consume more electricity. By enabling proper circuit separation for different areas of your home, you gain better control over your electricity usage and can identify circuits with higher consumption. Upgrading also allows for the installation of energy monitoring systems that provide real-time data about your power usage patterns. Additionally, a modern switchboard is essential if you're considering solar panels or battery storage, which can significantly reduce your reliance on grid power and lower ongoing electricity costs over the long term.