Switchboard upgrades
Assess capacity, protection and the demands of new electrical equipment.
Switchboard upgrades in Eastern Sydney & Bayside
Apexelec assesses switchboards for existing faults and planned electrical upgrades. A new appliance, charger or circuit is a reason to review the installation, rather than assume the current board is suitable. The scope depends on the condition, available capacity and work needed at the property.
From our work
What we can help with
- Existing board and circuit assessment
- Protection and circuit identification
- Capacity planning for new equipment
- Coordination of any required supply-side work
Prepare for a useful quote
Include your suburb, property type, a description of the job and any relevant equipment models. Photos of accessible fittings or the outside of the switchboard can help. Do not remove covers or expose wiring to take photographs.
For a shared property, provide the strata or building contact and any approval or access requirements. We can discuss whether an on-site assessment is needed to confirm the scope.
Questions about switchboard upgrades
How do I know whether my switchboard needs an upgrade?
Old fuse equipment, damage, repeated faults, insufficient circuit protection or planned high-demand appliances are reasons to arrange an assessment. Age alone does not establish the condition of every circuit. Do not remove covers; send a photo of the accessible exterior and describe any symptoms.
Guidance: NSW electrical safety guidance
What is the difference between a safety switch and a circuit breaker?
A safety switch, or RCD, detects certain current leakage that can create a shock risk. A circuit breaker protects against overcurrent, such as overloads and short circuits. Combined devices can provide both functions. Having a breaker does not by itself confirm that a circuit has RCD protection.
Guidance: NSW electrical safety guidance
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?
The cost depends on the board size, circuit count, protection needed, condition of existing wiring and earthing, access and any supply or asbestos work. A board-exterior photo helps start the enquiry, but testing and a site assessment may be needed for a reliable scope.
Will the electricity be switched off during the upgrade?
Yes, the work requires planned isolation of the affected supply. The duration depends on the installation and any faults found during testing. Tell us about refrigeration, medical equipment, business operations or other power-dependent needs so the interruption can be discussed before work is arranged.
Does replacing the switchboard mean the whole house is rewired?
No. The switchboard and the circuits it supplies are different parts of the installation. Existing wiring needs assessment and testing, and defective circuits may need repair or replacement. The quote should distinguish board work from any rewiring identified as necessary.
Can an old switchboard contain asbestos?
Some older electrical backing boards contain asbestos. A photo cannot reliably confirm or exclude it. Do not drill, sand, break or remove a suspected board. Identification and any removal arrangements need to be addressed before the electrical upgrade proceeds.
Guidance: NSW asbestos switchboard guidance
Will a new switchboard stop my power from tripping?
It depends on the cause. Tripping can result from appliances, moisture, wiring faults or overloads as well as defective equipment. Replacing the board without diagnosing the cause may leave the problem unresolved. Describe when the trip occurs so fault finding can be included where needed.
Should I allow for an EV charger or induction cooktop now?
Yes, tell us about planned appliances before the board is designed. Circuit space and demand should be considered together. A larger enclosure alone does not increase the capacity of your electricity supply or make existing wiring suitable for every new load.
Guidance: Ausgrid EV charging guidance
Do all switchboard upgrades need a Level 2 electrician?
No. Work on the property's installation differs from authorised connection work at the electricity network. A supply or service alteration may require an appropriately accredited and distributor-authorised ASP. We establish the connection work required rather than assuming every board replacement involves a supply upgrade.
Guidance: NSW electricity supply upgrade guidance
What paperwork should I receive after a switchboard upgrade?
The electrical work must be tested, and the applicable Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work must be lodged. Ask for your customer copy and retain it with the quote and invoice. NSW guidance also covers certificate requirements for repairs and like-for-like replacements.
Guidance: NSW electrical compliance certificates
Related electrical services
Available across your area
Based in Banksmeadow, Apexelec accepts enquiries across Randwick and Bayside. Choose your area for local service information.