Switchboard and safety switch upgrades, Canberra
In a lot of older Canberra homes the switchboard is the oldest thing in the house, and the one part nobody thinks about until it fails.
Plenty of existing switchboards, earthing systems and protective devices around Canberra were installed for a house that had a kettle and a television. They’re undersized for how we live now, and many still have no residual current devices at all.
Installing RCDs is one of the most important safety measures in any electrical system. They monitor the flow of electricity constantly and cut power within milliseconds if they detect current leaking — such as through a person who has touched a live wire. In Australia they’re mandatory on final sub-circuits in new homes and must be installed during upgrades and renovations, under the AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules.
What that usually involves
- Checking whether your board, earthing and mains cabling meet current standards
- Replacing ceramic fuses and old-style breakers
- Installing RCD safety switches on final sub-circuits
- Upgrading an undersized board so it suits modern loads
- Adding capacity for new circuits, an EV charger or a renovation
- Labelling everything properly, so the next person knows what’s what
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Louis Hoskinson · Google reviewCommon questions
About switchboard upgrades
How do I know if my switchboard needs upgrading?
Ceramic fuses with rewirable fuse wire, no safety switches, a board that’s full with no spare ways, or breakers that trip when a few appliances run at once. Any of those is worth a look. The site visit and quote are free.
Are safety switches actually required?
Under the AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules, RCDs are mandatory on all final sub-circuits in new homes and must be installed when electrical upgrades or renovations are carried out. They matter most on wet-area and outdoor circuits.
How long does an upgrade take?
It depends on the board and what’s behind it. I’ll tell you what’s involved and how long your power will be off before we start, so you can plan around it.
What does a switchboard upgrade cost?
It depends on the board you’ve got, how many circuits, and the state of the earthing and mains behind it — which is why the site visit and quote are free. You’ll have a fixed price before anything starts.
Will I need to be home?
For most of it, yes — the power will be off for part of the day and I’ll want to test circuits with you there so you know what’s been done.
Not sure what’s behind your switchboard door?
Call and you’ll get me directly. Or send the details through and I’ll come back to you.
0407 624 757