Switchboard upgrades in Adelaide.
Swap old fuses for modern breakers and safety switches, with room to grow.
What a switchboard upgrade can include
Safety switches (RCDs)
Circuit breakers
RCBOs
Surge protection
Room for new circuits
Clear labelling
Is it time to upgrade your switchboard?
Open your meter box and take a look. You should consider an upgrade if you see or experience any of the following:
- White ceramic fuse holders with fuse wire, instead of switch-style circuit breakers.
- No safety switches (usually marked RCD, with a 'Test' button), or only one or two covering part of the house.
- Breakers that trip often or fuses that blow when several appliances run together.
- Scorch marks, a burning smell, buzzing, or a board that feels warm.
- A black, brittle backing panel in an older meter box, which may contain asbestos.
- You're planning to add an EV charger, solar, battery, ducted air-conditioning or a major renovation.
What to expect on upgrade day
Inspect and quote
We look at your existing board, meter panel and wiring, then give you a clear quote. Photos of your meter box are a great start.
Plan the shut-down
The power will be off while we work, usually for most of a day for a standard home. We'll agree a time that suits you.
Install and test
We fit the new board, connect and label each circuit, and test every circuit and safety switch before restoring power.
Certificate issued
You receive a Certificate of Compliance, plus a quick walkthrough of how to test your safety switches.
More about switchboard upgrades in Adelaide
Your switchboard is the heart of your home's electrical system. If it still has ceramic fuses, no safety switches, or it can't keep up with new appliances, an upgrade is one of the most worthwhile safety improvements you can make.
What a switchboard upgrade can include
Every board is different. We'll inspect yours and recommend what it actually needs, not a one-size-fits-all package.
Safety switches (RCDs). Residual current devices that cut power in a fraction of a second if current leaks to earth, which can prevent a fatal shock.
Circuit breakers. Modern breakers replace rewireable ceramic fuses, protecting cabling from overload and short circuits.
RCBOs. Combined breaker and safety switch on each circuit, so one fault doesn't knock out power to half the house.
Surge protection. Optional surge protection devices to help protect sensitive electronics.
Room for new circuits. Space and capacity for air-conditioning, induction cooktops, EV chargers, solar and batteries.
Clear labelling. Every circuit labelled so you know exactly what each breaker controls.
Is it time to upgrade your switchboard?
Older boards were designed for homes with a fridge, a few lights and a radio. Today's homes put far more demand on them. Upgrading improves protection for your family, makes faults easier to isolate, and gives you room to grow.
Asbestos in older meter boxes. Some older Adelaide homes have meter panels made with asbestos-containing material. We won't drill or cut a panel we suspect contains asbestos. If it needs replacing, we'll explain the options, which may involve a licensed asbestos removalist.
Meter and supply changes. If the job involves moving the meter, changing the main supply or upgrading from single-phase to three-phase, SA Power Networks and your electricity retailer may need to be involved. We'll tell you up front if that applies.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a legal requirement to upgrade my switchboard?
Not automatically. Existing installations that were compliant when installed generally don't have to be upgraded just because the standards have changed. However, new circuits and significant alterations must meet current Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000), which usually includes RCD protection, so adding circuits to an old board often triggers an upgrade.
How long does a switchboard upgrade take?
A standard home upgrade usually takes most of a day, with the power off for much of that time. Larger homes, three-phase boards or jobs involving meter panel replacement can take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeframe with your quote.
What's the difference between an RCD and an RCBO?
An RCD (safety switch) protects a group of circuits against earth leakage. An RCBO combines a circuit breaker and safety switch for a single circuit. With RCBOs, a fault on one circuit only turns off that circuit instead of several at once.
Do I need an upgrade before installing an EV charger or solar?
Often, yes. A charger or solar system adds a significant load or new supply to your board, and older boards may not have the space, protection or capacity. We'll assess your board as part of the quote. See our EV charger and solar and battery pages.
Can you quote from photos?
Often we can give a close estimate from clear photos of the open meter box, switchboard and meter panel. We may still need a quick visit to confirm before starting, especially for older homes.
Related services
Thinking about a switchboard upgrade?
Send us a photo of your meter box or call Yazen on 0404 844 144 for a clear quote.