Signs it's time
- Old ceramic or rewireable fuses instead of switch-style circuit breakers.
- No safety switches (RCDs), or only one covering some circuits.
- Fuses blowing or breakers tripping when several appliances run at once.
- Heat, buzzing, a burning smell or scorch marks at the board. Turn off the main switch if it's safe, and call an electrician.
- You're renovating or adding a big appliance, such as an oven, cooktop or air-conditioner, and there's no room for new circuits.
Why safety switches matter
Circuit breakers and fuses protect the wiring from overloads. A safety switch (RCD) protects people: it watches the current going out and coming back, and if some is leaking away, possibly through a person, it cuts the power in a fraction of a second. Our safety switch guide explains more.
What an upgrade involves
- We look at the board, the wiring and what you're running, then give you a clear quote.
- On the day, the power is off while the old board comes out and the new one goes in.
- Every circuit is tested, the safety switches are trip-tested, and the board is labelled.
- You get a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) for the job.
If the job also needs work on the supply from the street or the meter, that part is done by an accredited service provider (ASP). We'll tell you up front if yours needs one.
A note on older boards
Some older switchboards have backing panels that may contain asbestos. Don't drill, cut or disturb the board yourself; tell your electrician, who will advise on safe handling.