What happens during a switchboard upgrade

A switchboard upgrade is one of the most common jobs we do, but for most homeowners it is a first. Knowing what to expect makes the day easier to plan around, especially with kids, pets, work from home and a full fridge to think about.

Before the day

You will already have had an inspection and a quote. At that stage we will have checked the existing board, the meter box, the main cables and the earthing, and talked about anything you want added, such as circuits for a new oven or a future pool.

We let you know roughly how long the power will be off. It helps to:

• Keep the fridge and freezer closed while the power is off
• Charge phones and laptops the night before
• Let us know about medical equipment, aquariums or anything else that needs power
• Clear access to the meter box and any internal switchboard location
• Secure dogs away from the side of the house where we will be working

On the day

Arrival and isolation

Kalani arrives on time, confirms the plan with you, and isolates the supply. Depending on the setup, this may involve the main switch or removal of the service fuse. Once power is off, the house is safe to work on.

Removing the old board

Each circuit is identified and tagged before it is disconnected. Old fuses and switches come out. If the backing panel may contain asbestos, the job is planned so it is handled safely and appropriately rather than drilled or broken.

Installing the new board

The new enclosure goes in with a main switch, circuit breakers and safety switches or RCBOs. Circuits are connected, spread sensibly across safety switches, and any new circuits from the quote are added.

Testing

Before power goes back on, every circuit is tested. That includes insulation resistance, earth continuity and polarity. Once powered, each safety switch is tested with dedicated equipment to confirm it trips as it should. If a circuit has a hidden fault, this is where it shows up, and we will explain what we found before deciding how to deal with it.

Labelling

Every circuit is clearly labelled. No more guessing which switch is the kitchen. See labelling your switchboard for why that matters.

Handover

We walk you through the new board: where the main switch is, how to test and reset the safety switches, and which circuits are where. You receive the compliance paperwork for the work. We also leave the meter box and surrounding area tidy.

Customers often tell us they appreciate being on time, tidy and having everything explained clearly. That last part matters on an upgrade, because the board is something you will live with for a long time.

Common surprises

• An old circuit with an earth leakage fault that trips the new safety switch
• Corroded or undersized main cables
• Previous DIY additions found behind the old board
• A meter box enclosure that needs replacing because of rust or damage

If something unexpected turns up, we stop, explain it in plain language, and talk about options before doing anything extra.

Why it is worth doing

A new board gives you modern overload protection, shock protection on every circuit, room for future additions and peace of mind. It is often the first step before a renovation. Read switchboard upgrade before renovating and signs your switchboard needs an upgrade.

Book an inspection

Call or text Kalani on 0424 400 346 with a photo of your board. Our switchboard services page has more on how we work across Shellharbour, Wollongong and Kiama.