Upgrading a switchboard in a residential home in Australia typically costs $1,300 to $2,000. These price ranges apply to residential properties only, even when a three-phase switchboard is present. Costs include materials, labour, circuit breakers, RCDs, and standard installation. Additional expenses such as rewiring, consumer mains replacement, or meter upgrades can add $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the property’s setup.
This guide will cover switchboard upgrade costs, safety device requirements, installation timelines, and signs you need to upgrade a switchboard.
Cost of Upgrading Single‑Phase Vs Three‑Phase
Switchboard upgrades are common for older homes and are often quoted by commercial electrical companies when assessing system safety and capacity. Single-phase upgrades range from $800 to $1,800. The price for three-phase switchboards upgrades ranges from $900 to $1900.
Three-phase systems are built for properties with higher load requirements. For residential homes, the cost difference compared to single-phase is minimal.
Safety Switch/RCD Requirements And Costs
Any newly installed switchboards or switchboards that have had upgrades made must contain RCD protection. Installing a standard RCD costs $150 per device, depending on its rating and model. Most residential boards require at least two separate RCDs for circuit coverage.
Homes built before 2000 often do not have RCDs or surge protection. Each missing device will need installation during the upgrade. RCDs are required as part of the current laws for regarding the electrical safety checks in Victoria.
Typical Installation Times and Permits
Switchboard upgrades usually occur during renovations, especially when homeowners need to rewire a house or bring it up to current safety standards. These jobs typically take 3 to 5 hours for straightforward installations. Complex upgrades involving mains, meter changes, or commercial boards may take a full day or more.
An electrical inspection is required for most full switchboard upgrades. If the main switch is replaced or if you’re upgrading from an old fuse board, an inspector must check the work. Inspection costs from $220 to $250.
If you’re only replacing RCDs and the main switch stays in place, an inspector is not needed. Every licenced electrician knows when an inspection is required and will arrange it as part of the job.
Why Switchboard Upgrades Matter
Upgrading ensures the switchboard meets current load demands, especially if you’re adding solar, EV charging, or modern appliances. Upgrading makes sure the switchboard can handle more power, especially if you’re adding solar, EV charging, or new appliances.
Old boards with ceramic fuses don’t have safety switches and can’t protect you from electric shock. RCDs are made to protect people, not just the wiring. A proper upgrade brings the switchboard up to AS/NZS 3000 standards and keeps your home covered for insurance.
Updated switchboards include RCDs and surge protection that prevent electrical faults. They also provide space for future circuits without unsafe overloading.
Signs Your Switchboard Needs Upgrading
Outdated switchboards create safety hazards and limit your home’s electrical capacity. Here are the signs your switchboard is outdated:
Frequent Fuse Blowing Or Trips
Regular tripping signals that your switchboard can’t handle the current demand. This often happens when newer appliances overload an old setup.
Ceramic Fuses Instead of Circuit Breakers
Ceramic fuses are no longer compliant with modern safety standards. These older systems lack the speed and protection of modern circuit breakers.
No RCD or Safety Switch Protection
A missing RCD means no fast disconnection in the event of a shock or an imbalance in electrical flow, which is often the result of a person coming into contact with the circuit. This exposes users to unnecessary risk during faults.
Rust, Corrosion, or Physical Damage On Board
Visible damage weakens the integrity of your electrical system. Corrosion often points to moisture entry, which leads to failure.
