Switchboard Upgrades | Expert Installation and Upgrade for Switchboards

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Gillen Electrical

At Gillen Electrical, our team specialises in switchboard upgrades, ensuring your home or business is equipped with the latest safety switches and circuit protection. With professional installation and thorough testing, we provide peace of mind that your electrical system meets current standards.

If your switchboard is in need of being upgraded, contact us today to arrange an inspection and ensure your property’s electrical infrastructure is up to date.

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What is a Switchboard Upgrade?

A switchboard upgrade is the process of replacing outdated or faulty components within your electrical switchboard to ensure it meets current safety standards. Older switchboards often lack modern safety features such as residual current devices (RCDs) and circuit breakers, which help protect against electrical faults and overloads. Upgrading involves installing these safety devices, ensuring your system can handle the electrical load from modern appliances.

In many cases, an upgrade also includes rewiring parts of the switchboard, improving its efficiency and reliability. This work ensures that your property’s electrical system operates safely and reduces the risk of electrical hazards, such as overheating or short circuits. If your existing switchboard is old or you’re experiencing flickering lights or tripped circuits, it might be time for an upgrade.

A professional electrician will assess your current setup, replace necessary components, and test the system thoroughly to ensure compliance with regulations. Protect your home or business from electrical risks by scheduling a switchboard upgrade with Gillen Electrical today.

Reasons to Get Switchboard Upgrades

Here are the reasons why residents in Ferny Creek and beyond choose us:

Improved Safety

Outdated switchboards often lack critical safety features, such as RCDs and circuit breakers, which are designed to prevent electrical hazards. Modern upgrades reduce the risk of electrical shocks, fires, and overloaded circuits, ensuring your property is protected from potential dangers.

Compliance with Regulations

Electrical standards have evolved, and older switchboards may not comply with current regulations. Upgrading ensures your system meets today’s safety codes, reducing the chance of non-compliance issues during inspections or property sales. This also helps avoid any potential penalties related to outdated systems.

Increased Capacity

As technology advances, households and businesses rely on more electrical appliances and devices than ever before. An upgraded switchboard ensures your system can handle the increased load, reducing the risk of frequent circuit trips or power outages.

Future-Proofing Your Property

Switchboard upgrades prepare your electrical system for future needs. Whether you’re planning renovations or simply accommodating more electrical devices, a modern switchboard ensures you won’t face issues down the line. Having a reliable system also adds value to your property in the long run.

Our Process for Upgrading Your Switchboards

Here are the steps to our process for upgrading your switchboards:

Initial Inspection

Our team will first assess your current switchboard to determine its condition and identify any potential hazards. This inspection helps us understand what needs upgrading and whether any rewiring is required.

Customised Quote

After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed, customised quote outlining the work required and any necessary components for the upgrade. This ensures full transparency, so you know exactly what to expect before the job begins.

Scheduling the Work

Once the quote is approved, we’ll arrange a convenient time to carry out the upgrade. We work closely with you to minimise disruption to your daily routine, ensuring the process is as seamless as possible.

Switchboard Upgrade

On the scheduled day, our licensed electricians will safely remove any outdated components and install new RCDs, circuit breakers, and other required parts. The work is done efficiently, ensuring minimal downtime while maintaining safety protocols.

Comprehensive Testing

After the installation is complete, we thoroughly test the new switchboard to ensure everything is operating correctly. This step ensures your electrical system is compliant with modern standards and free from any faults.

Final Review and Handover

Finally, we walk you through the upgrades and provide any necessary documentation. You’ll receive advice on maintaining your system and ensuring continued safety. If you have any questions, we’re always available to assist.

clients we've worked with

How to Prepare for a Switchboard Upgrade

Preparing for a switchboard upgrade involves a few simple steps to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here’s how to get ready for your upgrade:
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Clear the Area

Before the electrician arrives, clear the space around your switchboard. This makes it easier for them to access the board without obstruction. Ensure there’s enough room for tools and equipment, and remove any furniture or items that might be in the way.

Inform Occupants

Let everyone in the property know that the power will be switched off for a period during the upgrade. This allows them to plan accordingly and avoid inconvenience. If the property is a workplace, consider scheduling the upgrade outside of business hours to minimise disruption.

Backup Critical Devices

If you have any essential devices, such as medical equipment or critical systems, make sure they are backed up or powered by alternative sources. This step ensures that no essential services are interrupted during the upgrade process.

Plan for Power Outage

Power will be turned off while the upgrade takes place. Unplug sensitive appliances and devices to protect them from any potential power surges when the electricity is restored. You might also want to make alternative arrangements if you rely heavily on electrical equipment during the day.

Types of Switchboards

Here are the types of switchboards we can upgrade:

Residential Switchboards

These switchboards are designed for homes and manage the electrical circuits for lighting, power outlets, and appliances. They include circuit breakers and RCDs to protect against electrical faults, ensuring the safe operation of household systems.

Commercial Switchboards

Commercial buildings require switchboards capable of handling larger electrical loads. These boards feature multiple circuits and advanced protection devices to manage the power distribution for offices, shops, and other commercial spaces.

Distribution Boards

Commonly found in larger properties, distribution boards act as sub-boards, distributing electricity from the main switchboard to different sections of a building. They help ensure efficient power flow to different areas while maintaining safety.

Industrial Switchboards

Industrial settings need heavy-duty switchboards built for high electrical demands. These boards include features like motor control centres and power factor correction to manage large machinery and extensive electrical systems safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the main reasons to upgrade your outdoor lighting:

A switchboard upgrade costs between $900 and $1,400 for a standard residential installation. The exact price can vary based on several factors, including the size of the switchboard and the complexity of the installation.

No, you are not automatically legally required to upgrade your switchboard unless specific conditions are met. For rental properties, switchboard upgrades became mandatory as of 29 March 2023. These regulations require that all rental properties have switchboards fitted with both RCDs and circuit breakers to ensure the safety of tenants. Failure to comply with these standards can result in financial penalties for landlords.​

For homeowners, while there is no blanket legal requirement, you may be obliged to upgrade your switchboard if you are conducting significant renovations or electrical work, as your system will need to meet current safety regulations. Even without legal obligations, it is highly recommended to upgrade older switchboards to enhance safety and prevent potential hazards such as electrical fires or shocks.

It takes approximately 3 to 6 hours to upgrade a switchboard, depending on factors such as the complexity of the existing setup and whether rewiring is required. The process of replacing an old board with a modern switchboard can be completed in a shorter timeframe.

However, if additional work is needed, such as upgrading the mains or addressing any issues with the wiring, it may take longer. The power will be turned off during the upgrade, but professional electricians ensure minimal disruption and complete testing to guarantee safety before restoring power.

Yes, eligible households in Victoria can receive a rebate of up to $500 to assist with the cost of upgrading their switchboard. This rebate is part of the Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Program, which aims to improve energy efficiency in homes. The rebate is particularly available to low-income households, who may also be upgrading heating systems as part of the same initiative.

If you’re upgrading inefficient appliances or heating systems and need a switchboard upgrade to support them, this rebate can help reduce costs. To be eligible, households generally need to meet certain income thresholds or hold a valid concession card.