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Guide to Upgrading your Switchboard

This guide tells you everything you need to know about upgrading your switchboard. Learn what a switchboard is and how an upgrade can benefit your home. Our instant calculator can also estimate what a switchboard upgrade will cost in 2025. Let's dive in!
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Switchboards are our Speciality.

Our efficient and affordable switchboard upgrades are the talk of Wellington. Read what our customers have to say on Google and Builders Crack.

WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE US?

  • Prompt and Reliable  Experienced Team

  • 24/7 Highly Responsive Customer Support

  • $20,000 Master Electrician Workmanship Guarantee

What is a switchboard?

You could call the switchboard the ‘heart’ of your electrical installation. Like a heart, if you don’t take care of it you can run into some pretty serious problems.

The switchboard houses the installation of all your electrical safety devices. These protect your family and your home from electrical fires, shocks, surges and faults.  The better the protective devices, the safer you are!

The Main Components

Your switchboard consists of a Main Switch and Circuit Breakers.

The main switch cuts the power to your home. The circuit breakers automatically disconnect the electricity to any circuit that overloads. This prevents the risk of electrical fires and property damage.

On modern switchboards you will also find Residual Current Devices, and sometimes Surge Protection Devices.
Electrician Upgrading A Switchboard

Residual Current Devices (RCD)

RCD’s are fantastic. They protect you and your family from electric shocks. RCD’s are a legal requirement for all new homes. However, the switchboards in many older homes do not have this level of protection.

Surge Protection Devices

Surge Protection Devices are an optional extra which can save you a lot of money and stress. They monitor the electricity coming into your home, and trigger if the voltage surges above a safe level. This prevents damage to cables, appliances, gadgets and people.

Benefits of a switchboard upgrade

A modern, upgraded switchboard can protect your family and home in multiple ways. 

  • Increase the Value of your Home

    If you are looking to sell your home, we recommend considering a new switchboard. This is a huge selling feature and not the financial obstacle people think it is. The age of a switchboard and wiring can also impact your insurance premiums.

  • Reduce Asbestos Risk

    Does your switchboard have a thick black panel behind the fuses? The chances are it will contain asbestos. Upgrading your switchboard means getting rid of it, which is a bonus.

    With any asbestos risk, it is important to hire someone who knows how to handle it. You can trust the team at Astral Electrical to remove and dispose of asbestos safely.

  • Protect Your Family

    An upgraded switchboard protects your home against fire, damage and electrical injury. Older homes have often had their fuses rewired or replaced several times. These older fuses provide limited protection. 

  • Future Proof Your Home

    Upgrading your switchboard enables the future expansion of your electrical system. With the number of electrical devices in homes today, this is important.

    Are you looking to add a new heat pump, a new hob, EV charger, or a spa pool? These require new circuits and protective devices. Older switchboards often cannot accommodate these features.
Switchboard On Fire Needs Upgrading

How much does it Cost?

Switchboard upgrades are one of our most popular electrical services, and are affordable thanks to our expertise. The price can vary based on the size of the board, circuits, or cable condition. It may also be necessary to use a linesman or inspector. Use our calculator below to get a quick estimate of what it might cost to upgrade your residential switchboard.

How long will it take?

To minimise disruption, we will carry out electrical work on your switchboard in a single day. Our electricians will disconnect your electricity supply for safety. We will then remove old parts and install and test the new board.

After installation, we perform thorough checks, and an inspector might re-seal your meter box, if needed. By evening, your power will be back, with enhanced safety and efficiency.

Check it yourself

Checking if you need a new switchboard is something any homeowner can do. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:

General age and condition

  • How old does the switchboard look to you?

  • Is there a sticker showing the date of installation?

  • Are there modern components or do they look leftover from WW2?

  • Is the enclosure weatherproof?

Damaged or missing components

  • Can you see any signs of damage?

  • Are there visible scorch marks?

  • Are there any obvious gaps or missing parts?

  • Can you see corrosion or rust?

Old porcelain fuses

  • Can you see fuses that are porcelain or ceramic? These are old re-wireable fuses. They are common in older homes and often pose a serious fire risk. 

Asbestos back panel

  • Are your fuses attached on a black panel? The chances are it is an asbestos containing material. Our master electricians can handle this.

Read more tips for homeowners recommended by Work Safe here.

Switchboard Upgrade Cost Calculator

Want to know what it might cost to upgrade your switchboard?  Take the first step and use our calculator below to get a rough idea.

Got A Question?

Send us a photo of your switchboard and we will be happy to give you advice. Or better yet, book a free in-person assessment with our expert team.
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Get in Touch

Reach out to our electrical contractors today. We're ready to assist with your upcoming project.
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Contact Details

Searching for an 'electrician near me'? We are located in Khandallah. We work across the Wellington region, including the Hutt Valley and Porirua.

58 Amritsar Street
Khandallah, Wellington 6035
New Zealand

021 125 0131

office@astralelectrical.co.nz

Mon-Fri: 7:30am - 5:00pm with Emergency After-Hours