Improve Safety With Switchboard Upgrades in Wollongong
Power Your Peace of Mind
As your home or business grows, so does your need for a reliable and efficient electrical system. An outdated switchboard may struggle to keep up with modern demands, posing both safety risks and functional limitations. Upgrading your switchboard ensures your electrical system is safe, efficient and prepared for future needs.
At Bastion Electrical, our switchboard upgrade services are designed to bring your electrical system into the modern age. We tackle your electrical concerns head-on, offering you a seamless transition to a state-of-the-art switchboard. Beyond upgrades, we provide comprehensive residential electrical services, commercial electrical services and round-the-clock emergency electrical work.
Ready to secure the future of your electrical system? Give us a call on 0461 299 389. Our electricians service clients throughout the Illawarra, including Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Cordeaux Heights, Fairy Meadow, Austinmer, Unanderra and Bulli.
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Do I Need a Switchboard Upgrade?
With the increasing number of electrical appliances in modern homes, older switchboards—especially those with ceramic fuses—often cannot handle higher electricity demands. Upgrading your switchboard helps meet current safety standards and keeps your home protected. You should consider a switchboard upgrade if:
- You’ve received an electrical defect notice.
- You’re installing new power points or large appliances like a heated pool, air conditioning or irrigation pumps.
- You experience flickering lights, frequent circuit breaker trips or blown fuses.
- Your current switchboard contains ceramic fuses or makes buzzing noises.
- Your home’s electrical mains or cables are outdated or unable to handle the load of your appliances.
In some cases, upgrading your switchboard is required by law, particularly if safety switches are not installed. Ensuring compliance not only safeguards your home but also prevents complications with property insurance claims in the event of an electrical fire.
The Dangers of Outdated Switchboards
Outdated switchboards pose significant risks in today’s modern homes. Ceramic switchboard fuses, commonly found in homes built before the 1990s, are unable to handle the increased demands of modern appliances and electricity usage. These fuses are prone to breaking and overheating, which can lead to electrical fires. Upgrading from ceramic fuses to modern circuit breakers and safety switches is crucial to maintaining safety and complying with Australian electrical standards.
Another risk in older switchboards is asbestos panels, often present in homes built before 2004. Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health issues if disturbed. If your switchboard contains asbestos, it must be removed by a licensed electrician trained in asbestos removal, in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2017. After safe removal, the switchboard will be replaced with a modern, non-asbestos panel, ensuring both safety and compliance with current regulations.
Upgrading to a modern switchboard not only reduces fire hazards but also allows for the installation of RCDs (Residual Current Devices), offering enhanced protection against electrical faults and electrocution.
Types of Switchboards
There are various types of switchboards available, each suited to different environments and needs. Air-insulated switchboards are the most economical option, offering ease of installation and maintenance. Cast resin switchboards provide superior protection against fire and moisture, making them more durable than air-insulated options. For the highest level of protection, metal-enclosed switchboards offer maximum resistance to electrical and mechanical damage.
Several factors must be considered to ensure the new switchboard system meets your needs:
- Capacity: How many circuits does the new switchboard need to support?
- Voltage & Amperage: What are the voltage and amperage requirements of your appliances?
- Future-Proofing: Does the switchboard provide enough room for future electrical needs?
- Safety & Enclosure: Does the new switchboard offer the necessary safety features and enclosures for your environment?
A qualified electrician can guide you in selecting the right system, ensuring compliance with Australian Wiring Rules AS3000:2018 and meeting your current and future electrical needs.
Upgrading Your Mains & Cables
Upgrading your switchboard often goes hand-in-hand with upgrading the mains and electrical cables that connect your home to the grid. Homes built before 2010 may have outdated mains wiring, such as 6mm cables, which can only handle up to 40 amps of electricity. Modern homes with high energy requirements often need upgraded mains with 16mm cables, capable of carrying up to 70 amps. This upgrade ensures that your electrical system can safely handle the power needs of multiple appliances, such as air conditioning, pool pumps and kitchen appliances, without the risk of overloading or fire hazards.
In cases where consumer mains or other cables are faulty or outdated, energy providers like Ausgrid, Essential Energy or Endeavour Energy may issue an electrical defect notice, requiring you to upgrade your mains wiring within a set timeframe. Addressing these upgrades in conjunction with a switchboard replacement helps future-proof your home’s electrical system, avoiding potential hazards and ensuring compliance with current safety standards.
The Value of a Switchboard Upgrade
The cost of upgrading your switchboard depends on the type of system and the scope of work required. On average:
- A basic fuse box upgrade costs between $800 and $1900.
- Mains replacement or additional cabling can range from $2000 to $4000.
- A 3-phase switchboard upgrade typically costs between $3000 and $4500.
Most switchboard upgrades take three to five hours, depending on complexity. While this may seem like a significant investment, upgrading your switchboard ensures long-term safety, efficiency and peace of mind. A modern switchboard provides better protection against electrical faults, accommodates future electrical needs, and complies with the latest safety standards.
Contact Bastion Electrical today for expert advice and a fast quote for your switchboard upgrade. Our team is here to provide tailored solutions that meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
